During its eight centuries of existence, the Kremlin has witnessed many ups and downs of Russian history.
Over time, the fortress was repeatedly on the brink of collapse due to Mongol attacks and civil wars, but the princes of Moscow always knew how to stand firm and gradually strengthen their capabilities.
Established in the 12th century, this fortress originally consisted of a series of wooden castles and churches located on a hill between two river banks.
As the Mongol empire began to decline in the 15th century, its stronghold in Moscow became the dominant military power in the region.
The Kremlin of today began to be formed from this moment.
Red Square is located right next to the Kremlin.
Over the course of 50 years, starting in the 1470s, these foreigners transformed Ivan’s bland citadel into an architectural masterpiece.
The Italians designed the Kremlin’s core and walls, but its towers were not completed until much later.
Under the new Romanov dynasty, the Kremlin became a bloody fortress with brutal purges.
Artistic decorations were brought in, Italian-style walls around the fortress were built, as well as a series of low buildings linked by raised walkways turning it into a labyrinth of luxury
The Russian values in this structure were somewhat overwhelmed by foreign designs until the 1840s, when the Grand Kremlin was built for Nicholas I. This was a project designed by a Russian architect and himself
These vast structures occupy a large part of the southwest corner of the Kremlin today.
In modern times, this historic building has only undergone renovation projects instead of new construction.
