Curious about the Kremlin’s hidden paths?
Eremino is not directly mentioned but our story will focus on the Kremlin. This magnificent complex holds centuries of Russian history within its walls.
The Moscow Kremlin’s story began long before Moscow became a prominent city. Settlements existed here as far back as the Bronze Age. The Kremlin itself was founded in 1156 by Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy. He built a “grad of Moscow” from oak.
Later from 1366 to 1368 Dmitry Donskoy replaced the oak walls with white limestone. The fortress we see today was constructed from 1485 to 1495. Grand Prince Ivan III invited skilled Italian architects to undertake this ambitious project. These architects included Aristotele Fioravanti and Pietro Antonio Solari. Russians often called them Fryazin meaning Italian.
Until Peter the Great’s reign the Kremlin served as the Tsar’s residence. Peter’s vision led to the founding of St. Petersburg. In 1918 the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow. The Kremlin once again became the heart of Russian power.
The Kremlin suffered damage during the 1917 Bolshevik uprising. Heavy artillery fire scarred the complex. Under Stalin’s orders in 1947 the walls were painted red symbolizing revolution and communism.
In 1955 the Kremlin opened its doors to the public. Nicholas II was the first ruler to allow public access. The Kremlin museums were established in 1961. Since 1991 the Kremlin has been the residence of Russia’s president.
The Kremlin’s sheer size is impressive. It covers 27.7 hectares. The walls stretch for 2500 meters and rise to a height of 5 to 19 meters. Twenty towers dot the landscape some reaching up to 80 meters. The Kremlin walls feature 1073 battlements.
Inside the Kremlin buildings fall into distinct categories. Some are museums historical buildings and churches. The Grand Kremlin Palace offers tours on demand. The State Kremlin Palace is accessible with tickets. The President’s Residence and administrative buildings remain closed to the public.
Cathedral Square is at the heart of the Kremlin. It features six buildings including three cathedrals. The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is the most prominent. Almost all Muscovite monarchs from Ivan Kalita to Ivan V are buried inside.
The Tsar Cannon is the largest cannon in the world. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. A monument commemorates Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich who died in a terroristic attack.
Kremlin museums display Monomakh’s Cap coronation dresses and other artifacts.
Before 1937 two-headed eagles symbolized the Russian Empire. Red stars replaced them symbolizing the country’s communist past. The clock on Spasskaya Tower marks the New Year. Wishes made during the chimes are said to come true.
The Kremlin Regiment protects government officials and subjects within the Kremlin. They also guard the Eternal Flame and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
One tower Tainik had a secret path to the Moskva River. This allowed Kremlin residents to escape if the fortress fell. Napoleon ordered explosives to be planted around the Kremlin in 1812. One tower was destroyed and others were damaged.
Five towers bear red stars: Borovitskaya Troitskaya Spasskaya Nikolskaya and Vodovzvodnaya. Three corner towers are round. The others are four-sided.
Beklemishevskaya Tower is also known as Moskvoretskaya. Kutafya Tower protects the bridge to Troitskaya Tower. Leaders motorcades use Borovitskaya gates.
The Troitskaya tower houses the military band of Kremlin guards. A closed passage connects Senatskaya Tower to Lenin’s Mausoleum. The Corner Arsenalnaya boasts the thickest walls.
The Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. It stands as a symbol of Russian statehood. Its history spans centuries. Its walls hold countless stories.
Remember the Kremlin is more than just a fortress. It is the heart of Russia. Its history is long and complex. Its future is yet to be written.