About Kreml Online
Welcome to Kreml Online, your virtual gateway to one of Russia's most iconic landmarks. Explore the rich history and culture of the kreml from the comfort of your own home. Moscow, the majestic city steeped in history and modern achievements, stands as the epitome of grandeur. With its over 12 million inhabitants, it's not only the largest Russian-speaking city in the world but also one of the most populous cities on the planet. The name of this metropolis derives from the Moskva River, around which the first settlements appeared back in the Neolithic era. Over time, these lands became home to various peoples, such as the Vyatichs and Krivichs. The first mention of Moscow as a city dates back to 1147, and since then, it has transformed from a fortified settlement into a powerful capital of the Russian state. Today, Moscow attracts tourists from all corners of the globe, offering them a rich cultural heritage and modern entertainment. The city abounds in UNESCO-listed sites, and every corner is steeped in history. Kremlin and Red Square. At the heart of Moscow lies the Kremlin - a fortress that serves not only as a historical symbol but also as the residence of the President of Russia. It guards numerous historical buildings and churches, as well as the mausoleum of V.I. Lenin. Adjacent to the Kremlin is the Red Square, surrounded by iconic architectural landmarks such as GUM and the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
GUM
GUM is not just a shopping center but also a cultural heritage site. Its magnificent building adorns the Red Square and attracts shoppers and visitors from around the world. Since the times of the USSR, it has served as a symbol of prosperity and continues to be a popular destination for shopping and leisure. Moscow boasts numerous other attractions, each worthy of endless exploration. This city is full of amazing places and events that are worth visiting and seeing with your own eyes.
Arbat
At the beginning of the 18th century, Arbat became the center of the capital's nobility. It was here that writers, artists, scientists, and political figures settled, where poets like Yesenin and Mayakovsky recited their verses. Today, the houses of Pushkin, Gogol, Blok, Tolstoy, and other celebrities of bygone years are open to tourists located on Arbat. Even today, Arbat remains the most "bohemian" street in the capital, preserving an atmosphere of free creativity. It's always bustling with street artists, musicians, dancers, cafes, restaurants, and vibrant souvenir trade.
VDNKh
In Soviet times, it was the exhibition complex of achievements of the national economy. Today, VDNKh is a popular leisure area with numerous museums, pavilions, and thematic exhibitions. Those who come to VDNKh not for the first time advise renting roller skates, scooters, or bicycles at the entrance - it's quite difficult to walk around the huge territory on foot.
Bolshoi Moscow Circus
It's not just a circus, but the largest circus in the world, capable of accommodating up to 3.5 thousand spectators simultaneously. This arena remembers Oleg Popov, Irina Bugrimova, the famous clown Karandash, and the great Yuri Nikulin, whose name another famous Moscow circus bears - the Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.
Moscow Metro
The Moscow Metro ranks fourth in the world in terms of the length of its lines and carries almost 6.5 million passengers daily. Its opening date is considered May 15, 1935, and new lines and stations are still being opened to this day. It is noteworthy that each station has its unique and incomparable design. Whether in Soviet times or now, the Moscow Metro is a popular tourist attraction.
Theaters and Museums
Moscow rightfully considers itself not only a tourist but also a cultural center of Europe. There are more than a hundred theaters here, many of which have gained worldwide fame. These include the Bolshoi and Maly theaters, Sovremennik, Lenkom, and Taganka theaters, and the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater. There are over 60 museums in the city. The most famous ones include the Polytechnic, Zoological, and Historical museums, the Museum of Anthropology, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, the world-famous Armory Chamber, and the Tretyakov Gallery, the exhibition complex at the Central House of Artists, and the Manege. There are also the Botanical and Zoological museums and numerous private galleries specializing in contemporary art.
Church Architecture Monuments
In the capital, all major religions of the world are represented, with over 1000 religious organizations registered and hundreds of churches and temples in operation. Among the monuments of Orthodox architecture, the most popular are the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Novodevichy Convent, and the Smolensk Cathedral of the Mother of God. Old Believer architecture is represented by over ten churches and chapels, while Islam boasts several mosques, the most famous of which is considered to be the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Additionally, the city is home to Lutheran, Protestant, Catholic, and Buddhist temples.
Parks and Natural Areas
Moscow can only be compared to Sydney and Singapore as the "greenest" cities in the world in terms of the number of green spaces. Moscow boasts over four hundred park and forest park areas with unique flora and fauna. Among them are Izmailovsky, Filyovsky, Timiryazevsky, Lyublinsky, and Moskvoretsky Parks, Neskuchny Garden, the reserves of Tsaritsyno and Kolomenskoye, and the famous Elk Island.
Cemeteries
Moscow is home to numerous ancient cemeteries where daily tours are held, including visits to the graves of celebrities who found their final resting place here, as well as tombs and crypts with unusual architecture. The most popular ones include the Armenian, Novodevichy, Donskoy, Vagankovo, Vvedenskoye, and Rogozhskoye cemeteries.
It's impossible to cover all the significant places in Moscow, and it's unlikely that there is a person who has managed to see all the attractions of the Russian capital. For those planning to visit the country's main city, it's best to plan excursions in advance. And if visiting Moscow is not possible, you can still see the Kremlin, Red Square, and some streets of the city by watching the online webcam broadcast.