The Kremlin: Russia’s Power Centre, Open to Tourists on Three Sides

The Moscow Kremlin is a working government complex and the official residence of the Russian president. The tours go around and into the historical and religious sections; the Senate and other government buildings visible from inside the walls are not accessible. This still leaves a substantial amount to see.

The walls run 2.2km around the complex on a hill above the Moscow River. They were built in their current form in the late 15th century. The five cathedrals inside predate the walls.

Entry and Organisation

The Kremlin grounds are open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday), roughly 10:00-17:00. Grounds entry: approximately RUB 700 for foreigners. This covers the Cathedral Square and the Armoury museum access is separate.

The Armoury (Oruzheinaya Palata) is the main collection: royal regalia, coronation robes, diamond-studded carriages, Faberge eggs (a selection; the full collection is at the Diamond Fund nearby). Separate ticket of around RUB 1,000. Timed entry; book this online at the Kremlin’s website if possible.

The Diamond Fund is a separate building and separate ticket (around RUB 500), housing the state collection of precious gems including the Orlov Diamond (189 carats) and the Shah Diamond (88 carats), gifts to the Russian empire from Persian rulers. Queues are shorter here than at the Armoury and the collection is genuinely extraordinary.

The Cathedrals

Cathedral of the Dormition (Assumption Cathedral), completed 1479, was used for coronations from Ivan the Terrible onward. The interior is covered in 15th-17th century frescoes; the iconostasis has tiers of gilded icons. Archangel Cathedral next door holds the tombs of Russian rulers from Ivan I through the early Romanovs. Cathedral of the Annunciation was the private chapel of the royal family; the floor tiles in some sections are genuine Persian work from 16th-century diplomatic gifts.

These are working cathedrals occasionally used for state ceremonies; dress appropriately and behave accordingly.

Ivan the Great Bell Tower

The tallest structure inside the Kremlin (81 metres), built 1505-1508. The cannon collection at its base includes the Tsar Cannon (1586, too large to have ever been fired) and the Tsar Bell (1737, the largest bell in the world, cracked before it was ever rung). Both are enormous objects that communicate something about imperial aspiration.

Getting There

Aleksandrovsky Sad Metro station (Line 3) exits directly at the Kutafia Tower entrance to the grounds. Borovitskaya (Lines 1 and 9) is a slightly longer walk around to the southern Borovitsky Gate entrance.

Bag check is mandatory at entry; large bags go into lockers. Photography is permitted in the grounds and cathedral interiors; check for restrictions on flash.

For eating after: the restaurant at Hotel Metropol (5 Teatralny Proezd, 10 minutes from the Kremlin) is one of the best settings in Moscow, inside a 1905 Art Nouveau building. Budget RUB 4,000-6,000 per person for dinner. For something more affordable, the Mushrooms (Grib) canteen restaurant chain near Okhotny Ryad metro has good traditional Russian food for RUB 400-700.