Here you are finally inside the Kremlin. During your visit you will be able to catch a glimpse, even if only from the outside, of the majestic buildings that house the main governing bodies of one of the most powerful nations in the world.
As soon as you enter, before visiting the main areas of the citadel, mainly those around Cathedral Square, stop to admire the Kremlin Arsenal that dates back to the 18th century. Peter the Great, the first emperor of Russia, had it built to house offices and armories. This classic-style building, now home to the Kremlin Regiment, is surrounded by 875 cannons captured from Napoleon's troops in 1812.
On the other side, you’ll find the State Kremlin Palace. Originally used for Communist Party congresses, it is now home to the Kremlin Ballet, one of the best classical dance troupes in the world. This beautiful marble, glass and aluminum building, with 800 rooms spread over five floors and a theater hall that can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators, was built in record time: just over a year!
Continuing your journey along Ivanovskaja Ploščad', you can take a peek at the late 18th century triangular building that houses the Senate, where the President of Russia himself works.
Until 2016, to the right of the Senate stood the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet or Building 14, home of the main legislative body of the Soviet Union, which was demolished to carry out major archaeological excavations.
The area open to visitors begins with the Patriarch's Palace and the adjoining Church of the Twelve Apostles, and continues to the magnificent Cathedral Square, Sobornaja Ploščad'.
Carrying on with your journey in the direction of the Armory, home of the Kremlin’s most beautiful exhibitions, you will also come across the complex where it is housed: the Grand Kremlin Palace, which also includes the Palace of Facets, or Palace of Diamonds, and the Terem Palace, both unfortunately closed to visitors, where important state ceremonies are held.
An interesting fact: the Palace of Facets, unfortunately closed to visitors, houses the huge 500-square-meter main hall that was once the throne room of the tsars, decorated with beautiful frescoes and vaults that rest on a single load-bearing column.
