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>> Kremlin Grounds, Cathedrals and Armory
Moscow's famous Red Square earned its name from the Russian word for "red", which many centuries ago also meant "beautiful". The square is known for its famous landmarks: the walls of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral with its cluster of shapes and colors, the Kazan Cathedral, the Place of Skulls, the elegant arcades of the GUM department store and the National Historical Museum.
Started in the 15th century as a market place, throughout the history Red Square served as a place for celebrating holidays, for public gatherings, Government announcements and watching executions. Until recently it was the site for the Soviet military parades and demonstrations. Today Red Square is a popular attraction for both Russian and foreign visitors alike. It provides plenty of photographic opportunities, while the area between St. Basil's and the Moscow River is often used for rock and pop concerts.
Right next to the Square is the Kremlin - spiritual and political heart of Russia, the stronghold of the Russian Tsars and Soviet leaders. The main landmarks are the three Cathedrals : Assumption, Annunciation and Archangel dated back to the 15-16th centuries. Other landmarks are Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Tsar Bell, Tsar Cannon, Hall of Facets and Terem Place. Armory is famous for its stunning collection of treasures accumulated over the centuries by the Russian State and Church. The collection is famous for its royal regalia, Faberge Easter eggs of precious metals and jewels, the 800-diamond throne of Tsar Alexey, the jewel-studded and sable-trimmed, gold Cap of Monomakh, worn for coronations for two centuries, the coronation dresses of the 18th century empresses, the sleigh in which Elizabeth rode from St. Petersburg to Moscow for her coronation pulled by 23 horses at a time.
Between the Armory and the Annunciation Cathedral is the Great Kremlin Place – an official residence of the Russian president and a site of many official visits and receptions. Diamond Fund is next to the Armory. It houses the collection of precious stones and jewelry garnered by Tsars and Empresses. The most notable is 190-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great by her lover Grigoriy Orlov. Today approximately two-thirds of the Kremlin is off-limits to visitors, including the Arsenal, the Presidium, the Terem, Faceted and Great Kremlin Palaces and most of the buildings in the northern half of the fortress. Tourists do, however, have access to all the cathedrals and priceless collections of the Armory, the Patriarch's Palace and the State Kremlin Palace, which hosts regular concerts and gala performances.
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