The Kremlin

The Kremlin is the historical, spiritual and political heart of Moscow and the city's most famous landmark and tourist attraction. It's an intriguing ensemble of buildings with an architectural variety that reveals a long and fascinating history. The Kremlin stands at the confluence of the Moscow and Neglinaya Rivers on Borovitsky Hill. The founding of the Kremlin dates back to Prince Yury Dolgoruky, who built the first wooden fort on the hill in 1147 AD. The word "kremlin" means simply "fortification" or "citadel" in Russian.

During the 14th century, when Moscow became the center of a Grand Principality, the fortress was for the first time perceived as a separate citadel and a principle part of the city and in 1331 was given the title "Kremlin". Between 1339 and 1340 the fortress was rebuilt with new walls and towers of oak, but due to the constant threat of fire damage, in 1366 the Moscow Prince Dmitry Ivanovich ordered the construction of a large white- stone wall around the fortress to protect it.

The Kremlin, by the end of the 14th century was filled with churches, monasteries and manors housing the Grand Prince's retainers and the local nobility.

Hours: Friday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm, closed Thursday

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Contact Information

The Kremlin
Sobornaya Ploshad
103073 Moscow, RU

Tel. +4952038604
prs@kremlin.museum.ru
http://www.kreml.ru