The Moscow Kremlin

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Kremlin walls feature 20 towers, each with a unique historical name and purpose, such as the Vodovzvodnaya Tower which once housed a water-lifting mechanism.

2. 2

   The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world, weighing approximately 202 tons, though it has never been rung because a large slab cracked off during a fire.

3. 3

   The Tsar Cannon, cast in 1586, is the world's largest bombard by caliber, designed for defensive grape-shot rather than solid cannonballs.

4. 4

   Underground passages beneath the Kremlin remain a subject of historical research, with legends suggesting a vast network used by Ivan the Terrible.

5. 5

   The stars atop the Kremlin towers were originally double-headed eagles; they were replaced by illuminated ruby-glass stars in the 1930s.

6. 6

   The Grand Kremlin Palace contains the St. George Hall, which is decorated with the names of military units and recipients of the Order of St. George.

Overview

The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified complex serving as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. It encompasses 27.5 hectares containing cathedrals, palaces, and administrative buildings enclosed within 2,235 meters of defensive walls. The site includes five palaces and four cathedrals arranged around Cathedral Square. The Armory Chamber houses an extensive collection of state regalia, including the 14th-century Cap of Monomakh and Fabergé eggs. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower marks the center of the complex and historically served as the tallest structure in Moscow. The complex functions simultaneously as a high-security government facility and a public museum. Visitors access the site primarily through the Kutafya Tower and the Trinity Bridge. The architectural style blends medieval Russian fortifications with Renaissance and Neoclassical palace designs.

Insider tips

• Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the long queues at the physical ticket office.

• Separate tickets are required for the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund, which often sell out days ahead.

• Wear comfortable footwear as the complex features uneven historic cobblestones throughout the grounds.