Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is the ancient center of Moscow, towering on a high hill, which is surrounded on both sides by rivers. This architectural masterpiece is considered one of the most beautiful creations not only of Russia, but also of the whole world. Since ancient times, the word "Kremlin" meant "fortress", in this place the inhabitants of the city gathered, defending themselves from enemy attacks. The convenient location of the building made it possible to view the surrounding area from the intrusion of unwanted "guests".
The very first building dates back to 1156, it was built on the instructions of Yuri Dolgorukov. The walls of the building were wooden, and an earthen moat was built in a circle.
In the 14th century, during the reign of Ivan Kalita, the walls of the Kremlin were renovated from powerful oak trunks. Each subsequent ruler of Moscow tried to make his own changes to the architecture of the buildings. During the reign of Dmitry Donskoy, limestone stone walls were erected. Since that time, Moscow has been called belokamennaya. This white-stone Kremlin existed for more than a century, after which, for ten years, limestone was replaced with brick. In 1880, the walls acquired a bright red hue. At that time, the Assumption, Archangel and Annunciation Cathedrals were erected, as well as the Ivan the Great bell tower. The construction of the Kremlin grew at an accelerated pace.
The decline of the Moscow Kremlin came at the time of Napoleon's attack on Moscow. At that time, huge losses were inflicted, the French destroyed buildings, robbed churches, blew up part of the walls and towers. With the help of restoration work led by Beauvais, all the facades of the buildings were restored to their original appearance on the territory of the Kremlin. The Kremlin walls and towers have been preserved to this day with minor modifications.
Today, the Kremlin, with its slender towers and red walls of buildings, is the hallmark of the Russian capital.
The territory, with a total area of more than 27 hectares, has 20 towers, 7 cathedrals and 6 palaces, as well as many cannons and various interesting architectural buildings that are of historical and architectural value. Each building is a part of the history of this architectural ensemble. There are many cozy squares and spacious squares. Even those who have not been to Moscow know about the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armory, Red Square, Tsar Cannon.
The Armory has become the main place where antiques of historical and artistic value are kept. The building of the Armory resembles the Kremlin Palace itself.
The most beautiful tower of the entire complex is considered to be the Spasskaya Tower, which overlooks Red Square and is a symbol of the Kremlin.
In the 16th century, St. Basil's Cathedral was built on the Square, which later became the hallmark of Moscow.
There is also the Lenin Mausoleum on Red Square, which in Soviet times could only be visited by standing in line for hours, as there were a lot of people who wanted to see the leader of the proletariat. Nowadays, this museum is not accessible to the public.
