The Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin, view from the opposite bank of the Moskva River

Svetlana Tikhonova

Moscow Kremlin is the most famous landmark of Russia.
What is the meaning od word "kremlin"? In old Russia kremlin was fortress, the most protected part of town, it's heart.

If you wish to see and admire the Kremlin as an architectural ensemble go to the opposite bank of the Moskva River and you'll see beautiful panorama of this gem of Russian architecture.
Go from Red Square down to the river and then onto the Moskvoretskii bridge over the Moskva River. Don't forget to look back from time to time - the view is ever changing.
Then go along the river and admire ever changing view of walls and towers with their reflection.
When you come back to the kremlin side of the river over Great Stone Bridge (or Bolshoi Kamennyi most in Russian) stop for a moment on the highest point of the bridge.

Now you are ready to go and see the Kremlin in detail. Go from the Great Stone Bridge along the kremlin wall to the Kutafya Tower. It is the tower that stays alone and is connected with the Kremlin by a stone bridge. Nearby is ticket office. Be prepared for a long que, especially in summer. If you have bulky bags you'll have to leave them in luggage office (downstairs beneath the ticket offices). It will cost you $1 if you leave a backpack, $2 if you leave a camera or video camera.
For more information about tickets and opening time go to the "Information" section of the official web-site.
Note: Thursday is the day off. (summer 2006) The Kremlin is sometimes closed to the public during state visits and other important ceremonies.
Note: Big part of territory of the Kremlin is closed for public.

Going through Kutafya Tower you'll walk onto a stone bridge with a crenellated parapet and proceed to the Troitskaya (Trinity) Tower. The big modern structure to the right of the Troitskaya Tower is The State Kremlin Palace. The long two-storey building to hte left, along the Kremlin wall is The Arsenal.

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