The Kremlin The Kremlin in the city of Moscow is known simply as the Kremlin. Triangular and in the city of Moscow is known simply as the Kremlin. Triangular and surrounded by a crenellated wall, it occupies 90 acres (36.4 hectares) in the historic core of surrounded by a crenellated wall, it occupies 90 acres (36.4 hectares) in the historic core of Moscow. It is bounded by the Moscow River (to the south), the Red Square (to the east), and Moscow. It is bounded by the Moscow River (to the south), the Red Square (to the east), and the old Alexander Gardens (to the west). the old Alexander Gardens (to the west). The name The name KremlinKremlin means "fortress", and is often used as a metonym to refer to the means "fortress", and is often used as a metonym to refer to the government of the Russian Federation and the Russian President.government of the Russian Federation and the Russian President.

Cathedral Square Cathedral Square ((SobornayaSobornaya Square) Square)

Cathedral SquareCathedral Square was for centuries was for centuries the symbolic heart of Tsarist rule. The the symbolic heart of Tsarist rule. The square is centered on the impressive square is centered on the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption. Cathedral of the Assumption. Cathedral Square is famous as the site Cathedral Square is famous as the site of solemn coronation and funeral of solemn coronation and funeral processions of all the Russian tsars, processions of all the Russian tsars, patriarchs, and Grand Dukes of patriarchs, and Grand Dukes of Moscow. Even today, the square is Moscow. Even today, the square is used in the inauguration ceremony of used in the inauguration ceremony of the President of Russia. The square is the President of Russia. The square is also the scene of the daily changing of also the scene of the daily changing of the Horse Guards. the Horse Guards. Clustered around the square are a series of cathedrals, towers, and palaces that together constitute almost the entire history of that period.

Palace of FacetsPalace of Facets

The Palace of Facets (Faceted Palace or Chamber) was commissioned by Ivan III. Its construction started in 1487 and was completed in 1492. The palace is located in Kremlin Cathedral Square, between the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Dormition Cathedral. It holds the imperial thrones. This brick building is made up of a single-pillared chamber atop a very high ground floor. Despite its minimal support, the main chamber covers an area of about 500 sqm; it is 9 m in height. The southern end of the chamber joins the famous Red Porch, where Russia's rulers traditionally appeared before their people. The chamber has a cross vaulted ceiling propped up by a massive pillar in the middle lavishly decorated with white-stone gilded ornaments representing dolphins, birds and beasts. Currently, it is an official ceremonial hall in the residence of the President of the Russian Federation and thus closed to the public. Only its eastern façade facing toward Cathedral Square can be viewed.

Close to the Facets Palace is the Small Golden Palace built in the early 16th century. In the 1580s it became a reception room of the Russian tsarinas and was then called the Tsarina’s Golden Chamber. The Gala Hall of the Palace was used by the tsarinas for large receptions in connection with marriage ceremonies, for funeral repasts when tsarinas died, and also for receptions of members of royal families of foreign states. The Golden Palace is less official and majestic than the Facets Palace. The inside looks like a precious painted box and it seems to retain the spirit of feminism and kindness, which is so characteristic of the Russian women in Old Russia, whose names are remembered by their descendants. At present, the Golden Tsarina’s Chamber in the Kremlin Grand Palace is a hall of the President’s residence.

Terem PalaceTerem Palace

The The Terem Terem (T(Teremoyeremoy) ) PalacePalace (Palace of Chambers) was commissioned by Ivan III, but was commissioned by Ivan III, but most of the existing palace was built in the 17th century. most of the existing palace was built in the 17th century. The new structure was surrounded by numerous annexes and outbuildings, including the Boyar Platform, Golden Staircase, Golden Porch, and several turrets. On Mikhail's behest, the adjoining Golden Tsaritsa's Chamber, constructed back in the 1560s for Ivan IV's wife, was surmounted with 11 golden domes of the Upper Saviour Cathedral. The Palace served The Palace served as the Imperial residence until the removal of the capital to St. Petersburg in 1712. as the Imperial residence until the removal of the capital to St. Petersburg in 1712. Its name is derived from the Greek word τερεμνον (i.e., "dwelling"). The eastern side of the Terem Palace houses a group of home churches. Currently, the structure is not accessible to the public, as it belongs to the official residence of the President of Russia.

Upper Savior's Cathedral Upper Savior's Cathedral

(with 11 golden domes)

Terem churches is a complex of churches build to the west of the Church of the Deposition of the Robe. It can be spotted by its 11 golden cupolas. These churches are located at different levels and connected with the passages.

Grand Kremlin PalaceGrand Kremlin Palace

The Grand Kremlin PalaceThe Grand Kremlin Palace was commissioned by Nicholas I. was commissioned by Nicholas I. The construction started in 1837 and was completed in 1849 The construction started in 1837 and was completed in 1849 (arch. Konstantin Thon). The largest structure in the Kremlin, (arch. Konstantin Thon). The largest structure in the Kremlin, it cost an exorbitant sum of eleven million rubles to build and it cost an exorbitant sum of eleven million rubles to build and more than one billion dollars to renovate in the 1990s. It more than one billion dollars to renovate in the 1990s. It contains dazzling reception halls, a ceremonial red staircase, contains dazzling reception halls, a ceremonial red staircase, private apartments of the tsars, and the lower storey of the private apartments of the tsars, and the lower storey of the Resurrection of Lazarus church (1393), which is the oldest Resurrection of Lazarus church (1393), which is the oldest extant structure in the Kremlin and the whole of Moscow. It is extant structure in the Kremlin and the whole of Moscow. It is linked to the Palace of Facets and the Tlinked to the Palace of Facets and the Teremerem Palace. Palace.

Cathedral of the Assumption Cathedral of the Assumption

Cathedral of the Assumption (or Dormition)Built 1475-1479. It is located on the north side of the Cathedral Square. It was the Built 1475-1479. It is located on the north side of the Cathedral Square. It was the place for coronation of the Russian emperors and tsars.place for coronation of the Russian emperors and tsars. It It stands on the site of a small stands on the site of a small cathedral erected by Ivan I around 1330 to mark Moscow's new status as the seat of cathedral erected by Ivan I around 1330 to mark Moscow's new status as the seat of Russian orthodoxy. Russian orthodoxy.

Cathedral of the AnnunciationCathedral of the Annunciation

Cathedral of the AnnunciationCathedral of the AnnunciationThe golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation served as the private chapel of the The golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation served as the private chapel of the Tsars. It was raised by Ivan III in the late 1440s on the foundations of a much earlier and Tsars. It was raised by Ivan III in the late 1440s on the foundations of a much earlier and more modest church and has been damaged, repaired, enlarged, and altered on numerous more modest church and has been damaged, repaired, enlarged, and altered on numerous occasions since then. occasions since then.

Cathedral of the Archangel Cathedral of the Archangel

Cathedral of Cathedral of the Archangel Michaelthe Archangel Michael

It is located in Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin, between the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. It was the main necropolis of the Tsars of Russia until the relocation of the capital to St. Petersburg. It was constructed between 1505 and 1508 on the spot of an older cathedral, built in 1333.

Cathedral of the Archangel (left) and base Cathedral of the Archangel (left) and base of Ivan the Great’s Bell Tower (right)of Ivan the Great’s Bell Tower (right)

Ivan the Great Bell Tower

Ivan the Great Bell TowerIvan the Great Bell Tower

is the tallest of the towers in the Moscow Kremlin complex, with a total height of 81 metres (266 ft). It was built in 1508 for the Russian Orthodox cathedrals in Cathedral Square, namely the Assumption, Archangel and Annunciation cathedrals, which do not have their own belfries. It is said to mark Moscow's precise geographic center. The Bell Tower is an ensemble with three components. All of the buildings are made of brick, and are whitewashed in accord with the neighboring buildings of Cathedral Square. The tower itself consists of three octagonal drums, narrowing towards the top, and surmounted by a golden dome and seven-meter high cross. Each section has cut-out windows for the bells, and the upper third has a series of kokoshnik ornamentation.

The Tsar Bell

The Tsar Bell is located between the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Kremlin Wall. Made of bronze, the bell was broken during casting and has never been rung. The bell is currently the largest bell in the world, weighing 201,924 kg (445,170 lb), with a height of 6.14 m (20.1 ft) and diameter of 6.6 m (22 ft), and thickness of up to 61 cm (24 in). The broken piece weighs 11,500 kg (25,000 lb). The bell was commissioned by Empress Anna Ivanovna, niece of Peter the Great.The bell is decorated with relief images of baroque angels, plants, oval medallions with saints, and nearly life-size images of Empress Anna and Tsar Alexey, who was reigning at the time the previous Tsar Bell was cast.

The The TTssar Cannonar Cannon

The The Tsar CannonTsar Cannon, located nearby the Tsar Bell, was cast in 1586 and weighs 40 tons. , located nearby the Tsar Bell, was cast in 1586 and weighs 40 tons.

Church of the Twelve Apostles and Patriarch’s Church of the Twelve Apostles and Patriarch’s PalacePalace

The Patriarch’s Palace was built in 1653-1655 by Russian craftsmen for Patriarch Nikon. On the palace’s ground floor there were household services, the second floor housed living quarters of the Patriarch. The ceremonial chambers were located on the first floor. Nowadays, the Patriarch’s Palace houses a museum of applied art and life-style of 17th-century Russia. This occupies the first floor of the building.

Church of the Twelve ApostlesChurch of the Twelve Apostlesis a minor cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, is a minor cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, commissioned by Patriarch Nikon as part of his commissioned by Patriarch Nikon as part of his stately residence in 1653 and dedicated to stately residence in 1653 and dedicated to Philip the Apostle three years later.Philip the Apostle three years later.

Church of the Deposition of the RobeChurch of the Deposition of the Robe

Its construction began in 1484 by masters Its construction began in 1484 by masters from Pskov and was completed in 1488. from Pskov and was completed in 1488. Its name is said to refer to a festival Its name is said to refer to a festival dating from the 5th century AD, dating from the 5th century AD, celebrating when the robe of the Virgin celebrating when the robe of the Virgin Mary was taken from Palestine to Mary was taken from Palestine to Constantinople, where it protected the Constantinople, where it protected the city from being conquered.city from being conquered.

The SenateThe Senate

The Kremlin Senate construction began in 1776 and was completed in 1788. It is located in the It is located in the northern part of the Kremlin grounds, between the Kremlin Arsenal and Kremlin Presidium. It is northern part of the Kremlin grounds, between the Kremlin Arsenal and Kremlin Presidium. It is shaped like an isosceles triangle with each side approximately 100 m (330 ft) in length, and with shaped like an isosceles triangle with each side approximately 100 m (330 ft) in length, and with one side directly adjacent to the Kremlin Wall parallel to Red Square. It is a graceful neoclassical one side directly adjacent to the Kremlin Wall parallel to Red Square. It is a graceful neoclassical Senate building, commissioned by Catherine the Great. Senate building, commissioned by Catherine the Great. Particularly interesting is the famous circular hall of the Senate, which has a diameter of almost 25 m, and is an incredible 27 m high. Imposing colonnades run round the perimeter of the space, and it is topped by a dome containing 24 windows. Sculptured bas-reliefs fill the space between the columns and the windows. Since 1991, the building has been the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Kremlin Presidium (also known as Building 14)is located in the northern part of the Kremlin grounds, next to the Kremlin Senate, forming one side of Ivanovskaya Square. It was built between 1932-1934.

Currently, it houses various offices of the Russian presidential administration, the Kremlin Commandant’s office and offices of the FSO and is thus a highly secured and restricted area closed to the public. At present, only the southern corner façade, opposite the Tsar Bell, can be viewed.

Kremlin Presidium and Kremlin Presidium and Ivanovsky (Ivan’s)Ivanovsky (Ivan’s) Square Square

IvanovskyIvanovskySquare Square is the largest Kremlin square.is the largest Kremlin square.Its name comes from the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.Its name comes from the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.

The ArsenalThe Arsenal

The Arsenal The Arsenal ItIt was commissioned by Peter the Great to serve as a weapons depot and manufactory. was commissioned by Peter the Great to serve as a weapons depot and manufactory. After Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Moscow this building became a museum After Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Moscow this building became a museum commemorating the Russian victory. Most of the cannons arrayed along its side were commemorating the Russian victory. Most of the cannons arrayed along its side were captured from the fleeing, tattered remains of Bonaparte's Grande Armee. The Arsenal is captured from the fleeing, tattered remains of Bonaparte's Grande Armee. The Arsenal is now the headquarters of the Kremlin Guard. now the headquarters of the Kremlin Guard.

The Armoury

The Kremlin Armoury originated as the royal arsenal in 1508. Until the transfer of the court to St Petersburg, the Armoury was in charge of producing, purchasing and storing weapons, jewellery and various household articles of the tsars. The Kremlin Armoury is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1808.

The State Kremlin PalaceThe State Kremlin Palace

The State Kremlin Palace, a modern glass and concrete structure, completed in 1961, is the Kremlin's most recent edifice. It was built during Khruschev administration to host Communist Party congresses and was executed in appropriately magnificent style. The key of the building is a 6000-seat hall, equipped either for performances or public meetings and congresses. The building houses 800 rooms. Nowadays, the palace is a public building and a theatre.

The Poteshny Palace is situated at the western Kremlin wall, between the Commandant and Trinity towers. It was built in 1651 as living quarters for Boyar I.D. Miloslavsky. After the owner's death, the interior of the building was reconstructed to form a theatre for comic performances that gave the palace its current name - the Amusement Palace. Nowadays, the palace houses Kremlin Commandant Services.

The Amusement Palace (Poteshny Palace)

The Kremlin Wall

The Kremlin Wall

The irregular triangle of the Kremlin wall encloses an area of 275,000 sq m (68 acres). Its overall length is 2,205 m, and the height ranges from 5 to 19 m, depending on the terrain. The wall's thickness is between 3.5 and 6.5 m The wall is topped by swallow-tailed crenellations. Running along the top of the walls is a walkway up to 4 meters in width. The Kremlin wall and towers were built by Russian masons under the supervision of Italian engineers and architects.

SpasskSpasskyy Tower Tower

SpasskSpasskyy Tower Tower

The Kremlin’s symbol is the slender ten-storeyed Spassky (Saviour’s) Gate-Tower named in honor of the Icons of our Saviour of Smolensk and the Vernicle. The gate of the Spassky Tower has been the official entrance to the Kremlin for centuries.

The Kremlin Clock The Kremlin Clock

Tsar’s Tower Alarm Tower

(Nabatnaya )

Beklemishevskaya Tower

Peter’s Tower

Nameless Tower 1 Nameless Tower 2 Secret Tower Annunciation Tower

Water-Pump Tower Vorovitskaya Tower

(Gate-tower)

Armoury Tower Commandant’s Tower

Trinity Tower Kutafya TowerMiddle Arsenal

Tower

Gate-towerGate-tower)

Corner Arsenal Tower St Nicholas Tower Senate Tower Konstantin-ElenKonstantin-Elenaa

TowerTower

(Gate-tower)(Gate-tower)

Originally there were eighteen Kremlin towers, but their number increased to twenty in the 17th century. All but three of the towers are square in plan. The height of the towers, which had wooden tents added to them in the 17th century, with stars crowning them, varies from 28 to 73 m. The highest tower is the Troisky Tower (73.9 m), built up in 1495. The oldest tower is Tainitsky Tower which dates to 1485, whilst the newest one is Tsarsky Tower -1680. Four gate towers exist, all crowned with ruby stars; they are Spassky, Vorovitsky (or John the Baptist’s), Troitsky, and Nikolsky. The distance between the towers was determined by the weapon range. The towers were built closer to each other on the most vulnerable south side of the fortress. The Kremlin wall and towers were built by Russian masons under the supervision of Italian engineers and architects.

The Secret GardenThe Secret Garden

The Secret Garden The Secret Garden ((TTaynitsky aynitsky Garden) is an urban park located within the walls of the Garden) is an urban park located within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. The park is named after the Moscow Kremlin. The park is named after the Taynitskaya Taynitskaya Tower in the Kremlin Wall, Tower in the Kremlin Wall, and is part of the portion of the Kremlin which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.and is part of the portion of the Kremlin which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Images and text: InternetImages and text: InternetAndre Andre Rieu : “Kalinka”Rieu : “Kalinka”

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