KREMLIN, Introduction

Hi, my name's Scott, and I’m your personal guide . Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World, the Moscow Kremlin.

The Kremlin is at the heart of Russian history, culture and art as well as being the center of power of an immense nation. It is made up of a group of buildings, monuments and incomparable museum collections that span over eight centuries of history. Among the thousands of objects on display, you’ll find weapons and armor, precious state insignia, priceless jewelry, elegant royal carriages, ceramic and glass masterpieces, paintings, sculptures, magnificent icons and much more.

Did you know that the Moscow Kremlin is not the only Kremlin in Russia; "kremlin" is a generic term for a fortress, but the one you are about to visit is by far the most famous in the world.

Within the walls of the Kremlin there are some fascinating buildings that are unfortunately not open to visitors, where the government has its headquarters and many historical sites such as the Chamber of Arms, with amazing exhibitions, the magnificent Cathedral Square which overlooks the three beautiful cathedrals of the Assumption, the Annunciation and the Archangel, the Patriarch's Palace with the Church of the Twelve Apostles, the complex of the “Ivan the Great” Bell Tower and the Church of the Deposition of the Robe of the Blessed Virgin.

Can you believe that the origins of the fortification date back to 1147 when the first wooden structures were built and, already around 1330, the Grand Prince of Moscow Ivan I had built two palaces and the first two cathedrals, Michael the Archangel and the Assumption.

However, the current appearance of this enormous citadel is due to the work that began in the late fifteenth century under the Muscovite Grand Prince Ivan the Great, who brought Italian architects and craftsmen to the court, including Aristotle Fioravanti, to whom we owe the Cathedral of the Assumption, and Pietro Antonio Solari who designed most of the 20 beautiful towers that surround the Kremlin.

In the following centuries new buildings were built and the collection of splendid treasures continued to grow, all of which have been on display for millions of visitors since 1955.

An interesting fact: if you want to see something that will truly take your breath away, visit the Diamond Fund in the Armory, which has been home to some of the rarest and most exquisite nuggets, gems and precious stones in the world since 1967.