Visit the Kremlin and Red Square. Moscow Kremlin - the sovereign crown of Russia

Moscow Kremlin- a large fortress located on Borovitsky Hill in the Russian capital - Moscow. Since ancient times it has been a city-forming, historical, political and cult center of the city. Today it houses the official residence of the President. Russian Federation... In 1991 on the basis of State museums A historical and cultural museum-reserve was formed in the Moscow Kremlin. Now the Kremlin is the main center of attraction for tourists visiting the Moscow capital.

It was built in the 15th century. In 1156, the first fortifications with a total length of about 850 meters and an area of ​​about 3 hectares were built on the territory of the modern Kremlin.

The Moscow Kremlin is younger than the Tula, Pskov, Novgorod and Kazan Kremlin.

Along the length of the walls, the Kremlin is 2500 meters long. The Moscow fortress is the longest in Russia. The next contender is the Nizhegorosky Kremlin, which is as much as 500 meters shorter.

There are 20 towers along the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. 3 towers, standing in the corners of the triangle, have a circular cross-section, the rest are square. The tallest tower is Troitskaya, it has a height of 79.3 m. The next competitor of the Moscow Kremlin has three towers less and is located in the town of Kolomna.

By its meaning ...

The Assumption Cathedral, located on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin, was the main temple of the country.

The Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is the oldest treasury museum, one of the richest collections in the country.

The history of the Kremlin in brief

The history of the first wooden buildings of the Moscow Kremlin goes back to 1156. Around a small fortress, which served as a shelter from enemies, there were many villages from villages. In 1238, Moscow was subjected to a terrible attack by the horde of Batu Khan and was burned to the ground. In the XIV century, Moscow, more than once revived from the ashes, began to actively build up with stone. In 1368, at the direction of the young prince Dmitry Donskoy, the white-stone walls and towers of the Kremlin were erected. Simultaneously with the stone fortification, the territory of the Kremlin was expanded. In this form, the Moscow Kremlin stood for over 100 years, subject to numerous attacks of enemies. In 1495, the Moscow Kremlin received new brick towers and walls, new fortifications and even more territory. In the end, from the point of view of military engineering, the Moscow Kremlin was outstanding structure, which met all the requirements of the world defensive technology of that time.

1. Seryozha and Nadya, together with their parents, visited the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. They took photos unique monuments history and culture. What is shown in the photos? Connect the photos and names with lines.

Do a peer review with your deskmate.

2. The mother of Seryozha and Nadia found in the book the story of the writer A. Kardanov about one of the sights of Moscow. Read the story. Which photograph shows this stone marvel? Sign its name.

People look and do not believe their eyes. A stone marvel with patterned walls and domes rises above the square. And each of these chapters is decorated in its own way with bizarre stone carvings. Wavy, ribbed, needle-like. And colorful like a rainbow.

The story is about the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed.

If you know what is shown in another photo, write. Check yourself with the tutorial.

3. Imagine yourself as a tour guide. This drawing will help you take an imaginary tour of the Kremlin and Red Square. Use the tutorial to locate the listed attractions in the picture. Indicate them with arrows.

Mentally plot the route of the excursion, guide your classmates along it and describe (verbally) what you see around.

4. Seryozha and Nadya are very interested in which of the sights of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square made a particularly strong impression on you. Write the guys a letter about it.

Tsar Cannon is a medieval artillery cannon (bombard), a monument to Russian artillery and foundry art, cast from bronze in 1586 by the Russian craftsman Andrei Mokhov at the Cannon Yard during the reign of Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich. The length of the gun is 5.35 m, the outer diameter of the barrel is 120 cm, the diameter of the patterned belt at the muzzle is 134 cm, the caliber is 890 mm, and the weight is 39.31 tons (2400 poods).

Moscow Kremlin (Russia) - description, history, location. The exact address, phone, website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.

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The Kremlin or Kremenets in Russia has long been called a stone fortress, which reliably protected from enemies from the West and the East. But only the Moscow Kremlin acquired the status of a sacred symbol, personifying the might of a great country. Behind its red brick walls are government buildings and a giant museum complex, where hundreds of thousands of artifacts are concentrated that tell about the history and culture of Russia. Archaeological work are not interrupted even for a day, revealing all the new secrets of the extraordinary place our country.

Kremlin walls and towers

At the end of the 15th century, Tsar Ivan III launched a large-scale construction on Borovitsky Hill. The Italians were considered the best fortifiers of that time, so the emperor invited the Milanese masters to build the fortress. And they did not disgrace the glory of their workshop, having built not only a powerful defensive line, but also a complete architectural ensemble. None of the 20 towers is repeated; the walls are decorated with merlon battlements with a "dovetail". Only hipped roofs appeared much later.

Address: Russia Moscow
Start of construction: 1482 year
End of construction: 1495 year
Number of towers: 20
Wall length: 2500 m.
Main attractions: Spasskaya Tower, Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Annunciation Cathedral, Archangel Cathedral, Faceted Chamber, Terem Palace, Arsenal, Armory, Tsar Cannon, Tsar Bell
Coordinates: 55 ° 45 "03.0" N 37 ° 36 "59.3" E
An object cultural heritage Russian Federation

In the very heart of Moscow, on Borovitsky Hill, the stately ensemble of the Kremlin rises. It has long become not only a symbol of the capital, but of the whole of Russia. History itself decreed that an ordinary village of Krivichi, spread out in the middle of the wilderness, eventually turned into the capital of the mighty Russian state.

A bird's eye view of the Kremlin

The Kremlin or Detinets in ancient Russia was called the central, fortified part of the city with a fortress wall, loopholes and towers. The first Moscow Kremlin, built in 1156 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, was a wooden fortress surrounded by a moat and rampart. During the reign of Ivan I, nicknamed Kalita (money bag), oak walls and towers were erected in Moscow and the first stone building was laid - the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God.

View of the Kremlin walls from the Kremlin embankment

In 1367, Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy enclosed the Kremlin with a powerful fortress wall of white limestone. Since then, the capital has received the nickname "White-stone Moscow". Large-scale construction began under Ivan III, who united a significant part of the Russian lands around Moscow and built a residence in the Kremlin worthy of the "sovereign of all Russia".

For the construction of fortifications, Ivan III invited architects from Milan. It was in 1485 - 1495 that the Kremlin walls and towers that still exist today were built. The top of the walls is crowned with 1,045 dovetail-shaped teeth - they have the same appearance as the teeth of Italian castles. At the turn of the 15th - 16th centuries, the Moscow Kremlin turned into an impregnable massive fortress faced with red brick.

View of the Kremlin from the Bolshoi Kamenny Bridge

In 1516, a moat was dug along the fortifications overlooking Red Square. After the Time of Troubles, the towers were decorated with tents, giving the Kremlin a modern look.

The miraculous return of the Moscow Kremlin shrine

The main of the 20 towers of the Moscow Kremlin is Spasskaya, created by the Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari. The Spassky Gate has long been the main entrance to the Kremlin, and the chimes, placed in the tent of the tower, are known as the main clock of the country. The top of the tower is crowned with a luminous ruby ​​star, but after the collapse of the USSR, there are more and more calls to remove the star and erect a two-headed eagle in its place. The tower got its name from the gate icon of the Savior of Smolensk.

View of the Kremlin from the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

The icon was revered as saints, so men, passing through the gate, had to take off their headdress in front of the image of the Savior. Legend has it that when Napoleon drove through the Spassky Gate, a gust of wind blew off the cocked hat from his head. But the bad omens did not end there: the French tried to steal the gilded robe that adorned the image of the Savior of Smolensk, but the staircase, attached to the gate, overturned, and the shrine remained unharmed.

During the years of Soviet power, the icon was removed from the tower. For more than 70 years, the shrine was considered lost, until in 2010 restorers discovered a metal mesh under a layer of plaster that hides the image of Christ. On August 28, 2010, on the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Patriarch Kirill solemnly consecrated the newly acquired icon over the gates of the Spasskaya Tower.

Beklemishevskaya tower

Legends and myths of the Kremlin

From time immemorial, the Moscow Kremlin was not only a symbol of the sovereign's unlimited power, but also a place about which legends were written. Per long history so many legends have been created about the Kremlin churches and towers that would be enough for a whole book.

The most famous legends tell about secret dungeons and underground passages. It is believed that they were invented by Italian architects who designed and built the Kremlin walls and towers. Many underground rooms have survived under the former Chudov Monastery, which until the 1930s was located in the eastern part of the Kremlin Hill. These are the transitions, indoor spaces temples and long galleries. Today, some of them are flooded with groundwater.

The eternal flame at the walls of the Kremlin

There are rumors among Muscovites that previously branched underground passages led outside from each of the Kremlin towers. The same secret passages connected everything royal palaces... When builders began digging a large foundation pit for the State Kremlin Palace in the 1960s, they discovered three underground passages built in the 16th century. The dungeons were so wide that it was possible to drive through them on a cart.

Underground passages were found during every major reconstruction. Most often, voids, gaps and labyrinths were walled up or simply poured with concrete for security purposes.

Spassky Tower

One of the secrets of the Moscow Kremlin is also associated with its dungeons. For several centuries, historians and archaeologists have been struggling with the mystery of the disappearance of the library of John IV the Terrible, which is also called Liberia. The Russian sovereign inherited a unique collection of ancient books and manuscripts from his grandmother Sophia Palaeologus, who got these books as a dowry.

In historical documents there is an inventory of the library, consisting of 800 volumes, but the collection itself has disappeared without a trace. Some researchers are convinced that it burned down in a fire or disappeared during the Time of Troubles. But many are sure that the library is intact and hidden in one of the Kremlin dungeons.

View of the Assumption, Annunciation Cathedrals and Cathedral Square

The finding of the books in the vaults located underground was not accidental. When Sophia Palaeologus arrived in the city in 1472, she saw the dire consequences of the fire that raged in Moscow two years earlier. Realizing that the library she brought could easily perish in the fire, Sophia ordered to equip a spacious basement for storage, which was located under the Kremlin Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. After that, valuable Liberia was always kept in the dungeons.

View of Cathedral Square and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower

Cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin - "the altars of Russia"

Today the Moscow Kremlin is both the place of work of the President of the Russian Federation and the historical and cultural museum. Historical Center Kremlin is represented by Cathedral Square with three cathedrals- Uspensky, Arkhangelsky and Annunciation. An old proverb says: "The Kremlin rises above Moscow, and only the sky is above the Kremlin." That is why all the people respected the decrees of the tsar, which he proclaimed in the Cathedral of the Dormition.

This temple can rightfully be called the "altar of Russia". In the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin, the tsars were crowned king, the next head of the Russian church was elected, and the relics of the Moscow saints found eternal peace in the tombs of the temple. The Archangel Cathedral, from 1340 until the 18th century, served as the burial vault of Moscow princes and tsars.

Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin

Tombstones are installed in strict order under its arches on white stone slabs. The Annunciation Cathedral was the personal prayer house of the Moscow princes: here they were baptized, confessed, and got married. According to legend, the grand ducal treasury was kept in the basements of this temple. Cathedral Square is surrounded by the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Faceted and the Patriarch's Chambers. Meetings of the Boyar Duma and Zemsky Cathedrals were held in the Faceted Chamber, and the office of the Holy Synod was located in the Patriarchal Palace.

Sights of the Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin's younger buildings include the Grand Kremlin Palace, built in the middle of the 19th century by order of Emperor Nicholas I. Today, it houses the ceremonial residence of the President of Russia.

It is located between the Kremlin and Kitay-Gorod. The appearance and history of the square dates back to the 15-16th century. Initially, Red Square was intended for trading and the market and was called Torg or Fire. In the 17th century, this square began to be called Red, which meant "beautiful", "beautiful". Over time, various monuments and sights appeared on the square. The square is paved with paving stones and is a pedestrian zone. Since 1963, traffic on Red Square has been prohibited.

Where is Red Square located? What is the size of Red Square?

Red Square is located in the center of Moscow and adjoins the Kremlin wall from the north-east. It is 330 meters long and 75 meters wide. Its area is 23,100 sq. meters.

Red Square in Moscow - sights and monuments:

  • Historical Museum;
  • Lenin's Mausoleum;
  • GUM (State Department Store);
  • St. Basil's Cathedral;
  • Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God;
  • Resurrection gate;
  • Place of execution;
  • Monument to Minin and Pozharsky;
  • Alexander Garden;
  • Spassky Tower;
  • Monument to the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden.

History of Red Square in Moscow.

Red Square began its existence in the 15th century. It was erected during the reign of Ivan III, during which the white-stone walls of the Kremlin were replaced with brick ones. Ivan the Third issued a decree according to which any construction near the walls of the Kremlin was prohibited. This territory was freed from various churches and structures and was intended only to create a market and conduct auctions. In those days, Red Square was called Torg or Big Torg. The Kremlin was surrounded on all sides by the Moskva River, on the banks of which there were docks: from these docks were delivered goods for sale on Red Square. Bridges were built to the gates of the Kremlin itself.


In 1571, a fire broke out on Red Square, in connection with which the square was named Fire. After this incident, it was forbidden to build wooden benches and erect various wooden structures on Red Square, since wooden buildings could easily ignite again. In the 16th century, the first stone trading rows were built, and the square became known as Red. From the north, the square was closed by the gates of Kitai-Gorod.


In the 16th century, Lobnoe Mesto was built on Red Square, and in 1555-1561 the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed (Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos) was erected. In the eastern part of the square in 1625, the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was erected in honor of the great victory over the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. The Resurrection Gate became an arch and an entrance to Red Square. The Main Pharmacy and the Mint were located near the gate. In 1709, the wooden Triumphal Gates were built near the Kazan Cathedral. In the 18th century, a book trade was in full swing at the Spassky Gate, and libraries were erected. In 1755, the Main Pharmacy was rebuilt into the State University. In 1786, new shopping arcades were built.


In 1804, Red Square was laid out with cobblestones. In 1812, most of the buildings on the square burned down. The work on the restoration of Red Square fell on the shoulders of the architect Osip Ivanovich Bove. In the 19th century, new construction began on the square: construction of the Historical Museum and a new building of shopping malls began.


In 1892, multi-colored lighting appeared on Red Square. Since 1918, processions, parades and holidays in honor of the city and the country as a whole began to be held there. In 1924 Lenin's mausoleum was built. The mausoleum became the compositional center of Red Square. In 1930, the square was paved with paving stones. In 1930, the monument to Minin and Pozharsky was moved to the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed. In 1974, the square was re-paved with paving stones, laid on a concrete base. In the 1990s, the Kazan Cathedral and the Resurrection Gate were reconstructed.


The State Historical Museum is one of the most famous and largest museums in Red Square, Moscow and Russia. The collection of exhibits in the museum covers the entire history of Russia. It arose in 1872. In 1894 it became known as the Imperial History Museum. In 1917 it was named the State Historical Museum.


Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin is a memorial tomb in which Vladimir Ilyich Lenin is buried. When it became known about the death of this great man, it was decided to build a Mausoleum. In 1924 a wooden mausoleum was built, and in 1930 it was rebuilt using reinforced concrete and bricks with granite facing.


GUM (State Department Store) it's huge shopping mall, which is located on Red Square in Moscow. Until 1921 it was called the Upper Trading Rows. GUM is a part of Kitay-Gorod and a federal monument. The assortment of the store is varied and has elements of luxury and wealth. This complex consists of many departments that are located on different floors.


St. Basil's Cathedral is Orthodox church, which is located on Red Square. Famous monument architecture. Until the 17th century, it was called Trinity, since it was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Currently, it is a branch of the State Historical Museum.


The Resurrection Gate is the gateway to Kitay-Gorod between the City Duma and the Historical Museum on Red Square. The gate gave the name to Voskresenskaya Square. Initially, they were called Lions, later - Neglimensky, then Epiphany. Since 1689, the gate began to be called the Resurrection Gate.

The Execution Ground is a monument of Old Russian architecture on Red Square in Moscow. Place of execution is also called Tsarev's place. This is an elevation surrounded by a stone wall. The Execution Ground was considered sacred, and the royal decrees were read from it. Executions were rare here.


The monument to Minin and Pozharsky is a brass and copper sculpture created by Ivan Martos. Located in front of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square. It is dedicated to the leaders of the second people's militia - Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky in honor of the victory over Poland in 1612. These heroes will forever remain in the memory and hearts of people.


Alexandrovsky Garden is a park next to Red Square in the center of Moscow. Founded in 1812. The area is about 10 hectares. In the Alexander Garden there are many flower beds, alleys, trees and beautiful shrubs. People come here to enjoy the weather and take a pleasant walk.


The Spasskaya Tower is one of the twenty towers of the Moscow Kremlin. It is in this tower that the main gate of the Kremlin, the Spassky Gate, is located, and the most famous clock in Russia, the chime, is installed on the tower itself. The tower was founded in 1491. Initially, it was called Frolovskaya because of the name of the church of Flora and Lavra. In 1658, the gate was renamed Spassky in honor of the icon of the Savior of Smolensk.

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is a gratitude monument to the unknown soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War. Located in the Alexander Garden. The monument is a helmet and a laurel branch. A little further than the monument, there is a wall on which the names of the hero-soldiers are displayed.


Red Square exists not only in Moscow, but also in the city of Yelets, Krasnodar, Suzdal and Pereslavl-Zalessky. Anyone who visits Moscow must visit Red Square, as it is one of the main attractions of the city.