Kremlin and Red Square

I was here for the first time in 1990 - I have a few yellowed photos in a photo album from my first visit to the heart of Moscow. I really only remember the Lenin Mausoleum: procedures for visitors to the body / mummy were strict - lots of security at the entrance, no talking inside or standing still to take a closer look. Moscow still looked quite communist then, in the Gorbatshov-era (boring, strict, cold). Everything looked the same. On one evening, I roamed the streets for hours (after several trips with the subway), looking for my hotel that seemed to be 100% identical to all the other buildings.

29 years later, it is time for a renewed acquaintance. I am lucky today because it is the city's birthday. It became 872 years old. Actually, the date was yesterday, but they party a weekend long. Paper hats are handed out with 'Moscow 872' on it, and you can see this logo everywhere. At the Red Square, they are busy demolishing the stands that were set up the day before for some kind of performance. So you can only get to about a third of the square. Only the endless facade of the Gum department store can still be seen clearly.

I walk past it to a new attraction in the center of Moscow: the Zaryadye Park. This has only existed since 2017. An artificial hill has been created in this park, from where you have a good …

UNique - 9/10

Having arrived in Moscow in the evening, we decided to take a stroll through the city along the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment. During the walk, we were made to feel tiny and insignificant as we walked past the colossal monoliths of the Stalinist skyscrapers. But the feeling of insignificance was replaced with awe as we approached the lit-up walls of Kremlin. The combination of the expansive space of the Red Square and the playfully colourful cupolas of Saint Basil's Cathedral was absolutely mesmerizing. Of course, we came back the following morning, and saw the square in its entire glory, however, that first impression of the complex was simply unforgettable.

ESsential - 9/10

Many medieval Russian towns had Kremlins of their own, serving the dual function of a fortress and a residence for the local prince. However, Moscow's Kremlin is special because of its complicated history stretching for centuries, history that is still evident throughout the complex. Hidden in the shadow of the Kremlin walls, Lenin's mausoleum containing the waxy mummy of the Bolshevik leader provides the everyday reminder of the country's tumultuous past.

COst-effective - 5/10

The Red Square and the outside of Kremlin and St. Basil's can be viewed without any fee, but to enter beyong the walls of the complex, you will have to part with 500 rubles. The entrance fee allows you to visit several cathedrals and the gardens inside Kremlin. After the visit, you are likely to feel that the outside of the complex is …

A visit to Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square provides great insight into Russia's past and present. The red brick walls of the Kremlin are familiar worldwide, housing not just the ghosts of the Cold War, but relics of Russia's rich tsarist history. The Kremlin walls were constructed in the 15th century, and within the walls are many churches, including the Cathedral of the Dormition, or Assumption Cathedral. This cathedral was used for the coronation of Russia's tsars from Ivan the Terrible in 1721 all the way to Nicholas II, the last tsar, in 1896. Nearby in the Kremlin's armoury are crowns and thrones of Russian tsars, while evidence of some of the ruler's desires for greatness can be seen on the Kremlin grounds, including the world's largest bell and the immense Tsar's cannon. Outside the Kremlin walls is the famed Red Square, now used for events such as New Year's celebrations and military parades on Victory Day. Russia's most recognized building, St. Basil's Cathedral, topped with colorful onion domes, can be found at the southern end of Red Square, and is as brilliant to see as expected. Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square are a must for anyone with an interest in Russian history.

Logistics: Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square are accessible by public transportation, including the Metro stations of Okhotny Riad, Teatralnaya, and Ploschad Revolyutsii.

In May I was able to get into the State Kremlin Palace and Faceted Hall. This is kind of special "secret" excursion, which is not ordinary access to the Cathedrals inside the Kremlin sold publicly. This excursion is offered by some agencies on selected dates (usualy several times per month), when the Kremlin is not occupied by various events. The maximum amount of people is 20 in the group with obligatory guide, it is necessary to provide passport details in advance (the foreigners are allowed), the price is 5,000 Rubles during weekends (80 euro), but it depends on the agency. I booked about 2 months in advance in order to get in on weekend day.

Excursion lasts for 80 minutes and provides access into the Faceted Hall; 4 main ceremonial halls in the State Kremlin Palace (including that one where inauguration or official awarding takes place); medieval Terem's Hall enclosed by the present Palace and Empress's Chambers. Foto is only allowed in some places as indicated by the guide.

In overall despite extremely expensive price this is the only opportunity to see probably the most important building in Russia. All the halls were lavishly re-created and reconstructed in the 90s in accordance with original decor from the 19th century (even imperatorial thrones were put back; they are modestly covered by partitions during present date Putin's led events). Medieval parts have rich frescos and are also quite interesting and original.

In overall I liked the excursion, but unfortunately it's very expensive …

I visited this WHS in August 2016. This WHS is Russia's most iconic and well-known site and clearly a top cultural WHS. Even though it is yet another church/cathedral, St Basil's is definitely a highlight of the Red Square at any time of the day. The interior is worth visiting (closed on Wednesdays) even though its colourful exterior is what makes it so famous. I visited the Red Square every day for 5 days and I loved walking round the Kremlin walls and towers at sunrise or at night and always felt very safe. The Lenin Mausoleum is only open from 10am till 1pm (closed on Mondays and Fridays) and if you have time it's worth visiting if only to get a closer look at Gagarin's tombstone situated just behind the mausoleum. The GUM superstore is completely lit up at night with thousands of light bulbs which in my opinion spoils the mystic atmosphere of the dreamy lights on the Kremlin wall. To my surprise the Red Square is fenced off at midnight and is accessible again after 7am. However, St Basil's can still be viewed at these times by going round the GUM superstore. Two other interesting structures are the dark red State History Museum and the Kazan Cathedral (even though both interiors are nothing special). By heading out of the Red Square towards the Four Seasons Hotel (excellent panoramic view from the Skybar) and the Alexander Gardens, you will find the Kremlin's entrance and ticket counters. The basic …

The center of Moscow and the symbolic landmark of Russia, Kremlin and Red Square are truly the magnificent places with unbelievable beauty and clearly one of the must-see World Heritage Sites for every traveler. During my five days visit to Moscow, I went to the Red Square three times to admire the grandness of this place. I still remembered the first time I saw the square via the Resurrection Gate with the image of Saint Basil Cathedral in the far distance at twilight; I was stunned with this breathtaking view. The almost desert square with dreamy lights of surrounding buildings was just fantastic and became my highlight of Russian trip.

The Moscow Kremlin is equally impressive with the square. The whole complex is surrounded by the red high wall with many fortress-like towers; one of my favorites is the Spasskaya tower with its fanciful spire and large clock. Inside the Kremlin at first, I was quite frustrated with many restrict areas and rule of no photograph near administrative buildings. The first building I saw was the Armory; inside was the large exhibition of Russian Imperial treasure with many gold and jewel objects, the highlights for me were many beautiful state coaches and royal robes. Then I saw the Cathedral of the Annunciation, its many golden onion domes were very beautiful; however, the Cathedral of the Archangel and the Assumption Cathedral were closed during my visit, so I did not have a chance to see its famous fresco. …

I went here in 1990, when it was still "the Soviet Union." To see the intricate details of St. Basil's Cathedral is quite special. I remember visiting Lenin's tomb and the long line to get in. I also celebrated the 4th of July in Moscow that year with other Americans in our hotel. Some of the most memorable points of my stay were going to the Moscow Circus and visiting an elementary school.

It is a surprise to discover both that, as of Jan 2006, no one has reviewed this site and that, despite being one of the unarguably great “iconic” sites of the world, it was not inscribed (as the first “Soviet WHS”) until as late as Dec 1990. The UNESCO inscription takes great trouble to explain that inclusion of a site is not permitted until the sovereign state, on whose territory it is, has ratified the convention and submitted an official application. This the Soviet ambassador to UNESCO did on 24/10/1989 (The USSR having ratified the convention on 12/10/1988). A few days after the submission the Berlin Wall came down – by the time UNESCO were inscribing the site at Banff in Dec 1990 the USSR had just 8 months left.

I would like to concentrate my review on just a part of the site - on what the UNESCO evaluation calls “the Soviet Union’s prime example of symbolic monumental architecture” – Lenin’s Tomb (photo)!! Whether it has “outstanding universal value” we won’t debate here! I visited it on several occasions during the Soviet period – there was always an enormous queue into which western tourists were inserted a respectful way back but not so far as to disrupt the Intourist arrangements for our other sightseeing! I often wondered what the Soviet citizens made of our queue jumping. How many were there out of genuine respect for the “great man”, how many to “demonstrate” their “loyalty” to the cause and how …