and there's more

We are still inside the Kremlin Walls.  The ancient city of Moscow had its beginnings as a citadel enclosed by wooden walls.  Today the Kremlin is a magnificent ensemble of palaces and cathedrals and is home to the Russian president.  Even though it has limited public access, there is much to see.  Only since 1955 have the museums become accessible to the public.

The Tsar Bell

At over 200 tons this is the world's largest bell and sits within the Kremlin walls at Ivan Square.  The bell was cast in 1735.  However, it still remained in the molding pit.  In May 1737, a fire broke out in Moscow and spread to the Kremlin buildings.  When the flames on the scaffolding around the bell were being extinguished, cold water fell on the bell itself.  The difference in temperature caused it to crack and a huge piece (11 tons) broke off.  In 1836, the Tsar Bell was lifted from the molding pit and placed on a stone pedestal. 

The Tsar Cannon

Originally positioned on Red Square as a symbol of Russian power, this enormous bronze cannon was cast in 1586 and weighs 43 tons.  It has never been shot; it is only symbolic and has never been used in a war.

 The Secret Garden is also inside the Kremlin walls and near Ivor Square.  In the springtime, lilacs and tulips bloom. 

You can always find a bride and groom who are posing for pictures.

The Arsenal is located in Senate Square inside the Kremlin walls.  They have a collection of artillery pieces within the museum and many canons left behind from Napoleon's army.  Closed to the public.

The Senate is on Senate Square inside the Kremlin walls.  It houses the Russian presidential administration.  Only the southern corner facade can be viewed.  It has a green dome and carries the State flag.  Closed to the public.

Other buildings that are off limits to the public:

The Faceted Chamber is easily viewed from Cathedral Square.  Originally built in 1487, it was once the royal throne room and now a banquet hall for visiting dignitaries.  It has a one pillar vaulted chamber.

The State Kremlin Palace is a concrete and glass building commissioned by Nikita Khrushchev in 1961 for Communist Party Conventions.  It is now used for concerts, ballet and opera and seats 6,000.  It contains 800 rooms and much of the structure is concealed 49 feet underground.

The Terem Palace is a three-floor tower and was used as the imperial residence from 1635 until 1712, when the capital moved to St. Petersburg.  Its lovely stained glass windows and murals were restored in the 19th century.

Grand Kremlin Palace is the largest building in the Kremlin.  It was built by Konstantin Tor for Tsar Nicholas I between 1838 and 1849 on the site of an older palace.  Today it is the official residence of the president.  Though rarely open to the public, parts of its interior are often seen on TV as the setting for official ceremonies and international meetings.

There is also a name and history of every single tower surrounding the Kremlin wall.  Knock yourself out!

http://kremlin-architectural-ensemble.kreml.ru/en-Us/architectural-ensemble-of-kremlin

About the museums:  

http://www.kremlin.ru/en-Us/about-museums/kremlin/

Or, see:  Museums of the Moscow Kremlin

visited:  Saturday, November 21, 2015