The Kremlin
Russia is a land of several historical sites, buildings, and places of attractions. There are interesting places of visit, museums, and galleries that house the rich culture and heritage of the country to this date.
Moscow Kremlin is known as The Kremlin in Russia. It is one of the well-preserved historical fort complex situated in the heart of Moscow city. The complex overlooks the Moskva River in the southern part of the city. The Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square is located to the east and Alexander Garden in the west. Kremlins are Russian citadels that occupy an important place in the history of Soviet rule.
The popular Kremlins in Russia include four palaces, cathedrals, Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The Kremlin complex is the official residence of the Russian President.
The Kremlin often stands as the term referred to the government of Soviet Union since 1922-1991. The government of Soviet Union consists of the highest government officials, premier personalities, ministers, and the President. It is similar to the White House being called the US Presidential seat.
History of Kremlin
The first ever Kremlin was built in late 1320 with the request of Ivan Kalita. This was after the metropolitan of Russia shifted its base from Kiev to Moscow city. The Soviet government was later shifted from Petrograd to Moscow in the year 1918. The Kremlin Senate became the residence of Lenin and his room with personal belongings is part of a museum. The personal room of Stalin was also located in the Kremlin. The wall near Lenin’s tomb was converted into Kremlin Wall Necropolis
Kremlin Towers and museums
The Kremlin Museums built in1961, is among the first Soviet historical buildings that became a part of the World Heritage listings in the year 1990. Its importance is immense to the residents of Russia. The rooms of Lenin and Stalin two of Soviet’s powerful and prominent leaders are housed within the Kremlin Museums.The existing Kremlin walls and towers were the work of Italian architects from 1485 to 1495. The Kremlin Wall enclosures cover an area of 275,000 square meters that equals to 68 acres. The height ranges from 5 to 19 meters. The thickness of the walls is estimated to be between 3.5 to 6.5 meters. There were eighteen Kremlin towers when they were constructed initially. In the 17th century, the number of towers increased to 21. The highest Kremlin Tower Spasskaya built in 1625, measures 71 meters. Most of the towers of Kremlin were covered with colored tiles dating back to 1680.
Kremlin Cathedral Square
The Cathedral Square forms the heart of Kremlin. Six buildings and three cathedrals surround the square. The cathedrals are important visitor’s center today. The Cathedral of the Dormition built in 1479 was the main church of Moscow city where many Russian Tsars were crowned.Cathedral of Annunciation is a three-domed structure constructed in 1489. A century later, it became a nine-domed one. Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is located in the southeastern part of the city. This came into existence in the year 1508. The cathedral cemetery is where many Russian Tsars are buried since its construction.
Other historical attractions of the Cathedral Square in Moscow include two domestic churches of the Metropolitans and Patriarchs. The Church of the Twelve Apostles and the Church of the Deposition of the Virgin’s Role are one of the most visited places. Pskov artisans build these two churches since 1484. They feature Great Russian icons and frescoes that are worth seeing.
Great Bell Tower is another notable structure located in the northeastern corner of the square. This was completed in 1600. The Tsars Bell standing on the pedestal and is the largest bell in the world. It was the tallest structure in the country measuring 81 meters in height until the Russian Revolution took place. There are 21 bells on the tower. It was used as an alarm when the enemy approached for an attack. The upper portion of the bell tower was destroyed during the French invasion to Russia. It was one of the crucial moments in Russian history.
Kremlin palaces
The oldest structure in Kremlin is the Palace of Facets build in 1491. It was the royal home of Ivan III. The royal thrones are housed here. The Terem Palace commissioned by Ivan III and built in the 17th century. It is the second oldest structure in Kremlin. Terem Palace is the first royal residence in Russia.The Grand Kremlin Palace links the Palace of Facets and the Terem Palace. Nicholas I commissioned Terem Palace in 1838. The cost of building the grand Kremlin Palace was 11 million rubles. The renovation work in the 20th century amounted to at least 1 billion dollars. The main attractions of the Grand Terem Palace in Kremlin are reception halls, red staircase, private rooms and living rooms of the tsars, and the Resurrection of Lazarus Church of 1393.
