The Kremlin
The tour of the Kremlin consists of walking by some government buildings (being careful not to step over any white lines which raises the ire of guards with whistles), then on to Cathedral square passing by a couple of “oddities”, before seeing the fabulous treasuries housed in the Armoury. The couple of “oddities” are the world’s biggest cannon and biggest bell. Both have never been used. The Tsar Bell has a 12-ton chunk cracked off it. If anyone tried to fire the 1-ton balls from the Tsar Cannon, it too would most probably disintegrate.
What does it say about the psyche of the world’s biggest country (by landmass) that they are proud to show off a couple of the world’s largest failures in the heart of their political domain?
The Kremlin complex can be confusing so there is a large map here which might help.
Palace of Congresses. a 1950’s building totally out of keeping with its surroundings.
Apparently the central window is Putin’s office. Visiting on a Sunday, none of the Government offices seemed to be in use.
The Great Kremlin Palace
No photography allowed in the Armoury. Shame, there were some fabulous treasures. It is one of the oldest museums in Russia. The Romanov’s in particular were serious about their bling – eye-popping Faberge eggs aplenty here.
The Tsar Cannon – this 16th century monstrosity that Ann is standing next to is technically a mortar not a cannon, but so what?
Below highly decorated Russian Field Cannons – 17th & 18th Century.
The Tsar Bell. This 18th century bell never got beyond the foundry stage.
The Cathedral Square is the central square of the Moscow Kremlin where all of its streets used to converge in the 15th century. There are three cathedrals surrounding this square as well as a couple of churches and palaces and a unique belfry ensemble. After the Red Square, this is the most photogenic area in Moscow.
Though most of the buildings in this square are open, on our (rushed) tour, we only managed to briefly visit one, the splendid Cathedral of the Assumption.
Again unfortunately photography is forbidden inside.
The Cathedral of The Assumption
The Cathedral of The Archangel
Cathedral of The Annunciation
The Church of the Deposition of the Robe
Ivan The Great Bell Tower & Belfry. Belfries don’t come more spectacular than this ensemble.
The Patriarch’s Palace
The Faceted Palace
Alexander Gardens adjoin the Western side of the Kremlin. A great place to have a peaceful stroll in the centre of Moscow.
In the gardens on the left is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and on the right is the Grotto an unusual commemoration of the victory against Napoleon.
