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 in Russia, but throughout the world. Since ancient times, the word « Kremlin » has denoted « fortress », residents of the city gathered in this place, defending themselves against enemy attacks. The successful location of the building made it possible to view the adjacent territory from the invasion of unwanted « guests ».
The very first building dates back to 1156, it was erected at the direction of Yuri Dolgorukov. The walls of the building were wooden, and an earthen moat was saturated in a circle.
In the XIV century, during the reign of Ivan Kalita, the walls of the Kremlin from powerful oak trunks were updated. Each subsequent ruler of Moscow tried to make his changes to the architecture of the structures. Under the reign of Dmitry Donsky, stone walls of limestone were erected. Since that time, Moscow began to be magnified by the Belokamennaya. This protein-replacing Kremlin lasted more than a century, after which, for ten years, limestone was changed to brick. In 1880, the walls acquired a bright red hue. At this time, the Assumption, Arkhangelsk and Blagoveshchensky cathedrals were erected, as well as the bell tower « Ivan the Great ». The construction of the Kremlin has grown at an increased pace.
The decline of the Moscow Kremlin came during the attack of Napoleon on Moscow. At this time, huge losses were inflicted, the French destroyed buildings, robbed churches, blew up part of the walls, towers. With the help of restoration work under the direction of Bove in the Kremlin, all the facades of the buildings were brought into the pristine form. Kremlin walls and towers with slight changes have survived to our time.
Today, the Kremlin with its slender towers and red walls of buildings is the hallmark of the capital of Russia.
On the territory, with a total area of more than 27 hectares, 20 towers, 7 cathedrals and 6 palaces were built, as well as many cannons and various interesting architectural buildings, which make up historical and architectural value. Each building is part of the history of this architectural ensemble. A lot of cozy squares and spacious areas have been equipped. Even those who have not been to Moscow know about the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armory, Red Square, and the Tsar-Pushka.
The Armory has become the main place where antiquities are stored, which are of historical and artistic value. The building of the Armory in appearance resembles the Kremlin Palace itself.
The most beautiful tower of the whole complex is the Spasskaya Tower, which overlooks Red Square and is a symbol of the Kremlin.
In the XVI century, St. Basil's Cathedral was erected on the Square, which later became the hallmark of Moscow.
Also on Red Square is the mausoleum of V.I. Lenin, who could only be visited in the queue for more than one hour in Soviet times, since there were a lot of people who wanted to see the leader of the proletariat. Nowadays, this museum is not available to the public.
