Travel Destination Blog

No sightseeing travel through Moscow can bypass the great colorful domes of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is a medieval fortress, a kind of city with a set of palaces, churches and armories. Within the walls of the Kremlin museum the Russian people preserve belongings of their once royal families and many memorable, priceless items that were presented to them from other countries during the course of the history. Many of the illustrated items are unique in their type. They are kept in accordance with strict rules. One of the prohibitions is that the visitors are not allowed to take photos in the museum.

The red-brick walls of the Kremlin Palace make up an irregular triangle. Inside this triangle many towers of various types, shapes and sizes are enclosed. They all serve different aims but together they form a huge architectural complex with splendid scenery. Among the buildings in the Kremlin Palace are The Kremlin Arsenal, the Alarm Tower, the Armory Tower and the State Kremlin Palace.

The Kremlin Arsenal was burned down and restored several times in the course of history. It has even confronted Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grand Army. After the Russian victory against the French army, the Arsenal served as a museum commemorating the victory. Now the Arsenal serves as the home base of the Kremlin Guard.

The Alarm Tower (Nabatnaya Tower) was originally a watch tower that was used to observe the south roads. The watching person rung the great bell as soon as he noticed the enemy approaching so as the people could hide within the walls of the fortress.

The Armory (Orujeynaya) Tower, as the name itself reveals, is the depository of the weapons used by the Russian soldiers during the numerous wars, in the battlefield. The Armory building turned into an exhibition hall in 1813, but the Imperial arms and regalia were in St. Petersburg, the second important city and the “Northern capital” of present-day Russia. In 1851 the collection was fortunately taken back to the Armory Tower. In the 19th century the collection of weapons had a considerable loss. Nevertheless the collection is still huge. In the Armory building you can enjoy the Diamond Fund. The diamonds and other gems exhibited there are unique masterpieces. They are either jewelry that once belonged to the Russian Queens or they are simply attached to the imperial crowns. Among them special attention should be paid to the sapphire weighing 260 carats and the Orlov Diamond weighing nearly 190 carats.

And the State Kremlin Palace is the newest edifice in the Kremlin. Its modern glass and concrete design gives a special charm to the unique Kremlin architecture. Official and popular concerts are often organized there. The hall of the State Kremlin Palace can host 6,000 guests. The acoustics there are great. The world enjoyed the magic of the State Kremlin Palace when Russia hosted the Eurovision song contest in 2009.

In the core of its history the Kremlin has witnessed numerous tragic and joyous events. And now it stands proudly in the city center.

Photo © synchroswimr

No related posts.