The Kremlin has been the ancient seat of Russia for centuries,
with its massive walled complex, the sacred monuments and with
its
churches and cathedrals, will make you realise you are at the
spiritual heart of Russia.
At the Kremlins west wall, one gains access via the Kutafia Tower.
This will bring you in front of the Trinity Gate Tower which was
built at the end of the 15th century and the 16th century prison
is below you. On the right of the Trinity Tower is the Poteshnyi
Palace where Stalin lived. His wife shot herself here. The Palace
of Congresses on the right is now a 6,000 seater concert hall and
it does not blend in with the rest of the buildings.
From the left side to the right is the Arsenal which has many Napoleonic
cannons, the Senate where the Russian president lives, and Supreme
Soviet building. And next on the right is the Patriarchs Palace which
was built for the head of the Orthodox church. You can proceed onto
the main square and admire the churches and cathedrals. One of the
key monuments is the Cathedral of the Assumption with its golden
topped 5 dome structure which was built in the 15th century.
Opposite on the other side is the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great which
is the highest of the Kremlins buildings and behind the building
is the rather large bell which never made it up the Bell tower because
of a broken piece on the bell.
South of the square are two cathedrals, one for the burial of the
tsars, and one as a private church for the Tsars. Next one passes
the Great Kremlin Palace which is only open for visiting statesmen
and has a display of state treasures dating back several centuries.
The tour is wonderful and while leaving Borovitskii gate, one realises
the great history that Moscow witnessed for many centuries.
|
