Kremlin, Moscow

The Moscow Kremlin (Russian: Моско́вский Кремль, read Moskovskiy Kreml) or simply the Kremlin is a historic complex at the heart of Moscow from witch the modern city develops trough century. This complex is framed by the Moskva River (on south), Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square (on east) and the Alexander Garden (on west part).
It is the best known of kremlins (Russian citadels) and includes four palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing walls and towers. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Notice: Regular price is 350 RRuble, if you have a ISIC or ITIC card you can enter with only 100 RRuble.

The Cathedral of the Archangel (Russian: Архангельский собор, read: Arkhangelsky sobor) is a Russian Orthodox church dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
It is located in Cathedral Square in Kremlin between the Great Kremlin Palace and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
Here 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 by design of Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin Noviy on the spot of an older cathedral that was built in 1333.
For me it was interesting to see the fresco call "Serbian miracle workers". That fresco display St. Sava (Serbian prince Rastko Nemanjić) and his father Stefan Nemanja known by his monk name as Venerable Simeon. This is a large fresco, made from 1652 till 1666.
Also, there is a fresco that represent Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović, who led Serbian army which confronted a massive invading army of the Ottoman Empire commanded by Sultan Murat I in famous Battle of Kosovo on 28 June 1389.
Both fresco is in northeast part of cathedral. If I correctly remember (photo not allowed) in last pillar in front of altar. From entrance first is fresco "Serbian miracle workers" just above the sarcophagus. And fresco St. Lazar is behind same pillar but higher placed.
Life of St. Sava in book call Life (Serbian Cyrillic: Житије, read: Zhitije), who was by Nicene patriarch 1219th appointed as the first Serbian archbishop, is studied on all Russian universities and schools. Here are also studied and the memory of his father Simeon call Tripikon, talking about how to deal with Hilandar and Nomokanon, which is said to be the first Serbian Proceedings Act witch author is St. Sava Serbsky.

The State Kremlin Palace (Russian: Государственный Кремлёвский Дворец), formerly and unofficially still better known as the Kremlin Palace of Congresses (RussianКремлёвский Дворец съездов) is, surprisingly, a large modern building inside the historic Kremlin.
The building was built at the initiative of Nikita Khrushchev and it serve as modern arena for Communist Party meetings.

The Kremlin Armory (Russian: Оружейная палата) is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1808.
This building is part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex. It is situated in the building constructed in 1851 by architect Konstantin Ton.

Terem churches is very interesting religious building. I never see nothing like this before.
Some interesting information:
Terem churches is a complex of churches build on the West from 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:
1. Five southern cupolas belong to the Verkhospassky Cathedral;
2. The central cupola belongs to the church of Crucifixion of Jesus Christ that is situated to the north from the Verkhospassky Cathedral;
3. The church of the Resurrection Slovusheye is situated to the north from the church of Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and has five northern cupolas.
4. The Church of St. Ekaterina the Great Martyr that is on the tsarina’s hall way (“On Senyakh”) is located below the Church of the Resurrection Slovusheye and its apses face the western porch of the church of the Deposition of the Robe.

The Cathedral of St. John Climacus is today place of bell tower of Ivan the Great was built in 1505—08 (two lower and a part of the third levels with height about 60 m, architect - Bon Fryazin).
Some interesting detail:
With his height of 81 m in the period from 17th till 19th centuries it was the highest building in Moscow. For a long time the tsar’s order had been valid prohibiting construction of buildings in Russia higher than this bell tower. It was built of brick and white stone.

It was absolute enjoy visit Kremlin and explore this incredible place. I have opportunity to visit and Kremlin famous cathedral. It was very helpful to have a fantastic host and guide like my friend Jelena.
Three Russian Orthodox cathedrals, together with the six other buildings surrounding the main cathedral square in Kremlin. There are: 1. The Cathedral of the Dormition; 2. Cathedral of the Annunciation and 3. Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. There are also two Russian Orthodox churches of the Metropolitans and Patriarchs of Moscow: the Church of the Twelve Apostles and Church of the Deposition of the Virgin's Robe.

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The Kremlin is a fortified complex with building that dated back to 13th century. It is right next to the red square.

It consists of four palaces, four cathedrals and numerous towers. The Kremlin is huge and make sure that you have a nice pair of walking shoes on.

It is also the current residence for Russia Federation president Putlin.

The cathedral square is the most grand square within Kremlin. You are surrounded by the bell-tower of Ivan the great, the Archangle Cathedral, the assumption Cathedral, and the Patriarch's Palace. Their golden and tin domes are shinning brightly under the sun. You should take your time and visit all the Cathedrals.

The Archangel Cathedral was the burial place of the Great Princes, local princes and Tsars. They have free maps in different language so that you can identified who is who in the coffin. Although all the English one was gone when I visited.

The Patriarch's palace housed the museum of applied art and everyday life of 17th century. They have quite some extensive collection of Russia art, jeweler, and furniture for a rich family. I especially like the gilded carved iconostasis which is originally from the demolished Ascension monastery.

The annunciation cathedral used to be the private church of Russian grand princes and Tsars. Inside this cathedral , it hose the multi-tier iconostasis of the cathedral includes almost a hundred icons situated in six rows.

During my visit, there is also a lot of soldiers from the Army were given a tour of the Kremlin as well.

I didn't have a chance to go into the Armoury Chamber because of the strange selling hours for the ticket. There are 4 possible admission time to the Armoury Chamber: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The ticket office is only start selling ticket for the Armoury chamber half an hour before hand but you have to make sure that you are already inside the ticket office during that time. I was number 4 - 5 in the line and the tickets was already sold out. I understand that there is another ticket office outside and maybe they sell more tickets there?

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The Kremlin is a huge complex, full of churches, cathedrals, palaces and government buildings. Most of the churches are in Cathedral Square. The Assumption Cathedral, built in the 1470s, is where the Tsars were crowned.

A lot of the buildings are off limits because it is the seat of the Russian government. (Putin lives in one of them.) The Kremlin is enclosed by high brick walls, sort of triangular in shape, with about 20 defense towers at intervals around it. The walls were built in the late 15th Century.

Russia likes things “big.” The Tsar Bell is the world’s biggest bell, weighing over 200 tons. It was cast in 1735, but it cooled unevenly and an 11-ton chunk broke off. It then remained in the casting pit for about a century before they hauled it out and displayed it on the pedestal where it sits now. It is beautifully decorated.

The bronze Tsar Cannon is one of the world’s biggest and oldest cannons. It was cast in 1586 and weighs 39 tons. Since 1960 it has been on a gun carriage in Ivanovskaya Square, surrounded by giant cannon balls. I don’t know where the cannon was before 1960, but it has never been fired.

The Armory was built in the 16th Century as a warehouse for Kremlin weapons, but in 1814 it was turned into a museum to house Russia’s national treasures. We saw Ivan the Terrible’s throne (wood, faced with ivory), Catherine the Great’s ball gowns, Faberge eggs, etc. No photos allowed though.

There is a great deal to see, and it probably can't be done in one day. Either allow lots of time, or pick a few favorites to look at.

If you're into national jewels then this is for you. I think I was spending 500 roubles on seeing the cathedrals and towers of kremlin but was just the crown jewels which for me was boring. Will do the other bits of kremlin next time