| |
| |
| |
The
Buildings of the Moscow Kremlin
|
| |
From
the twelfth century when Moscow became the administrative
centre of the Russian states, its princes ruled from
the Kremlin. It was the centre of tsarist rule from
the 16th to the 17th century, after which, the capital
was transferred to St Petersburg. It became the seat
of government again from 1918 under the Bolsheviks,
continuing to be so after the Soviet Union's creation
in 1922 to its disbandment in 1991. It remains the seat
of government of Russia to this day. The Kremlin enclosure
is in the shape of an irregular triangle located at
the heart of Moscow, and overlooking the Moskva River
towards the south. Its circumference is almost 1.5 miles
(2.4 km). The original Kremlin was built on the site
in 1157. |
| |
| |
| Dating |
Building Name |
Function |
Notes |
|
14th
c. |
Annunciation
Tower |
Citadel
tower; a prison, 16th century |
31
m. tall. Contains large dungeon. Gate added 17th c., but
bricked up in 1813. |
|
1393 |
Church
of the Nativity |
Worship,
warehouse |
Originally,
Church of the Birth of Christ with a side chapel of the
Resurrection of Lazarus, built to commemorate Russian
victory over the Golden Horde. Structure rebuilt 1514
into ground floor of a palace by Aleviz Novi, who built
an arch over it and a new church. Older part of the church
became Chapel of Lazarus. Structure taken down 1618, walls
incorporated with Terem Palace, and new church built.
Chapel of Lazarus abandoned 1684, building became a warehouse.
Chapel of Lazarus discovered 1838, during construction
of Kremlin Palace, and church restored. Extensive restoration
from 1920. |
|
1475-79 |
Cathedral
of the Assumption |
Seat
of Russian Orthodox Church transferred from Vladimir to
current location 1326. Crowning place of tsars and grand
dukes, and where high-level church leaders were consecrated. |
Kremlin's
oldest church. Original building from 14th c. Rebuilt
by Alberti 'Aristotle' Fioravanti from limestone with
brick drums and vaulting. Contains Patriarch's Seat, and
Throne of Monomakh, carved 1551. Frescoes mostly from
1640s; iconostasis from 1652 incorporates older icons.
Walls lined with tombs of metropolitans and patriarchs.
Damaged during fighting 1917; last liturgy held same year.
Church closed, treasures disappeared. Reopened to public,
1990. |
|
1484-86 |
Church
of the Deposition of the Robe |
Private
chapel of the Moscow metropolitans and patriarchs. Now,
a museum. |
Built
by Pskov craftsmen on foundations of the original church
which perished in Kremlin fire 1473. Reconstructed number
of times from 16th c. Restoration began 1919 to return
church to original form. Iconostasis, 1627, by Nazary
Istomin Savin. Church contains wooden figure collection;
frescoes by Sidor Osipov and Ivan Borisov, 1644, restored
1950s. |
|
1484-89 |
Cathedral
of the Annunciation |
Private
church of grand dukes and tsars. Now connected to private
royal quarters by various passages. Deconsecrated 1918.
Now, a museum. |
Built
in Greek-Russian style by Krivtsov and Mishki using existing
foundations and undercroft of 14th c. church. Badly damaged
1547. Restored 1562-64, with gallery being enclosed; four
small side chapels, each with single dome added. Two more
domes added at rear, all gilded. Porch built for Ivan
the Terrible, 1572, after fourth marriage fobade his entry
into cathedral itself. Frescoes in royal chapel from 1508,
and those in two galleries enclosing it from 1560s. Iconostasis
from 1405; contains works by various 14th-19th c. artists.
Badly damaged during Revolution. |
|
1485 |
Secret
Tower |
Citadel
tower for secret exiting; observation from tower; fire
alert. |
Kremlin's
oldest tower; concealed passage leads from citadel to
Moskva River; observation tower added 16th c.; roof added
17th c.; fire alarm bell also added. Rebuilt number
of times; repaired 1812 after Napoleon's assault. Gateway,
well, and passageway bricked up 1930s. |
|
From
1485 |
Kremlin
Walls |
Citadel
fortification, escape passageways, mausoleum for notable
people. |
Red-brick
walls that follow contours of Kremlin hill, forming an
irregular triangle. Contain some 400 bodies including
Bolshevik figures, leaders, and personages, both Russian
and foreign. Secret passage ways created within walls
to move from tower to tower. Range from 5-19 m. in height,
3.5-6.5m wide, and are 2,205 long. Topped with swallow-tailed
crenellations. |
|
1487 |
Moskva
River Tower |
Citadel
tower protecting southeastern corner of Kremlin wall. |
By
Marco Ruffo. Usually the first part of the Kremlin to
be attacked by Tartars. Top of tower rebuilt after its
destruction during 1917 revolution. 46.2 m. high. |
|
1487-91 |
Faceted
Palace |
Reception
facility used by tsars. Currently, reception hall of the
president's residence.
|
Started
by Marco Ruffo, finished by Pietro Antonio Solari. Features
500-square-metre chamber forming upper storey with vaults
supported by single massive pillar; gilded and frescoed,
with biblical/historical scenes by Palekh artist. Named
after its diamond-patterned facade. Connected to Red Staircase
(demolished 1930s, restored 1994). |
|
1488 |
Water-Drawing
Tower |
Citadel
tower for defence at mouth of the Neglinnaya River; water
collecting. |
By
Antonio Gilardi. Water pump system added 1633. Red star
added at top, 1937. 61.5 m. tall |
|
1490 |
Borovitskaya
Tower and Gate |
Citadel
tower and entrance, previously used as service entrance. |
By
Pietro Antonio Solari. Known as the backdoor to the Kremlin. |
|
1490 |
Saints
Constantine and Elena Tower |
Citadel
tower; medieval torture chamber, later used to protect
residents. |
Built
on site of older tower. Previously featured bastion, drawbridge,
and gate to Kremlin. Tent roof added 1680 and gates bricked
up. Cannons installed 1707. Bridge and bastion removed
19th c. |
|
1491 |
Saviour's
Tower and Gate |
Citadel
tower. Gate now official entrance to Kremlin. |
Built
by Pietro Antonio Solari. Gothic-spired, with icon of
a saviour later added above the gate. Butenop brothers
clock chimes added 1851-52, but changed by Lenin to The
Internationale; changed again 1944 to Soviet anthem,
then changed by Yeltsin to a Glinka melody, until Putin
restored anthem. Double-headed Russian eagle replaced
by illuminated red star atop tower 1937. Previously known
as Frolovskaya Tower. |
|
1491 |
Senate
Tower |
Citadel
tower |
By
Pietro Antonio Solari. Tent roof added 17th c. Nameless
until 1790. |
|
1492 |
St
Nicholas Tower |
Citadel
tower. Previously, gate was a gathering place to settle
disputes. |
By
Pietro Antonio Solari. Previously included a gateway with
bastion and drawbridge. Named derived from St Nicholas
icon over its gate. Part of tower and roof destroyed 1812
by the French; reconstructed 1816-19 with new Gothic roof.
Four white-stone corner turrets added at base; damaged
during 1917 Revolution. Repaired same year. Large star
added 1937 (3.75m wide, 1.5 tonnes). 70.4 m. high (incl.
star). |
|
1492 |
Corner
Arsenal Tower |
Citadel
tower, part of the Kremlin's northern defensive line. |
By
Pietro Antonio Solari. Walls sustained some damage from
French invasion 1812; restored 1946-57. 4 m. thick, 60
m. high. Said to contain freshwater spring in cellars. |
|
1493-95 |
Armoury
Tower |
Citadel
tower |
Until
1851, known as 'Stable Tower' because of proximity to
tsar's horse yards |
|
1493-95 |
Middle
Arsenal Tower |
Citadel
tower |
Reconstructed
1680, adding a roof with open lookout. Arched grotto added
by Joseph de Beauvais 1821. 39 m. high. |
|
1495 |
Trinity
Tower |
Citadel
tower with entrance leading to courts of patriarch, tsaritsa,
and princesses. Equipped with cellar. Previously, a prison.
Now, main entrance for visitors. |
Previously
named Bogoyavlenskaya, then Znamenskaya, and later Kuretnay.
Current name dates from 1658. Features miniature decorative
towers with weathervanes and lancet arches. Contains two-level
cellar with very thick walls. Clock installed 1585, damaged
in 1812 fire. Restored 20th c. Star added 1938. Tallest
Kremlin tower (80 m.). |
|
1495 |
Alarm
Tower |
Citadel
tower with alarm bell to alert residents of approaching
enemy, and fires. |
Made
'tongueless' by Catherine the Great after it being used
to summon mob during Plague Riot, 1771. Bell moved to
Armoury 1851. |
|
1495 |
Commandant
Tower |
Citadel
tower |
Reconstructed
1676-86. Previously called 'Kolymazhskaya' after Kremlin's
kolymazhny coach yard. Given current name in 19th c. 42
m. high. |
|
15th
c. |
Second
Nameless Tower |
Citadel
tower, originally a gate tower. |
Four-sided
tent roof and watch tower added 1680. Gate later bricked
up. Whole structure taken down 1770-71 for Kremlin Palace
construction, then rebuilt. |
Bell tower: 1505-08
Belfry: 1532-43 |
Ivan
the Great bellower and Assumption Belfry |
Temporary
exhibitions now held in building's hall (created 1950s)
on ground floor. |
Bell tower: by Marco Bono, being Kremlin's tallest structure
(later increased to 81 m.) until 1707. Assumption Belfry:
by Petrok Maliy. Four-storey construction with gilded
dome. Houses 19th c. 64-tonnne Resurrection Bell in centre;
the largest of the 21 bells. Tent-roof part of building
(Filaret Annexe) commissioned 1624; badly damaged with
belfry 1812 by French troops attempting to destroy tower.
Restored 1819 by. D.I. Gilardi. |
|
1505-08 |
Cathedral
of the Archangel Michael |
Burial
place for rulers of Muscovy. Now a museum. |
By
Alevisio Novi. Side chapels added 1500s. Central dome
replaced 18th c.. Frescoes date from 1652-1666, iconostasis
from 1813 (original destroyed by French troops). Most
icons are from 1679-81. Contains tombs of all Muscovy/Russia
rulers from 14th c. to Peter I (except Boris Godunov),
and many family members. Romanov vaults located in central
part of cathedral. Closed during 1917 Revolution. |
|
Fl.
1508 (original), 1844-51 (current) |
Armoury
Palace |
Original
building used for arms storage, then storehouse for treasures.
Semi-public museum 1806. Now, museum housing treasures
of tsars, and Diamond Fund. |
Russia's
oldest surviving museum. Current building by Konstantin
Ton in same style as Great Kremlin Palace. Contains suite
of apartments with high-vaulted ceilings, and two-tiered
chamber on the ground floor. |
|
1516 |
Kutafya
Tower |
Citadel
tower, protecting bridges leading to the Kremlin. |
By
Aliosio de Carcano. Causeway leading through the tower
to Troitskaya Bridge added 1668. Restored 1970s. 13.5
m. high. |
|
1586 |
Tsar
Cannon |
Intended
for defence of the Saviour Gate, but never fired in battle.
Was used to fire ashes of the False Dmitri back towards
Poland. |
Cast
by Andrei Chokhov. 40 tonnes, 5.34 m long, 890 mm calibre. |
|
1635-36
(rebuilt) |
Terem
Palace |
Rebuilt
as residence of Tsar Mikhail Romanov, continuing as imperial
residence until 1712. Now part of Great Kremlin Palace
complex. |
Layered
casket structure incorporating two existing mediaeval
churches, one built on top of the other (Church of the
Nativity), and two levels of service quarters. Royal suite
for Mikhail Romanov built above. Structure topped by golden-roofed
'terem' or tower-chamber. Rooms restored in 17th c. style
by F. Solntsev 1837. Further restoration 1930s.
|
|
From
1640 |
Patriarch's
Palace and Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles |
Church
and palace of the patriarch. Now, Museum of Seventeenth-century
Life and Applied Art. |
Both
form same structure, style based on old churches of Vladimir
and Suzdal. Features four supporting columns, five cupolas,
and two-tiered covered balcony at northern face, inset
with polychrome tiles. Vaulted Cross Chamber (Krestovnaya
palata) within the palace, measuring 19 m. by 13 m. Iconostasis
in cathedral transferred here from destroyed (1920s) Ascension
Monastery. |
|
1652 |
Poteshnyi
Palace |
Seat
of Boyar Miloslavsky, afterwards, theatre for Potekhi
(comic performances). Under Peter I, Office of the Police.
19th c., base for the Commandant of Moscow. Later, private
apartments of Stalin. Now, Office of the Kremlin Commandant,
but under restoration to become Church of The Virgin's
Prayers. |
Reconstructed
as a theatre after Miloslavsky's death. Reconstructed
again, 19th c., with its front transferred to eastern
facade, a northern wing added, and decorated in neo-Gothic.
Attempt made at end of 19th c. to restore original appearance.
|
|
1655
(original), 1836 (current) |
Tsar
Bell |
Bell.
Never rung. |
Designed
and cast by father and son Motori, Russian craftsmen.
Completed after a third attempt. World's largest bell
(6.14 m. high, 6.6 m. wide, almost 200 tonnes). Religious
reliefs appear on exterior. |
|
1680 |
Tsar's
Tower |
Citadel
tower |
Kremlin's
smallest tower. Built atop wall between Saviour's Tower
and Alarm Tower. Features eight-sided tent roof topped
with gilded weathervane, chimneys girdled by white-stone
bands, and high corner pyramids with gilded little flags.
Named after earlier wooden tower from where young Ivan
the Terrible threw dogs to their deaths |
|
1702-36 |
Arsenal |
Intended
as military store and armaments museum, but mostly redundant
when completed. Currently, an army barracks. |
Damaged
one year after completion. Rebuilt by Matvei Kazakov,
completed 1796. Blown up by Napoleonic troops 1812. Reconstructed
1828 in keeping with original blueprints. |
|
1776-1787 |
Senate
Palace (President's Building) |
Commissioned
by Catherine the Great for meetings of Moscow branch of
the Senate. After the Revolution, used for meetings of
USSR Council of Ministers; also contained Lenin and Stalin's
private study. Official residence of Russia's president
since 1991. |
By
Matvei Kazakov, in neoclassicist design. Contains circular
hall (25 m. diameter, 27 m. high) with a dome that has
24 windows. |
|
1816-35
(current) |
First
Nameless Tower |
Citadel
tower used originally for storage of gunpowder. Later
used for defensive purposes. |
Original
construction destroyed by fire 1547. Rebuilt 17th c. Taken
down 1770-71 for building of the Kremlin Palace, then
rebuilt. Destroyed by French 1812. Rebuilt by Joseph de
Beauvais 1816. Gateless, 34 m, high. |
|
1818
(current) |
Peter's
Tower |
Originally
citadel defence, later, service building for gardeners. |
Destroyed
1612 during Polish invasion, later restored. Destroyed
again 1812 by Napoleon. Rebuilt by Joseph de Beauvais
1818. 27 m. high. |
|
1819-22 |
Alexander
Gardens |
Gardens |
Laid
out over path of Neglinnaya river after being channelled
into underground pipe. |
|
1849 |
Great
Kremlin Palace |
Imperial
family residence, later, centre of Soviet power. Currently
used for state and diplomatic functions, bestowing orders
on recipients, swearing-in the president, accommodation
for visiting heads of state. One part is a museum. |
By
Konstantin Ton in yellow and white facade with medieval
Russian and Byzantine characteristics. Contains over 700
rooms, and five large reception halls dedicated to the
chivalric orders of the empire. |
|
1870 |
Secret
Garden |
Gardens |
Wooded
area on southern slope of Borovitsky Hill towards the
river. |
|
1913 |
Monument
to Revolutionary Thinkers |
Originally
erected to mark 300th anniversary of Romanov dynasty. |
An
obelisk. Converted by Lenin into current form with inscribed
names of Marx, Engels, Bakunin, Hume, amongst others. |
|
1924 |
Lenin's
Mausoleum |
Holds
embalmed body of Lenin. |
Designed
by Alexei Shchusev in step-pyramid cube form, in red granite
and black labradorite. |
|
1934 |
Presidium |
Originally,
a school for 'Red Commanders', afterwards, housed the
Presidium of Supreme Soviet. |
Built
over the Chudov Monastery, and the Ascension Convent (destroyed
1929). Presidium demolished 2016. Remains of previous
structures now on view, with plans to rebuild them. |
|
1959-61 |
State
Kremlin Palace |
Originally,
the Palace of Congresses of the Communist Party. Currently
used for social functions and theatrical performances
including performances by Kremlin Ballet Company. |
Built
on site of the former Palace of Congresses. Its construction
caused damage to historic buildings. Glass and concrete;
120m long, extends underground by 15m. Contains over 700
apartments and a 6,000 set auditorium. Renamed in 1992. |
|
1967
|
Tomb
of the Unknown Solider |
Memorial |
Granite
plinth topped by giant helmet and furled banner. Holds
remains of a soldier transferred from mass grave of those
killed fighting Nazis at Kilometre 41 on Leningrad Highway. |
 |
Sources:
1. The Kremlin Opens to the World as Putin Orders Greater
Access. The Moscow Times, 16 June 2018.
2. Moscow Info, 2000-2017.
3. D. Richardson; J. Reynolds. The Rough Guide to
Moscow, 5th edn. New York; London; Delhi: Rough
Guides, 2009
|
| |
|
