What architectural style is sustained during the construction of the Kremlin. Secret passages in the Moscow Kremlin. Moscow Kremlin - history and architecture

The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin allows you to get a complete picture of how the center of the Russian capital was originally arranged. includes temples, squares, chambers, buildings. Today, all these are sights, which guests and tourists come to see from all over Russia and from abroad.

Kremlin construction

The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin was formed at the end of the 15th century. The main towers and walls were built in 1485-1495. Red brick was used and White stone in lime mortar. It is worth noting that local craftsmen were not sufficiently qualified for such work. Therefore, foreign experts were invited. Ivan III hired architects from Italy to build the Moscow Kremlin.

However, some towers were nevertheless erected by Russian masters. The fact is that their shape resembles characteristic wooden structures. As you know, at that time carpentry in Rus' reached its perfection, which was facilitated by the universal material itself, and work was constantly required, since periodically large fires destroyed all buildings. To avoid this, stone was used in the construction of the Moscow Kremlin.

Assumption Cathedral

One of the main buildings of this architectural ensemble is the Assumption Cathedral. It was erected on the site of the first stone cathedral in Ivan Kalita in the first half of the 14th century. The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin is largely determined by this building.

The cathedral began to be erected in 1475. The sample was similar place of worship in Vladimir in the 12th century. Thus, the continuity of Moscow in relation to Vladimir, which was previously considered one of the main cities of Rus', was once again emphasized.

For the next 400 years it was main temple in Rus'. It was here that all the rulers were crowned to the kingdom. Main entrance located on the side Cathedral Square. The entrance to this Kremlin is, as it were, guarded by the Archangel Michael, whose figure is depicted above the arch. Still higher is the Virgin and Child.

The iconostasis, which we can see today in the Assumption Cathedral, was completed by the icon painters of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in the middle of the 17th century.

During the Patriotic War of 1812, the buildings of the Moscow Kremlin were looted and devastated. This cathedral was no exception. Part of the loot from the French was later recaptured by the Russian Cossacks.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral

The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin cannot be imagined without the Cathedral of the Annunciation. It is located in the southwestern part of Cathedral Square. It was built at the end of the 15th century. The work was carried out by Pskov masters.

During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, a porch with a high porch made of white stone was added.

This temple of the Moscow Kremlin was built in the traditions of early Moscow architecture. Today big interest represents the murals of the cathedral, which appeared at the beginning of the 16th century. The main merit belongs to the artel of artists, which was led by Theodosius and his son Dionysius. Lots of stories about the Apocalypse. You can also find secular motifs. For example, Russian princes and Byzantine emperors.

The floor of this cathedral is unique. It was laid out with a special tile of precious agate jasper.

Cathedral of the Archangel

This cathedral within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin appeared at the beginning of the 16th century. It was erected by the invited Italian architect Aleviz Novy. At the same time, he followed the traditions of Russian architecture. The features of the Italian Renaissance are visible only in the rich decoration of the temple.

Its construction was carried out on the site of the ancient Archangel Cathedral, which was erected by Ivan Kalita in the 14th century, in memory of the deliverance of the capital from general famine. It was dismantled due to tightness, making room for a more spacious temple.

The cathedral is crowned with five domes. The central one is gilded, and the side ones are simply painted with silver paint. Carved white stone portals are made in the style of the Italian Renaissance.

During the capture of the capital by Napoleon, a wine warehouse was located here. The French set up a kitchen on the altar, and stole all the valuables.

Church of the Deposition of the Robe

The small church, built by domestic craftsmen at the end of the 15th century, is also noteworthy. She appeared in place of the old wooden church Robe arrangement, which was built after the Tatars retreated from Moscow.

In 1451, they came close to the city, but did not storm it, but retreated, leaving behind all the loot. The Orthodox Church gave this a religious significance, considering it a miracle. In reality, the Tatars retreated due to political differences between the military leaders.

The new church was seriously damaged by fire in 1737. It was restored by the architect Michurin.

Armouries

The chambers of the Moscow Kremlin today are of great interest to tourists. The first mention of the valuables that are today in the Armory can be found in 1339. Even during the time of Ivan Kalita, the formation of princely treasures began. Among them were jewelry, dishes, church vessels, expensive clothing and weapons.

At the end of the 15th century, one of the centers of Russian art crafts was located here. In addition, gifts from foreign embassies were brought here. Pearls, ceremonial horse harness.

By 1485, the treasury had grown so much that it was decided to build a separate two-story stone building between the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Archangel. It was called the Treasury.

Faceted Chamber

The Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is one of the few parts of the palace that have been preserved since the time of Ivan III. This was his grand throne room. This is the oldest civil stone building in Moscow.

It was built in 4 years masters with the help of invited Italians - Pietro Solari and Marco Ruffo.

The chamber is a square hall in which they rely on a pillar in the center of the room. The hall, 9 meters high, is illuminated by well-placed 18 windows, as well as by four massive chandeliers. The total area of ​​the Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is almost 500 square meters.

At the end of the 16th century, its walls were painted with church and biblical scenes. For centuries, the most important events in the history of the Russian state were celebrated here. Foreign embassies and delegations were received here, the Zemsky Sobor met. The victories of Russian weapons were regularly celebrated in the Palace of Facets. For example, Ivan the Terrible and Peter I celebrated the victory at Poltava over the Swedes.

Red Square

The Red Square of the Moscow Kremlin appeared in the 15th century. Today it is one of the symbols not only of the capital, but also of the country, its calling card.

It was laid by Ivan III, who ordered to demolish all the wooden buildings around the Kremlin. Since they seriously threatened him with a fire. This place, by his order, was taken under trade. Therefore, Red Square was originally called Torg. True, this did not last long.

Already in the 16th century it was renamed Troitskaya. Due to the nearby Church of the Holy Trinity. Later, St. Basil's Cathedral appeared in its place. Judging by the documents, in the 17th century the square was called Pozhar. At the same time, one should not forget an interesting toponymic feature Ancient Rus'. At that time, the same object could have several official names at the same time.

Red Square officially became known as such only in the 19th century. Although in some documents this name is found as early as the 17th century. The meaning of this name, according to Vladimir Dahl's dictionary, is that our ancestors used the word "red" to mean beautiful, excellent.

Over the centuries, on the example of Red Square, one can trace how the Moscow Kremlin has changed. In the XV century, it appeared here with the famous towers - the Senate, Spasskaya and Nikolskaya. In the XVI century St. Basil's Cathedral and the Place of execution. In the 19th century - the Historical Museum, the Upper Trading Rows, which are now called GUM, a monument to Minin and Pozharsky. The 20th century brought the Mausoleum and the necropolis near the Kremlin wall to Red Square.

St Basil's Church

This temple was built in the middle of the 16th century. It was erected in honor of the capture of Kazan by Russian troops. The building is grand building of 9 pillars that rise above the basement, connecting with each other by a gallery. The composition is united by a central pillar, which is crowned with tents with a decorative cupola at the top. Many specially come to Moscow to see this temple with their own eyes.

The central tent is surrounded by eight pillars. All the others end with onion-shaped heads.

From the side of the Spasskaya Tower, two porches lead to the terrace of the temple. From there you can get to the bypass gallery. Tourists and residents of the capital are still impressed by the coloring of the temple, even though it was made several centuries ago. St. Basil's Cathedral was painted by real masters. They used exclusively natural colors in combination with white stone and red brick. Of the latter, the smallest details are made. The bright painting was made in the 17th century. When later extensions appeared, they placed a bell tower and a chapel of the temple in the northeast. The names of the architects who built this iconic religious building have come down to our time. Their names were Posnik and Barma.

An article published in the collection "Architectural heritage" No. 47 (M., URSS, 2007). I wrote it in 2005, since then there has been a significant increase in materials on this topic. By and large, the article would be redone and supplemented, but this is a whole separate work. So let it be the way it is for now.

Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Tezin (Vichuga). Photo by the author, 2001

A.V. Slezkin
Images of the Moscow Kremlin in the architecture of neo-Russian temples

The role of the cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin as models for the construction of large city and monastic churches in XVI - XVII centuries well known. This corresponded to the medieval method of focusing on the iconographic prototype. With the transfer of the capital to St. Petersburg, the Kremlin shrines lost their former significance only for a short period. Already under Elizabeth, in the wake of the rise of national feelings, St. Petersburg architecture again turns to the traditional forms of Russian church building, focusing primarily on the image of the Assumption Cathedral. The creation of Aristotle Fioravanti was perceived by the culture of modern times as a spiritual and state symbol, a most valuable relic that continued to fulfill its historical mission. As you know, the Assumption Cathedral, being a treasury of especially revered shrines, remained the place of coronation of Russian monarchs. Under its vaults, power acquired the highest legitimacy. Besides main cathedral Moscow was a monument to the formation of a centralized Russian state.

The combination of these functions made the cathedral a kind of architectural ideal, the recognizable features of which were interpreted throughout XVIII - XIX centuries according to the prevailing artistic styles. Thus, the orientation towards the five domes of the Assumption Cathedral became the program for the Baroque church building of the Elizabethan period. In the era of historicism, imitation of the model takes on more concrete forms - not only at the typological level, but also along the line of reproducing characteristic architectural features. In the context of the Kremlin theme, one of the large churches of the main creator of the Nikolaev "Russian-Byzantine style" K.A. Ton is of interest - the Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God of the Zadonsky Bogoroditsky Monastery (1845 - 1853). In general, its architectural appearance is close to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, however, the six-pillar structure, manifested on the northern and southern facades by four whorls and their corresponding zakomaras, clearly dates back to the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin.

From the second third of the XIX V. the theme of Moscow shrines begins to actively sound in the architectural space of St. Petersburg. The isolation of the Europeanized capital from indigenous Russia was painfully felt precisely during this period of intense search for a national style. Since the Nikolaev time, large-scale construction of temples began in St. Petersburg, designed to give the city on the Neva a pronounced "Russian" flavor. Some very important buildings in terms of urban planning and architecture were programmatically likened to the famous Moscow prototypes. In this manner northern capital as if trying to compensate for its historical youth.

The complex of the Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent is doubly indicative - in addition to the name, which referred to the famous Moscow monastery, there were numerous quotations from pre-Petrine architecture in its appearance. Built in 1892 - 1895. According to the project of L.N. Benois and V.P. Zeidler, the bell tower strengthened concrete historical associations with the Moscow Kremlin, quite closely copying the pillar of Ivan the Great. With the acquisition of the bell tower, the buildings of the monastery formed an integral ensemble with a picturesque play of different-sized domes and a recognizable "Moscow" dominant[i] . The peculiar silhouette and original multicoloredness of St. Basil's Cathedral, compositionally inextricably linked with the Kremlin, are reproduced in the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the "Savior on Spilled Blood" (1883 - 1907, architect A.A. Parland). Memorial temple marking the place of the death of Emperor AlexanderII , plays a significant role in the urban planning space of the central part of St. Petersburg.

In general, the concept of the Russian style of the end XIX V. assumed an archaeological approach to the stylization of ancient Russian samples. Borrowing was of a compiling nature and elevated the increased decorative effect to the category of main and undeniable advantages. Passion for particulars did not allow to fully convey the figurative side medieval architecture. A fundamentally different method of interpreting the heritage of pre-Petrine Rus' was the basis of the neo-Russian style. The first experiments of the "Abramtsevo circle" in the 1880s. headed by V.M. Vasnetsov, they outlined a new, “artistic” look at their native antiquity. Rationalistic study, "architectural dissection" of the monuments was replaced by a poetically sublime and deep experience of their figurative essence. This change in consciousness was convincingly expressed by N.K.<на нее>not with the dull gaze of an archaeologist, but with the warm gaze of love and delight.”

It is quite natural that for the architecture of the neo-Russian style, the significance of the images of the Kremlin shrines has not only been preserved, but also increased. Monumentality and lapidarity of the architectural language of Moscow XV - XVI centuries turned out to be consonant with the aesthetics of the new direction, though not to the same extent as the style of the Novgorod-Pskov medieval architecture. The balancing of the neo-Russian style on the verge between modernity and retrospectivism resulted in the fact that the stylization of the Novgorod-Pskov prototypes was carried out mainly through the prism of modernity, which loved the grotesque and sculptural forms, while rather static and “correct” Moscow samples were transformed more straightforwardly.

Attitude towards the Kremlin as a stronghold of Russian statehood and an outstanding ensemble of national culture at the turn of the XIX - XX centuries took on a new quality. The approach of the 300th anniversary of the ruling dynasty intensified public interest in domestic antiquities. The image of the Mother See of the capital, the epic city with its traditions and the uniqueness of its architectural appearance, has become a hot topic. In the wake of this “poetic-artistic” discovery of Moscow antiquity, for example, the famous series of watercolors by A.M. Vasnetsov arose, vividly depicting the bygone life of Moscow XII-XVII centuries. saved at the beginning XX V. and therefore the well-known temples and monasteries in watercolors seemed to come to life in their once natural surroundings. The bright artistic image of the ancient Russian capital became a fact modern culture turn of the century.

The increased interest in the Kremlin shrines also had more concrete manifestations. In 1894 - 1895. the restoration of the Assumption Cathedral was carried out, which increased the attention of specialists to this architectural monument XV V. The work was carried out under the direction of K.M. Bykovsky. The original forms of window openings were restored, and the first clearings of ancient frescoes were made. The next stage of the restoration of the cathedral took place in 1913 - 1917, when it was possible to restore the plinth, the bases of the half-columns of the portals and the bases of the pillars in the interior. The cleaning of the mural was continued. The beginning of the second stage of work coincides with the celebrations on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. In this regard, it seems significant that in 1913, directly during the celebrations, Nikolai II an offering was made from the retinue - a gilded model of the Assumption Cathedral. It was placed in the St. Petersburg Cathedral of the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, which was built according to the project of S.S. Krichinsky in honor of this anniversary.

Model of the Assumption Cathedral - an offering to Nicholas II from the retinue. It was kept in the Fedorovsky Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Photo by K. Bulla, 1913

Late XIX - early XX V. architects are developing a new modification of the typology of the five-domed cathedral church. This is no longer a cruciform volume of Empire proportions with a large central light drum and four small belfries that often served as bell towers (a type of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior), but a slender cubic structure with a monumental five-domed top on top of semicircular (and not "Ton" keeled) zakomaras. The head drums are set quite closely, and, as a rule, all of them are illuminated. From the east - three powerful semicircular apses, from the west - a lowered narthex. In the process of evolution, the idea of ​​a five-domed cathedral acquired more and more concrete outlines of ancient Russian cathedrals. XII - XVI centuries, ascending to the Assumption line in Vladimir, continued by another landmark building - the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.

The first in a series of gradual departure from the Ton tradition is the Transfiguration Cathedral of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery near Moscow, built in 1880-1894. according to the project of A.S. Kaminsky.[v] Its walls, heavily recessed between the shoulder blades, and its well-assembled five domes refer to the Kremlin prototypes, or, rather, to a generalized type of cathedral.XVI century (the time of Basil III and Ivan the Terrible), in turn also oriented towards the Assumption Cathedral.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. Photo by the author, 2002

The Cathedral of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery is largely imitated by the Assumption Cathedral of the Resurrection-Fedorovsky Monastery in the village of Sergeevo near Shuya (1897 - 1905), designed by the Vladimir architect P.G. Begen. Despite the fact that its side domes are decorative, the resemblance to the main cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin is enhanced by the introduction of an arcade-columnar belt between the windows of the first and second windows. This motive, as you know, Moscow took from the Vladimir-Suzdal architecture.XII V. In the examples given, attention is drawn to the generalization and enlargement of forms and details. This is a completely new feature for domestic architecture of the end XIX century, who loved the verbose "patterned XVII century”, highly approved by Alexander III.

L.N. Benois went even further in the direction of the creative interpretation of ancient Russian samples, designing the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Warsaw (1894 - 1912) . His plan corresponded to the imperial idea of ​​establishing Russian power in the rebellious Polish lands. The forms of this imposing temple came out more plastic, and the details are more refined than those of the Kaminsky Cathedral. To the south-west of the temple there was a free-standing pillar-shaped bell tower, close to another already mentioned work by Benois - the bell tower of the Novodevichy Convent in St. Petersburg and also reproducing in detail the architecture of the Ivan the Great Kremlin bell tower (but decorated much richer than the prototype). The overall composition of the ensemble, when the monumental five-domed temple and the pillar-shaped bell tower were located at a distance from each other, should undoubtedly be considered a Kremlin allusion. In decorative terms, the architecture of the Warsaw Cathedral is closer to the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir than in Moscow. The variety of finishing materials, the widespread use of mosaics, the “stylishness” of the silhouette are completely new qualities that make it possible to attribute the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the circle of landmark buildings for the formation of the neo-Russian style.


Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Warsaw. Photo around 1920


Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Warsaw. Photo from the 1910s

The line of the Benois Cathedral is continued by the new Cathedral of the Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery (now consecrated as the Transfiguration Cathedral). Built in 1905 - 1917. according to the project of A.E. Antonov, it stands closer to the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir than to the Moscow one of the same name. In the decorative design of the facades of this large temple, the motif of the arcade belt prevails. The small scale of the arcade emphasizes the massiveness of the cathedral, and the complication of its composition with extensive vestibules gives the building dynamism. At the same time, the solution of five domes, when the side domes are much smaller than the central one, is typical for temple building in the 1830s - 1890s. (projects by K.A. Ton, V.A. Kosyakov), and not at all for the neo-Russian style. A clear confirmation of this is the silhouette similarity of the cathedral in question with the nearby Trinity Cathedral, designed by A.I. Rezanov entirely in the spirit of his teacher Ton.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Serafimo-Diveevsky Monastery. Photo by the author, 2005

The Assumption Cathedral of the Pyukhtitsky Monastery in Estonia (1907 - 1910, architect A.A. Poleshchuk) is distinguished by a simpler composition with a schematic decor. Eclectic conventionality and rigidity of forms are also noticeable in the design of the church of St. Prince Vladimir in the city of Dalniy (China), dating back to the early 1900s. Widely spaced five chapters make us recall, again, some of the works of K.A. Ton (Catherine's Church in St. Petersburg, churches in Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof). It is also symptomatic that the arched belt "slid" to the base of the building, turning into a purely decorative continuation of its basement.

Slender in proportions, the Assumption Cathedral of the community "Joy and Consolation" in the village of Dobrynikha near Moscow (1900 - 1904, architect S.U. Soloviev) already without any reservations belongs to the neo-Russian style. The outlines of zakomaras became smoother, vast surfaces of smooth walls and details appeared, gleaned from the Novgorod-Pskov architecture so beloved at the beginning of the 20th century. The small western vestibule has a keeled end, which is a common motif of the neo-Russian style. At the same time, the architectural image of the building is devoid of grotesque, which is typical for all the works of S.U.Soloviev.

Assumption Cathedral of the community "Joy and Consolation" in the village. Dobrynikh. Photo of the beginning 20th century

Examples of the developed neo-Russian style, in which the theme of the Kremlin cathedral architecture sounds, is the project of the church in the estate of A.M. Maltsev Balakovo, Samara province, made by I.I.[x] . In the image of a monumental temple, the features of the two main five-domed cathedrals of antiquity are combined - the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow and the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir. The orientation towards the latter is more definite, both in the overall composition and in the nature of the decor.

I.I. Nivinsky. Church project in Balakovo. 1908

It is necessary to mention the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Miusskaya Square in Moscow (project 1899, construction 1914 - 1917, architect A.N. Pomerantsev)

The Moscow Kremlin is located. The history of our Motherland is reflected in each of its buildings. These are ancient cannons and bells, cathedrals and palaces, museums and the residence of the President of Russia. High walls and loopholes tell us that this powerful and majestic building is a fortress. At the same time, this building also reflects the spiritual life of Russia. The Kremlin in Moscow is an all-Russian national shrine, a symbol of Russia.

The ensemble of the Kremlin in Moscow includes the fortress itself with its powerful walls and towers, as well as temples and chambers, majestic palaces and front office buildings. These are ensembles of squares - Cathedral and Ivanovskaya, Senate and Palace, Trinity, as well as streets - Spasskaya, Borovitskaya and Palace.

Moscow Kremlin towers

The walls of the Moscow Kremlin have 20 towers, among which there are no identical ones. The history of Moscow began at the Borovitsky Gates. Here is one of the southwestern towers of the Kremlin wall - Borovitskaya. It goes to the Alexander Garden and Borovitskaya Square. According to legend, her name comes from the forest that covered one of the seven hills on which Moscow stands.

Cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin

IN architectural ensemble The Moscow Kremlin includes eight cathedrals. One of the main temples of the Russian state - Uspensky. It hosted the coronation of emperors, the wedding to the kingdom, the election of the heads of the Russian Orthodox Church and the burial of metropolitans and patriarchs. Now here you can see the prayer place of Ivan the Terrible, especially valuable icons, a necropolis and a majestic iconostasis.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral served as the personal temple of the Grand Dukes and Tsars of Moscow. It is believed that some of the icons of the temple were created by Andrei Rublev, as well as Theophan the Greek.

Cathedral of the Archangel was the ancestral tomb of the great princes and kings. It has 47 tombstones and 2 shrines. Grand Dukes Ivan Kalita and Dmitry Donskoy, Ivan III and Ivan the Terrible, Tsarevich Dmitry and Tsars Mikhail and Alexei Romanovs are buried here. The image of "Archangel Michael with deeds" created during the Battle of Kulikovo can be seen in the iconostasis of the temple.

The house church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs is a small Church of the Deposition of the Robe. In it, in a single ensemble, a four-tiered iconostasis in a silver frame and wall paintings are presented.

To the north of the Assumption Church and the bell tower of Ivan the Great are Patriarchal Chambers and small five-domed temple of the Twelve Apostles, built by Russian masters Antip Konstantinov and Bazhen Ogurtsov.

ten-headed St. Basil's Cathedral been in danger of demolition many times. Napoleon in 1812 dreamed of taking him to Paris, and later wanted to blow him up. In Soviet times, the cathedral interfered with the passage of demonstrations and they also wanted to destroy it.

To the east of the Terem Palace are four house churches: St. Catherine and Verkhospassky Cathedral, the Church of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Church of the Resurrection of the Word.

Moscow Kremlin - history and architecture

The first mention of Moscow is found in the annals and refers to 1147. In 1156, the first wooden walls were built on the banks of the Moskva River and the mouth of the Neglinnaya River. Rus' at that time was divided into separate principalities, therefore, in 1238, it could not resist the invasion of the Tatar-Mongol yoke. Moscow was devastated and the Kremlin burned.

During the reign of Ivan Kalita, the Moscow principality was strengthened and the Kremlin was rebuilt. Stone churches, cathedrals and strong oak walls were built. By decree of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, the grandson of Ivan Kalita, in 1367 white-stone walls and towers were erected. Moscow began to be called white-stone. Under Grand Duke Ivan III, the territory of the Kremlin expanded, a moat was dug around the walls. Together with foreign architects, the Assumption and Annunciation churches, the Faceted Chamber and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (watch tower) are being built. The Archangel Temple was founded. With the flourishing of culture and architecture in the 17th century, the buildings of the Kremlin were also transformed. High brick tents with tile coverings and gilded weathercocks appeared on the Kremlin towers.

At the beginning of the 18th century, by decree of Peter I, the building of the Arsenal was laid. With the transfer of the capital to St. Petersburg, the Kremlin remained in an abandoned state. Almost all wooden buildings were destroyed by fires and were not restored.

Its construction began only in the second half of the 18th century. According to the project of the architect M. F. Kazakov, the building of the Senate is being built. Under the leadership of the architect Ivan Egotov, the first building for the Armory was built. During the War of 1812, Napoleon decided to blow up the Kremlin during his retreat. Only thanks to the courage of the Muscovites, he was miraculously saved. Soon all the damaged buildings were restored.

In 1917, the capture of the Kremlin completed the revolution in Moscow. In March 1918, the Soviet government moved here from Petrograd. Today, the residence of the President of Russia is located here.

On the territory of the Kremlin of Moscow, the State Museum Complex was created, which includes the Armory and churches (Assumption, Arkhangelsk and Blagoveshchensk), the Church of the Deposition of the Robe and the Patriarchal Chambers with the Church of the Twelve Apostles, the ensemble of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, as well as collections of artillery pieces and bells. The complex of the Kremlin and Red Square in 1990 were included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List as one of the outstanding historical monuments of the planet.

The Kremlin wall is a brick wall surrounding the Moscow Kremlin. It was erected on the site of the white stone wall of Dmitry Donskoy in 1485-1516 by Italian (“Fryazhsky”) architects. The total length of the walls is 2235 m, the height is from 5 to 19 m, and the thickness is from 3.5 to 6.5 m. In plan, the walls form an irregular triangle.

The top of the wall, according to the Lombard tradition, is decorated with battlements in the form of a dovetail, there are 1045 teeth in total along the top of the wall. Most of the battlements have slit-like loopholes. There are wide embrasures covered with arches in the walls. From the outside, the walls are smooth, from the inside they are decorated with arched niches - a traditional technique designed to facilitate and strengthen the structure of the structure.

The existing walls and towers were built in 1485-1516. The total length of the walls is 2235 m, the height is from 5 to 19 m, the thickness is from 3.5 to 6.5 m.

In plan, the walls form an irregular triangle. The top of the wall is decorated with battlements in the form of a dovetail, there are 1045 teeth in total along the top of the wall. Most of the battlements have slit-like loopholes. There are wide embrasures covered with arches in the walls. From the outside, the walls are smooth, from the inside they are decorated with arched niches - a traditional technique designed to facilitate and strengthen the structure of the structure.

Kivshenko Alexey D. (1851-96). Ivan the Great

Under Ivan III and his successor Vasily III, the construction of the Kremlin walls was headed by architects Anton Fryazin, Marko Fryazin, Pietro Antonio Solari and Aleviz Fryazin Stary.

Moscow Kremlin at the beginning of the 17th century.

Brick walls were placed along the line of white stone ones, with a slight retreat to the outside. Starting from the Spasskaya Tower, the territory of the Kremlin was enlarged eastbound. Approximately 20 years after the construction of the Kremlin wall, the Kitai-Gorod wall was added to it, embracing the entire Kitai-Gorod.

For the construction of walls and towers, large (30x14x17 cm or 31x15x9 cm) bricks weighing up to 8 kg each were used. The front walls were laid out of brick, which were filled with white stone. The highest walls were erected along Red Square, where there was no natural water barrier.

Fedor Alekseev. View of the Kremlin at the Spassky Gates. Around 1800
Initially, inside the wall through all the towers there was a through passage, covered with barrel vaults. Most of the passage was eventually covered with construction debris, the section between the Konstantin-Eleninskaya and Nabatnaya towers has been preserved. There were also caches and passages under the walls, in some cases going far beyond the line of fortifications.

View of Zamoskvorechie from behind the wall in 1848

At the beginning of the 18th century, the Neglinnaya River was diverted further from the western wall, along which it originally flowed.

At the same time, the originally existing plank roofs of the walls burned down. In 1702-1736, for the construction of the arsenal building, part of the wall was dismantled, later restored.

Modern chimes were made by the brothers Nikolai and Ivan Budenop in 1851-1852 and installed on 8-10 tiers of the Spasskaya Tower. From that time on, the chimes performed at 12 and 6 o’clock the “March of the Preobrazhensky Regiment”, and at 3 and 9 o’clock the anthem “How glorious is our Lord in Zion” by Dmitry Bortnyansky, which sounded over Red Square until 1917. Initially, they wanted to dial the Russian anthem “God Save the Tsar” on the playing shaft of the chimes, but Nicholas I did not allow this, saying that “the chimes can play any song except the anthem.”

In 1771-1773 for the construction Kremlin Palace according to the project of V.I. Bazhenov, a part of the southern wall between the Beklemishevskaya and Blagoveshchenskaya towers was also dismantled, which was later restored. Undermining the Kremlin by the French (1812) caused heavy damage to the walls, especially the walls along the Neglinnaya. Repair and restoration of the fortifications were carried out from 1817 to 1822.

In 1866-1870, the walls and towers of the Kremlin were restored by architects N. A. Shokhin, P. A. Gerasimov, F. F. Richter, who sought to give the buildings their original appearance. However, many authentic details were then lost and replaced by inaccurate copies.

Examination and partial restoration of the walls were carried out in 1931-1936. The next restoration of the walls and towers of the Kremlin took place in 1946-1953. In its course, the walls were cleaned and repaired, loopholes and parapets were restored. The restoration commission included prominent scientists and restorers: I. E. Grabar, V. N. Lazarev, M. V. Alpatov, P. D. Korin, D. P. Sukhov and others

"Inconsistency" of the Kremlin wall. 2012

"Inconsistency" of the Kremlin wall between the Annunciation (far) and Taynitskaya (near) towers. 2012

The Kremlin wall between the Annunciation and Taynitskaya towers has a vertical ledge and a reduced pitch of two teeth, as if during construction from different sides they made a mistake in joining. This "mistake" divides the wall between the towers in an approximate ratio of 1 to 2, counting from Blagoveshchenskaya.

The northeast section of the wall facing northern part Red Square, serves as a columbarium for urns with the ashes of leaders of the communist movement and the Soviet state. Many of them are also buried in the ground along this section of the wall. In the post-Soviet period, the question of the need to transfer the necropolis to another place for political, religious and other reasons was repeatedly raised.

The Moscow Kremlin has 20 towers. Three towers (Beklemishevskaya, Vodovzvodnaya and Angular Arsenalnaya), standing at the corners of the triangle, have a round section, the rest are square.
Most of the towers are made in a single architectural style, given to them in the second half of the 17th century. The Nikolskaya Tower stands out from the general ensemble, which was rebuilt in the Gothic style at the beginning of the 19th century.

The list is compiled, starting from the southeast corner of the Kremlin wall, counterclockwise.
3 towers, standing in the corners of the triangle, have a circular section, the rest are square. The highest tower is Troitskaya, it has a height of 79.3 m.
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For the construction of walls and towers, large (30x14x17 cm or 31x15x9 cm) bricks weighing up to 8 kg each were used. The front walls were laid out of brick, which were filled with white stone. The highest walls were erected along Red Square, where there was no natural water barrier.

Spasskaya, Nabatnaya, Konstantin-Eleninskaya, Troitskaya, Borovitskaya, Annunciation and Petrovskaya towers had shoots on the walls. Initially, inside the wall through all the towers there was a through passage, covered with barrel vaults. Most of the passage was eventually covered with construction waste, the section between the Konstantin-Eleninskaya and Nabatnaya towers has been preserved. There were also caches and passages under the walls, in some cases going far beyond the line of fortifications.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Neglinnaya was moved away from the walls. To install new guns on the towers, loopholes were cut. At the same time, the originally existing plank roofs of the walls burned down.

In 1702-1736, for the construction of the Arsenal, part of the wall was dismantled, later restored. In 1771-1773, for the construction of the Kremlin Palace according to the project of V.I. Bazhenov, a part of the southern wall between the Beklemishevskaya and Annunciation towers was also dismantled, which was later restored.

Hem of the Moscow Kremlin in the 17th century Painting by Sergei Glushkov

In 1802-1805, the towers were overhauled, during which almost all the outlet archers were dismantled. The war of 1812 inflicted heavy damage on the walls, especially the Nikolskaya Tower, towers and walls along the Neglinnaya. Repair and restoration of fortifications were carried out from 1817 to 1822. During the repair work, pseudo-Gothic decor details were added to the external appearance of the Borovitskaya and Vodovzvodnaya towers.

In 1866-1870, the walls and towers of the Kremlin were restored by the architects N. A. Shokhin, P. A. Gerasimov, F. F. Richter, who sought to give the buildings their original appearance. During the restoration process, pseudo-Gothic decorative details disappeared from the Borovitskaya Tower, however, many elements of the original details of the walls and towers of the Kremlin were lost and replaced with inaccurate copies. Damage to the towers and walls was caused during the alterations of the second half of the 19th century in the course of adapting their premises for household needs.

The Nikolskaya and Beklemishevskaya towers, which suffered during the revolution, were repaired in 1918. Examination and partial restoration of the walls were carried out in 1931-1936. In 1935-1937 ruby ​​five-pointed stars were installed on five towers.

This is how the Kremlin found Napoleon

The next restoration of the walls and towers of the Kremlin was carried out in 1946-1953, during which the walls were cleaned and repaired, loopholes and parapets were restored, details on a number of towers were revealed, the tops of the Spasskaya, Troitskaya and Nikolskaya towers were upholstered with sheet copper. The restoration commission included prominent scientists and restorers: I. E. Grabar, V. N. Lazarev, M. V. Alpatov, P. D. Korin, D. P. Sukhov and others.

Beklimishevskaya

Also known as Moskvoretskaya, the tower of the Moscow Kremlin wall. It is located in the southeastern corner of the Kremlin triangle, near the Moskva River and the Moskvoretsky Bridge. The name comes from the court of the boyar I.N. Beklemishev, which was located inside the Kremlin near the tower. After the execution of Beklemishev by Vasily III, the courtyard, together with the tower, was used as a prison for disgraced boyars. Located near the junction of the Moskva River with the moat, the tower performed an important defensive function, covering, among other things, the ford and the crossing over the Moskva River.

The high round tower was built in 1487-1488 by the Italian architect Marco Ruffo. The main cylinder is located on a white stone plinth with a semicircular ridge at the junction.

The tower has four tiers with the possibility of all-round firing: three tiers of round vaulted rooms and the upper tier, where the machicules and the battlefield are located. A well and a hiding place were built in the tower to prevent undermining. In 1680, an octagon with a narrow tent and two rows of eaves was built over the main cylinder. The tent of the tower has no internal ceilings.

Under Peter I in 1707, the tower was converted for defense against the Swedes. In particular, the loopholes of the tower were hewn to install more powerful guns in them (restored in their original form during the restoration in 1949).

View of the Beklemishevskaya (Moskvoretskaya) Tower 1890-1900

The Beklemishevskaya Tower is one of the few towers in the Kremlin that have hardly been rebuilt. After the invasion of Napoleon, the Beklemishevskaya tower was repaired. Also, during the storming of the Kremlin by the Bolsheviks in 1917, the upper tent was shot down by a shell (in 1920 it was restored by the architect I.V. Rylsky).
Eastern wall The eastern wall of the Kremlin runs along Red Square

Konstantin-Eleninskaya Tower

Previously, Timofeevskaya is a tower of the wall of the Moscow Kremlin. It is located on the eastern side of the Kremlin, above the Beklemishevskaya tower.

The tower was built in 1490 by the Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari (Peter Fryazin) on the site of the Timothy Gates. white stone Kremlin Dmitry Donskoy. The tower received its modern name after the construction of the Church of Constantine and Helena nearby in the Kremlin in the 17th century (the church was dismantled in 1928).

Moscow dungeon. The end of the 16th century (Konstantin-Eleninsky gates of the Moscow dungeon at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries)

The tower was designed to protect the entrances to the pier on the Moskva River and the nearby streets of Veliky Posad, going towards Zaryadye: Vsekhsvyatskaya (now Varvarka) and Velikaya (which later became Mokrinsky Lane, and now completely disappeared). Initially, the Konstantin-Eleninskaya tower was a travel tower, with a drawbridge across the moat and a diversion archer (an additional tower connected to the main bridge). After 1508, the second diversion archer was completed.

In the 1680s, an arched quadrangle with a slender hipped top was built over the main square quadrangle. After the loss of its significance by the Great Street at the end of the 17th century, the gates were closed, and the diversion archer and the lower tier of the tower were turned into a prison. In 1707, the loopholes of the Konstantin-Eleninskaya Tower were hewn for more powerful cannons. In the 18th century, the diversion archers and the bridge were demolished.

Constantino-Eleninskaya tower 1882-1996 photographer Barshchevsky I.F.

The arch of the gates, partially covered by late layers, is still clearly visible on the facade of the tower from the side of Vasilyevsky Spusk, as well as the recess for the gate icon and traces of vertical slots for the levers of the drawbridge.

On the upper platform of the main quadrangle there are machicolations, inside it is divided into two tiers, covered with brick vaults. The first tier was previously used for travel, and the second was used for office space. The ascent to the upper platform of the tower is along a narrow staircase located in the thickness of the wall.

Konstantin-Eleninskaya tower from the Kremlin wall

The tower was restored in the 1950s and 1970s.
Through the Timofeevsky Gates, located in ancient times on the site of the Konstantin-Eleninskaya Tower, Dmitry Donskoy

alarm tower

The alarm tower is a tower of the wall of the Moscow Kremlin. It is located on the slope of the Kremlin hill opposite St. Basil's Cathedral. The name comes from the Spassky alarm bell hanging on it, which served as a fire alarm.

This tower, which has preserved its ancient forms, was built in 1495. The main quadruple ends with machicolations with a parapet. Its interior consists of two tiers: the lower one with a flat ceiling and numerous rooms, with stairs and openings providing access to the walls, and the upper one with a closed vault.

Nabatnaya tower of the Moscow Kremlin. 1882-1896

In 1680, an upper arched quarter and a tent with an observation tower were added to the tower. The chetverik is open into the cavity of the tent. The details and decoration of the upper quadrangle and the tent (brick semi-columns of the quadrangle and observation tower with white stone capitals and corbels) resemble the completion of the Arsenal tower.
In total, there were three alarm bells in the Kremlin: Spassky (on the Nabatnaya Tower), Trinity and Tainitsky.

By decree of Alexei Mikhailovich of 1668, alarm signals were regulated:
. in the event of a fire in the Kremlin, “sound all three alarms in both directions, as soon as possible”
. in case of a fire in Kitay-Gorod, "to sound one Spassky alarm in one region, soon"
. in case of a fire in the White City - “beat Spassky in both directions and on the alarm, which is quieter on the Trinity Bridge in both directions”
. in case of a fire in Earthen City, sound the alarm on the Tainitskaya tower with a “quiet custom”
In 1771, during the Plague Riot, the rebels struck the Spassky alarm and thus gathered the Muscovites to the Kremlin. At the end of the rebellion, Catherine II ordered to remove the tongue from the bell. For over 30 years, the bell hung on the tower without a tongue. In 1803, the bell was moved to the Arsenal, and in 1821 to the Armory, where it still hangs in the vestibule.
The inscriptions on the bell say: “On July 6, 1714, this alarm bell was poured out of the old alarm bell of which the Kremlin of the city was smashed to the Spassky Gates. It weighs 150 pounds”, “Lil this bell master Ivan Motorin”.
In the 1970s, the Nabatnaya Tower began to lean due to the loss of soil density and a cracked foundation. After screeding the base of the tower with metal hoops and strengthening the soil, the roll was stopped. However, the tower still deviates from the vertical by one meter.
Royal tower

The Tsarskaya Tower is the youngest and smallest tower of the Moscow Kremlin, built in 1680.
Strictly speaking, this is not a tower, but a stone tower, a tent placed on the wall. Once upon a time there was a small wooden turret from which, according to legend, Tsar Ivan IV (the Terrible) liked to watch the events taking place on Red Square - hence the name of the tower.
White-stone belts on pillars, high pyramids at the corners with gilded flags, a tent ending with a graceful gilded weather vane - all this gives the tower the look of a fabulous tower

A small turret was placed right on the wall in the 80s of the 17th century (that is, almost two centuries later than the rest of the towers) between the Spasskaya and Nabatnaya towers of the Kremlin. Its octagonal tent on pitcher-shaped pillars resembles the lockers of the porches of stone residential choirs common at that time.

The name of the tower is associated with a legend according to which it served as a kind of canopy over the royal throne, from where the sovereign of all Rus' could observe the events taking place on Red Square from the walls of the Kremlin (hence the name of the tower).

Senate Tower

The Senate Tower is one of the towers of the Moscow Kremlin wall. It is located on the eastern side of the Kremlin between the Spasskaya and Nikolskaya towers.

Built in 1491 by the architect Pietro Antonio Solari. The tower received its name after the completion of construction on the territory of the Kremlin in 1787 of the Senate Palace. Until that time, it had no special name. In 1680 the tower was built on stone tent ending with a golden weather vane. Inside the tower has three tiers of vaulted rooms. Tower height 34 meters

In 1918, a plaque made by the sculptor S.T. Konenkov “To those who fell for peace and the brotherhood of peoples” was installed on the tower. In the 1920s, the board was removed and transferred to the Russian Museum. In 1924, Lenin's Mausoleum was built in front of the tower on Red Square. In 1948, a passage was made from the tower to the Mausoleum, so that members of the Central Committee of the CPSU could enter the stands directly from the Kremlin, bypassing Red Square.
NIKOLSKY TOWER

Gate icon of St. Nicholas of Mozhaisk

Built in 1491 by the Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari. It is most likely that the tower got its name from the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, located on the eastern facade. A number of researchers believe that the tower was named after the monastery of St. Nicholas the Old, located nearby on ancient Nikolskaya Street.

Nikolsky gates of the Kremlin and Alevizov ditch. Alekseev, students. 1800s.

In 1612, it was through the gates of the Nikolskaya and Spasskaya towers that the people's militia, led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin, solemnly entered the Kremlin on November 1 (on October 27, an agreement was signed on the surrender of the Polish garrison). In ancient times, a clock was placed on the tower, the last mention of which dates back to 1614.

In a fire in 1737, the Nikolskaya Tower burned down and, after restoration under the leadership of I.F. Michurin, acquired a baroque decor, like the original design of the Arsenal. By 1780 the tower was built on. I. Blank round top with a low tent.

In 1805-1806 the tower was overhauled by the architect A. I. Ruska, together with A. N. Bakarev: the former superstructure over the quadruple was replaced by a gothic octagon with a high white stone tent and openwork decorations. The Gothic appearance is the main difference between the Nikolskaya Tower and other towers of the Kremlin.

In 1812, the Nikolskaya Tower was damaged during an explosion by the French leaving Moscow, the Arsenal: the tent collapsed, part of the gate was damaged, but part of the quadrangle with the gate icon of St. Nicholas of Mozhaisky was not touched

Nikolskaya Tower, 1883

The news of the miracle soon reached the emperor. Arriving in Moscow, Alexander I was personally convinced of the safety of the icon and ordered, first of all, to restore the tower, and hang a marble plaque under the icon, the words for which he wrote himself: but by the miraculous power of God, St. the image of the great saint of God, St. Nicholas, here inscribed on the stone itself, and not only the image itself, but also the very glass that covered it, the lantern with the candle remained unharmed. Who is a great God, like our God! You are God, work miracles: God is marvelous in his saints.

The tower was restored in 1816-1819 according to the project of the architect Osip Ivanovich Bove. During the restoration, some changes were made, both in the design and architecture of the tower.
At the suggestion of the architect F. K. Sokolov, the white-stone tent was replaced with an iron one on the frame, and four white-stone phiale towers were installed at the corners of the quadrangle to complement the Gothic look. The architect V.A. Bakarev participated in the restoration of the tower. The tower was painted white.

Near the Nikolsky Gates there were single-domed chapels. On the left was the chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, on the right - the chapel of Alexander Nevsky. Initially wooden, then stone chapels were repeatedly rebuilt, the last time in 1883. The chapels belonged to the Kazan Cathedral.

The destruction of the Kremlin in 1812. Nikolskaya tower, the ruins of the Arsenal, Arsenal tower

The duties of the abbots of the chapels included caring for the inextinguishable lamp near the gate icon of St. Nicholas of Mozhaisky. Above the entrances to the chapels was the image of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Both chapels were demolished in 1925.

Watercolor.I.A.Weiss. 1852

At the end of October 1917, the tower and the gate were badly damaged as a result of artillery shelling, restored in 1918 by the architect N. V. Markovnikov. During the restoration of 1918, it was repainted from white to the general brick color of the Kremlin wall.

The marble plaque with the words of Alexander I was dismantled. On October 26, 1935, a semi-precious star was installed over the tent of the Nikolskaya Tower instead of the double-headed eagle. In 1937, the semi-precious star was replaced by the modern ruby ​​one. The star of the Nikolskaya Tower has the most a large number of faces per beam - 12.

Nikolsky Gate, November 1917

During the restoration of the tower in 1919, renovations were removed from the gate image to the most ancient drawing and traces of bullets and shrapnel were repaired. In 1920-1922, at the initiative of the Restoration Department, the later paintings of angels on the sides of the central image were eliminated; the fresco of Nikolai Mozhaisky, as indicated in 1925 in one of the documents, “is only partially preserved”

Until 2010, the icon above the gate was considered lost.
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On May 11, 2010, Vladimir Yakunin, Chairman of the Foundation of St. Andrew the First-Called, reported the discovery of ancient icons on the Spasskaya and Nikolskaya towers of the Kremlin, hidden by plaster in their icon cases in Soviet times

On July 5, 2010, restoration work began on the Nikolskaya Tower. In the future, to protect the over-gate icon from rain, snow and other negative influences, it is planned to make glazing with a natural ventilation system or an icon case.
On October 28, 2010, the restoration work was finally completed.

Corner Arsenal Tower

The Corner Arsenal Tower (Sobakina) is the most powerful tower of the Moscow Kremlin. She completed the defense line from Red Square and controlled the crossing across the Neglinnaya River to Torg

It was erected in 1492 by the Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari (circa 1450-1493). From the moment of construction, for a long time the tower was called Sobakina after the courtyard of the Sobakin boyars nearby; It received its modern name after the construction of the Arsenal building in the 18th century. Originally, the Dog Tower was the tallest tower in the Kremlin.

In the past, it performed not only defense functions. There was a dug-out well in the tower, which, in case of a siege, could be used by the garrison of the fortress. From the Corner Arsenal Tower there was a secret passage to the Neglinnaya River, and its sixteen-sided volume had seven rows of loopholes; the passage and loopholes were probably laid in the 1670s-1680s during the construction of a plinth expanding downwards, attached in a semicircle to the original wall

In 1672-1686, an octagonal tent was erected over the tower on a stepped base, which ended with an openwork octagon with a tent and a weather vane. In 1707, Peter I, in the course of preparing Moscow for defense against the Swedes, gave the order to spread the five tiers of tower loopholes remaining unlaid for the installation of artillery.

In 1812, during the explosion of the Arsenal by the French troops, cracks formed in the walls of the tower and the watchtower collapsed.

Soon the tower was restored in its former form by the architect O. I. Bove. In 1894, the tower was repaired, the interiors were altered and it was adapted to accommodate the Moscow Provincial Archive. In the 1948-1950s, during the restoration of the towers, embrasures located on six levels were restored to their original forms.

Middle Arsenal Tower

The Middle Arsenalnaya Tower is a tower of the Moscow Kremlin, located on the northwestern side of the Kremlin wall, stretching along the Alexander Garden.

The tower was built in 1493-1495 on the northwestern side of the Kremlin wall, on the site of the corner tower of the time of Dmitry Donskoy. In the 15th-16th centuries, there were dams near the tower on the Neglinnaya River. In the 1680s, it was completed - an open quadrangle with a tetrahedral tent, finished with a through lookout tower with a tent.

The tower received its current name during the construction of the Arsenal building at the beginning of the 18th century. Previously, it was called Granena - from the facade dissected on the verge. In 1821, during the laying out of the Alexander Garden at the foot of the tower, a pleasure grotto was built according to the project of O. I. Bove.

Kremlin in the morning
2007

Used photos by Ilya Varlamov "Walks along the Kremlin wall", Wikimedia
(To be continued)

View of the palace from the Moskva River

The long 125-meter facade of the palace stretches along the embankment of the Moscow River. His appearance almost all Russians will recognize it, even those who have never been to the capital. The huge palace appeared in the Kremlin in the middle of the 19th century, during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. And the famous Russian architect Konstantin Andreevich Ton became the author of the architectural design of the palace building.

The idea to build a new palace in Moscow was born after the victory of Russia in Patriotic war 1812. The burnt city was rebuilt, and the Russian tsar wanted a new building to appear in it, which could emphasize the connection of Moscow with folk traditions. Nicholas I dreamed that the palace would turn into a monument to all Russian soldiers. In accordance with the wishes of the sovereign, the architect prepared a project for the building in the so-called pseudo-Russian style. Construction took 10 years and was completed in 1849.

The majestic palace rises to 47 m, and the total area of ​​​​its premises is 25 thousand square meters. m. This is not a single building, but a whole architectural complex, which includes nine temples and chambers of the 16th-17th centuries, the Terem Palace, 700 halls and rooms, as well as a long vestibule.

The main palace halls are named after Russian orders. State awards and credentials are presented in the five most luxuriously decorated halls. In addition, official celebrations are held here.

Although today this palace is considered the residence of the President of the country, you can get inside it. Tours of the palace premises are allowed for organized groups, subject to prior booking.

Terem Palace

View of the southern facade of the palace

The complex of the Grand Kremlin Palace includes a unique five-story building that appeared in the heart of the city at the beginning of the 16th century. This is an unusual Terem Palace, the author of the initial project of which was the famous Italian master of architecture Aleviz Fryazin. The building received its final appearance in the 1630s, when Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich ruled Russia.

In the first half of the 17th century, most city buildings were wooden. When a stone five-story building was erected in the Kremlin, Muscovites perceived it as a real miracle! The inhabitants were especially impressed by the uppermost floor - the golden-domed Teremok, in which the Boyar Duma then met.

The Terem Palace is made of stone in the traditions of the Russian wooden architecture and its interiors are richly decorated with colorful wall paintings. Colored glass is inserted into the palace windows, and there are tiled stoves and carved wooden furniture in the rooms.

Arsenal

Arsenal building

The first building of the arsenal was built at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1737, the so-called Great or Trinity Fire took place in Moscow, as a result of which the city center was almost completely burned out. Strongly got from the fire and the Kremlin arsenal.

At the end of the 18th century, the arsenal was restored under the guidance of the famous architect Matvey Kazakov. However, during the war of 1812 the building was damaged again. French troops retreating from Moscow blew up the Kremlin storehouse. That two-story building, which has survived to this day, was erected in the traditions of classicism in 1815-1828.

The square building stands near the Nikolskaya Tower. You can't get inside it. Today, the historical building houses the services of the commandant's office and the premises where the military personnel of the Presidential Regiment live. These are the soldiers who guard the Kremlin and take part in the guard of honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and near the Eternal Flame.

State Kremlin Palace

View of the Kremlin Palace from Senate Square

The "youngest" palace building on the Kremlin territory appeared in 1961. Before the collapse of the USSR, it was called the "Kremlin Palace of Congresses". A new spacious palace was built for public and official events. Its light facades are impressive. They are lined with beautiful Ural marble and anodized aluminum.

In the 1960s-1980s, participants of party congresses came here. Nowadays in big building show performances and theatrical productions, and on New Year the palace gathers children for main tree countries.

Senate Palace

View of the domed hall of the Senate from the courtyard

A beautiful palace for meetings of the Governing Senate was erected by order of Catherine II in the 1770s-1780s. The Russian Empress entrusted the construction of the palace to Matvey Kazakov, and the eminent architect prepared a brilliant project of a triangular building in the best traditions of classicism.

Many well-known statesmen of Russia have visited this palace, and various bodies of Russian power have sat in it. In the 1920s, V.I. Lenin, and later in the majestic building of Kazakov, the government of the USSR held its meetings.

The rounded dome of the Senate Palace is perfectly visible from Red Square. Below it is a spacious Catherine Hall, where all major events are held with the participation of the President of the country. A richly decorated marble staircase leads to the entrance to the hall.

The dome rises 29 meters above the floor of Catherine's Hall. Sections of the walls between the window openings look very solemn. They are decorated with bas-reliefs depicting portraits of Russian princes and tsars. Today, the Senate Palace houses the working and representative offices of the President, as well as the presidential library.

Faceted Chamber

View of the Palace of Facets from Cathedral Square

The expressive building of the Faceted Chamber belongs to the ancient Kremlin palaces. It was built at the end of the 15th century by Marco Ruffo and Pietro Antonio Solari (Peter Fryazin), Italian architects who worked for Tsar John III.

The palace got its name because of the decoration of the facade on the eastern side with faceted or “diamond” rustication. This is how rich Italian palaces were decorated during the Renaissance. The Faceted Chamber played the role of the reception rooms of the Grand Dukes. The Boyar Duma met in it and the Zemsky Sobors were held. The victories of the Russian army were celebrated in this palace more than once. And along the Red Porch, the sovereigns passed to the coronation ceremony at the Assumption Cathedral.