Kremlin and Red Square

The Kremlin is one of Russia’s major monuments and Europe’s largest active fortress. The Kremlin’s beauty resides in its stylish towers and architectural designs. Hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls, and open to the public, stand grand cathedrals and palaces from different periods, museums, the Armoury and the Russian Diamond Fund. Today, the Kremlin is Moscow’s main historical and artistic landmark, and the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Unofficially regarded as Russia’s main square, the world-famous Red Square adjoins the Kremlin’s northeastern wall and its monuments reflect Moscow’s centuries-old history. The same space encompasses churches, ramparts and towers, museums, a necropolis, a mausoleum and a huge shopping mall. The Kremlin’s buildings, constructed between the 15th and 20th centuries, create an architectural ensemble of astonishing beautiful in its variety. Both tourists and thousands of Muscovites come here in crowds every day. Red Square breathes in the life of a modern metropolis, yet also signifies Russia’s deep culture and history.

In the past, Red Square was covered by a sprawl of market stalls, which were later made more orderly in the late 16th century. Commonly known as St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Intercession also dates back to the 16th. The Spasskaya Tower was added at a later date and the whole area near the tower and the cathedral was named Krasnaya (or ‘beautiful’ in old Russian) Square. Today it is surrounded by the GUM (a large shopping centre), the Historical Museum and the Kremlin’s iconic walls and towers.

Among the best-known and exciting museums at the Kremlin are the Armoury and the Russian Diamond Fund. Every exhibit has a long history behind it, so they are much more than just collections of antiquities. These museums contain imperial jewelry, authentic weapons owned by Russian princes, and numerous rarities from imperial treasuries. Every visitor will find something to be impressed with here. However, don’t just restrict yourself to these museums. You may also want to visit the Kremlin’s cathedrals, and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, to see the tower’s ancient bells and small exhibitions dedicated to the Kremlin’s history and architecture.

On display are authentic imperial regalia (Monomakh’s Cap, the scepter and the orb), imperial clothes (including those belonging to Emperor Peter the Great), carriages, European and Oriental old weapons, gold and silverware from the early 12th to late 20th centuries (including the world-famous Faberge Easter eggs) and so much more. The museum has nine themed halls located on two floors. All the exhibits are presented bilingually in Russian and English. Audio-guides are also available.

This museum’s collection consists mostly of breathtakingly beautiful jewelry from different periods, including its centerpiece – the Imperial Crown of Russia. Other items on display include military decorations and imperial regalia, as well as large diamonds and gold and silver nuggets. The jewels from the Fund’s collection allow visitors to trace the last 300 years of Russian history. The Russian Diamond Fund is probably the most valuable museum collection in Russia, in terms of its uniqueness and the monetary value of its collection.

On the Kremlin’s main Sobornaya (or Cathedral), Square stand the Cathedrals of the Assumption, of the Archangel, and of the Annunciation as well as the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. They were all built in the 15th and 16th centuries on the sites of old churches. Today these cathedrals are also museums that are open to visitors. The various frescos and icons are well worth seeing, and you could also pay a visit to the historical exhibitions, including the tombs of many Russian tsars. In the summertime, an observation platform on top of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower offers a breathtaking view of Moscow.

Places to eat.

The closest cafés are located on the second floor of the GUM department store. During the warm season, visitors to Moscow can enjoy a great meal right on the veranda overlooking Red Square (be ready to pay, though!). Several fast food stores are also available in the Alexander Garden and in the Kremlin. Italian, Russian and Japanese restaurants, as well as McDonald’s, are located in the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall just outside the Alexander Garden. Restaurants and chain cafés just around the corner – on Nikolskaya and Ilyinka Streets – offer reasonably priced breakfasts and lunches.

Buying souvenirs.

You can buy souvenirs and other items just outside the Iberian Chapel, on the square in front of the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812, or in a small shop inside the Historical Museum. Those with a taste for fashion and luxury will enjoy the world-famous GUM, open in daytime and in the evening. Don’t forget to visit Gostiny Dvor, a large shopping mall and exhibition space located on Ilyinka Street. All of these malls have shops selling souvenirs. Keep in mind, though, that prices in this part of Moscow are often sky-high.

To the northwest of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden has been a favourite place among both Muscovites and visitors for many years. The history of the garden is closely related to Moscow’s past, as its monuments remind visitors of Russian military batles, tsars, generals and heroes. Near the garden are the beautiful buildings of the Central Manege and Pashkhov House, and the huge underground Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall is right under the garden. The Alexander Garden is a great place to relax outside, away from the city’s blare and bustle.

This area to the east of Red Square boasts one of the oldest streets in Moscow, a multitude of architectural monuments and museums, as well as an active government quarter. It is here that vicitors usually start their visit to the historical part of Moscow, bordered by Okhotny Ryad Street, Teatralny Lane, Novaya (‘New’) Square, Staraya (‘Old’) Square, Kitaygorodsky Lane and Moskvoretsky Embankment. Kitai-gorod’s stone wall, whose remnants are still visible today, once passed along these streets. The Zaryadye Landscape Urban Park was opened here in Autumn 2017.