Sunday 10 June 2012

Russian diary: Moscow- the Kremlin and Red Square

The Kremlin of Moscow is directly associated with every major event in Russian history.  The Kremlin sits in the center of the city, on Borovitsky Hill above the Moscow River.  


Since the beginning of its construction in 1156, it has been the center of both temporal and spiritual power. In 1367-68, skilled artists and architects from across Europe were employed to rebuild the Kremlin. They shaped the site into roughly its modern form and appearance. The Kremlin’s tower-studded, walled complex contains an ensemble of monuments of outstanding beauty.

The Arsenal

Assumption Cathedral



Kremlin Guard

Bell tower Ivan the Great

Red Square is closely associated with the Kremlin, lying beneath its east wall. The square used to be a market square adjoining the merchants area in Kitay Gorod (part of Moscow).It has always been a place where occupants of the Kremlin chose to congregate, celebrate and castigate for all the people to see.

At its south end is the famous Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed.





The Cathedral was ordered by Ivan the Terrible to mark the 1552 capture of Kazan from Mongol forces. It was completed in 1560. Nothing is known about the builders, Barma and Postnik Yakovlev, except their names and the dubious legend that Ivan had them blinded so that they could not create anything to compare.

During the Soviet era, Red Square became a focal point for the new state. Military parades take place here since 1919.  Lenin’s Mausoleum is the part of the square complex.
Red Square is closed to traffic and filled with tourists snapping photos and marveling at their surroundings.

Kremlin tower

Marshall Zhukov against Samsung

Red Square getting ready for the Victory day parade

World's famous mummy home

Hmmm... a competitor or a soul mate?

History museum

You may see more pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elka-igolka/sets/72157630035809599/

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