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The Moscow Kremlin , a triangular structure located in the very heart of the Russian capital, atop Borovitsky Hill, is a national symbol of Russia and one of the world's largest architectural complexes. Known as the " Eighth Wonder of the World , " it is a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and artistic treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Kremlin, originally a wooden castle, was built in 1156. Later, stone walls were added. After Moscow became the capital in the 15th century, it was further expanded with a pink brick wall. The main part of the Kremlin was built between the 14th and 17th centuries. Surrounded by a red wall, it resembles a " city within a city . " It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The remaining wall is 2,235 meters long, 6 meters thick, and 14 meters high. It features 18 towers , staggered across the triangular walls. The most spectacular and famous is the Tower of Christ the Savior, with its bell. The five largest gate towers and the watchtowers are adorned with five-pointed ruby stars, known as the Kremlin's Red Star.
The Kremlin boasts four exquisite churches: the Church of the Twelve Apostles, the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the Cathedral of St. Michael. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, they are masterpieces by Russian and Italian architects, blending Italian Renaissance style with Russian Orthodoxy.
Suitable for all seasons, the best time to travel is from May to October
Recommended play time: about half a day
Ivan the Great Bell Tower : 250 rubles. Children under 14 are not allowed to enter.
Cathedral Square complex: 500 rubles, free for children under 16
The Armory Museum is 700 rubles, and is free for children under 16 .
Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 , closed on Thursdays
The performances at Ivan the Great Bell Tower are at 10:15 , 11:30 , 13:45 , 15:00 and 16:00
The Arsenal sessions are at 10:00 , 12:00 , 14:30 , and 16:30
From April to August , there is a changing of the guard ceremony at Red Square every Saturday at 12:00
(Tickets for the Clock Tower and the Arsenal are both in Alexander Gardens . Purchase tickets 45 minutes in advance for each show. Tickets are sold from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM in winter and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer ( May 15th to September 30th ) .
The Kremlin in Moscow is a historic fortified complex that has served as the residence of Russian tsars, the headquarters of Soviet leaders, and now the official residence of the Russian president. It symbolizes the political, cultural, and religious history of Russia, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Kremlin is located in the heart of Moscow, near the Red Square. It is easily accessible by the Moscow Metro, with the nearest station being “Alexandrovsky Sad” (5-minute walk). Taxis and buses also stop nearby, or it’s a short walk from Red Square.
The Kremlin is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with variations depending on the season. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during weekdays when the crowds are thinner.
The entrance fee for the Kremlin varies depending on the areas you wish to visit. The basic ticket to the Kremlin grounds costs around 500 RUB, while entry to specific museums like the Armoury Chamber or Cathedrals can cost 700-1000 RUB. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booths located at the Kremlin.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer). Tickets can typically be booked up to a month in advance online, or on the same day if visiting during off-peak hours.
To fully explore the Kremlin, including the Armoury, Cathedrals, and grounds, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you wish to delve deeper into its museums and exhibits, allocate 5-6 hours.
Guided tours are available in Russian, English, French, German, and other languages. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, providing detailed information about the Kremlin’s history and exhibits.
The best viewpoints in the Kremlin are from the Kremlin Wall and from the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Photography is allowed outside and in certain areas, but inside the museums, photography may be restricted.
Night visits are not typically available, but the Kremlin’s exterior is beautifully lit at night. Special tours may be offered during national holidays or as private events.
The Kremlin can be crowded during weekends and holidays, particularly in summer. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially early mornings and late afternoons, outside of tourist season.
Facilities include clean public toilets, cafes, and rest areas. There are souvenir shops and bookstores selling books about Russian history and culture. Water fountains are available in some areas, but it’s best to bring your own water.
The Kremlin is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators available at some points. However, some areas may have steep steps, particularly inside the cathedrals. Children are welcome and can enjoy the open spaces and museum exhibits.
Cards and mobile payments (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Mir) are accepted at most points within the Kremlin. However, it’s advisable to have some cash (RUB) on hand for smaller purchases or in case of payment system issues.
Many restaurants around the Kremlin, including some inside the Red Square, offer vegetarian and vegan options. Halal food is available at specialized restaurants in the area.
There are several souvenir shops around the Kremlin and Red Square selling items like Matryoshka dolls, Russian-themed art, and books about Russian history and culture.
After visiting the Kremlin, you can easily take the Moscow Metro, with the nearest stations being “Alexandrovsky Sad” and “Kropotkinskaya.” Taxis and private rides are also available.
