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Moscow Kremlin

✨ The red fortress

The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified architectural complex in the historic centre of Moscow, on the left bank of the Moskva River. The site was first mentioned in written sources in 1147, while wooden fortifications are recorded from the 12th century. The Kremlin became an important centre of political and religious power, and by the 13th century it was the residence of Moscow’s rulers. The stone walls and towers seen today were built mainly between 1485 and 1516, when Ivan III invited Russian and Italian architects to rebuild the fortress.

The triangular enclosure has four main gates and 20 towers. Inside are several historic churches and palaces, especially around Cathedral Square. The Dormition Cathedral was built in 1475–1479, the Cathedral of the Archangel in 1505–1508, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation in 1484–1489. The ensemble shows how Russian traditions combined with influences from the Italian Renaissance. The Kremlin’s role changed as Moscow and the Russian state developed.

After the capital moved to Saint Petersburg in the early 18th century, the complex retained important religious and ceremonial functions. New buildings were added, including the Senate and the Grand Kremlin Palace. The Kremlin became the seat of the Soviet government again in 1918, and it remains the official working residence of the President of Russia, although most of its historic buildings are preserved as monuments and museums.

The Kremlin is closely connected with Red Square, which lies directly outside its eastern wall and includes Saint Basil’s Cathedral and other landmarks. Together, the Kremlin and Red Square were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990. The site is important not only for its fortifications and architecture but also because it reflects many centuries of Russian political, religious and cultural history. Its churches, palaces, towers and walls form a record of the changing roles of Moscow from a medieval principality to the centre of a modern state.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that inside the Kremlin, you can admire the 'Tsar Bell'? It's the largest bell in the world, weighing over 200 tons! Unfortunately, it's so heavy that it broke during a fire before it could even toll once. You can still see the huge 11-ton piece that broke off lying right next to it.

The largest cannon (that doesn't fire): right next to the giant bell is the 'Tsar Cannon'. It's the largest cannon ever built by its diameter, but it was never used in war. The giant cannonballs lying in front of it are actually decorative because they are too big to fit inside the cannon! They are there to impress visitors.

The red stars that shine at the top of the 5 main towers each weigh over a ton! They are made of a special red glass called ruby glass. What's incredible is that they rotate like weather vanes to face the wind and never blow away. At night, they light up and can be seen from very far away in Moscow.