The Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin is a huge architectural structure at the centre of Moscow.
It is and has been the centre for government and centre of power in Russia (and the Soviet Union while it existed) for centuries.

The site has been occupied by a fortress dating back to the second century AD. A wooden fortification on the site was destroyed by the Mongols in the thirteenth century. Stone fortifications were later built for the dukes and princes of Moscow.
The current Kremlin (or Citadel, which is what Kremlin means) began with Ivan the Great during the late fifteenth century using Italian architects. But the building has been finished piecemeal over centuries. The last major building, the State Kremlin Palace was completed in 1962 by Nikita Kruschev.The structure has been the centre of government throughout wars, invasions and political turmoil.

Today the Kremlin is a 27 hectare complex of palaces and cathedrals surrounded by a red brick wall. The wall is 2.2 thousand meters of red brick, on which are positioned 20 defensive towers. Within the complex are 8 palaces and 6 Russian Orthodox churches. All these buildings were built in different periods and using different architectural styles. Each has its own style and beauty. It also contains the world's largest church bell (the Tsar Bell, which although damaged) weighs 202 tons.

Today the Kremlin has multiple functions. It is UNESCO heritage site and is a major tourist attraction. It is also the residence for the President of Russia and centre for government administration in Russia.