History of the Moscow Kremlin (briefly)
Brief history Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is an ancient fortified structure located on the territory of modern Moscow. To date this building is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.
Geographically, the Kremlin is located on the left bank of the Moscow River on Borovitsky Hill, representing a geometrically irregular triangle with a total area of more than twenty-seven hectares. The first fortifications on this site began to be built in the twelfth century. At the same time, it is generally accepted that the Moscow Kremlin in a more or less modern form was built between 1482 and 1495.
The construction of the Kremlin walls is directly connected with the beginning of the heyday of the city of Moscow, as well as the formation of Muscovite Rus'. A time period when the principalities, scattered in the past, gradually began to unite around the new capital, a time when Rus' resisted the Tatar-Mongols and most of all needed a renewed type of state - powerful and integral! It was from the Kremlin gates that the paths diverged in all directions of the world, from here troops marched out to fight the enemy, and right there, behind the walls, the most important persons of the state took refuge from danger.
In the very history of the construction of the Moscow Kremlin, the following important stages can be distinguished:
1. 12th-14th centuries. The first fortifications begin to form. Basically, they were military wooden structures, which were often used for household needs and housing.
2. 14th and first half of the 15th century. It was then that the first white stone structures were erected, which significantly expanded the territory. Already in 1366-1368, under D. Donskoy, the wooden Kremlin walls were replaced with towers and walls made of local white stone.
3. Last years of the 15th century until the 17th century. During this period of time, the Kremlin is actively developing, and works of art are being created that are today considered real architectural monuments.
4. This stage begins in the eighteenth century and continues until the events October Revolution. During this period, ancient structures were replaced by newer ones, and some of them were restored. An updated planning system was also developed, which included the Armory, a new palace, the Senate, the Arsenal and new bridgeheads.
After the October Revolution, certain changes were made to the layout of the Kremlin. Buildings under construction Supreme Council and the Palace of Congresses, new squares and gardens are being created.
Became Moscow Kremlin rebuilt by Ivan III. Already in the first years of his reign Grand Duke began work on renovating and decorating the fortress of Dmitry Donskoy. However, later he decided to completely tear down the old white stone walls and put new brick ones in their place. These grandiose works began in the summer of 1485 and were completely completed under Vasily III. They were led by Italian masters, specially invited to Moscow. In addition to high walls and towers, they erected a dam that blocked the Neglinka River. Thus, a whole lake was formed to the north of the Kremlin - an insurmountable barrier for enemies, as well as for fires, from which Moscow often suffered in those years. Neglinka water was also used to fill a huge ditch that was dug along the eastern wall of the Kremlin. As a result, the Moscow fortress turned into an impregnable island.
By the end of Ivan's reign III Moscow The Kremlin has become unrecognizable. Like a fairy-tale vision, he ascended on the high bank of the Moscow River. By combining palaces, temples and monasteries in one impressive architectural ensemble, the Kremlin clearly embodied the key idea for Moscow statehood of the unity of spiritual and secular power.
Built inside the Kremlin by order of Ivan III a whole series magnificent stone buildings. The first in 1475-1479. erected a new Assumption Cathedral - the center of the spiritual life of Moscow, cathedral and the tomb of Moscow metropolitans.
Following the Assumption Cathedral, the Italians built a new princely palace in the Kremlin, a hall for ceremonial receptions (the Faceted Chamber), the Archangel Cathedral and a number of other buildings.
At the same time as the Italian masters, Russian architects from Pskov also worked in the Kremlin. They erected the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, rebuilt the Annunciation Cathedral and erected several churches in the Kremlin monasteries. Material from the site
Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin
Following the instructions of the Grand Duke, the architect of the Assumption Cathedral, an Italian master Aristotle Fioravanti took the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir as a model. Thus, the idea of the succession of power of the Moscow princes from the rulers of Vladimir-Suzdal Rus' received visual embodiment. The talented architect managed to give his creation a unique charm. A Moscow chronicler of that time wrote with admiration: “That church was wonderful in its majesty and height, lightness and sonority and space...”
In addition to their construction experience, the Italians had to introduce Muscovites to the latest achievements of Western European engineering. Thus, the builder of the cathedral, Aristotle Fioravanti, simultaneously established the production of high-quality cannons in Moscow. He took part in many campaigns of Ivan III, commanded artillery, built bridges and designed all kinds of useful devices.
The Moscow Kremlin is not only a symbol of Russia, but also the largest active fortress in Eastern Europe. It is with the Kremlin (the only historical site where the word “Kremlin” is written with a capital letter) that Russians and foreigners associate Moscow. This is a historical monument and the current residence of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. Therefore, it has the status of a semi-regime object.
For a long time, no one knew what was happening behind the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. Only 40 years ago the Trinity Gate was opened to visitors. Currently, on its territory there is a well-restored reserve, the Armory Chamber, the Kremlin Diamond Fund, the Tsar Bell, the Tsar Cannon and much more.
History of the Kremlin
Archaeologists do not know exactly when the first settlements appeared on the site of the Moscow Kremlin. Presumably four thousand years ago. In the 12th century, the fortified courtyard of Prince Dolgoruky was built. From 1326, the area began to be built with stone churches, and the first fortress walls appeared.
The Kremlin began to acquire its modern appearance in the second half of the 15th century, when Italian architects got down to business.
Their names are well known to us: Pietro Solari, Aristotle Fiorovanti and others. At that time, the Kremlin was a complex medieval city: divided into Cathedral Square and the Patriarchal Courtyard. Built in each quarter Orthodox churches, rich estates of the nobility and boyars. Each of the buildings was very closely adjacent to the other; there was no space that we see now. To late XIX century, the Kremlin fortress in Moscow is white stone.
The Kremlin without the Palace of Congresses. 1920s
The Moscow Kremlin ceased to be the seat of government in 1713; authorities returned there only in 1918. Entrance inside was closed to ordinary people, only in the mid-40s of the last century the government made a slight relaxation: the Spassky Gate opened, slides and skating rinks for children in the Tainitsky Garden were filled. Now the rules on the territory of the museum-reserve have become much stricter, the buffet is closed, photo and video shooting is only partially allowed, and you can only get inside the Armory Chamber by sessions.
The Moscow Kremlin has 20 different towers, no two are alike. Each tower has its own history and its own name.
Sights of the Kremlin
As mentioned above, the appearance of the Kremlin has changed significantly over the centuries of its glorious history. The only building that reminds us of a glorious time medieval city- An amusing palace, it was built at the beginning of the 17th century. The main operating museums of the Moscow Kremlin, open to the public: the Armory Chamber, the Patriarchal Palace, the Architectural ensemble of Cathedral Square, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Diamond Fund.
Quite strict rules apply on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin Museum-Reserve: personal belongings are searched. Anything that you are not allowed to take with you can be left in the storage room.
Photography is allowed only on the street; filming and photography is not allowed in museums and cathedrals.
In the Armory Museum you will see things that belonged personally to the monarchs (including the famous Monomakh hat): scepters, crowns, barmas. Two dozen richly decorated royal carriages, items made of gold, silver and precious stones.
Until 1935, the spiers of the Kremlin towers were decorated with heraldic double-headed eagles.
Please note that you may not be allowed inside if your clothing does not comply with the norms accepted in public places.
Useful information
The territory of the Moscow Kremlin Museum-Reserve is open daily from 9:30 to 16:30.
Tickets to the Armory Chamber are the most expensive in the entire museum - 700 rubles for adults. But it's worth it.
Tickets are sold strictly by time (10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:30), the ticket office opens 45 minutes before the start of the show.
All current information, exhibitions, and ticket prices can be found on the official website of the Moscow Kremlin.
His Majesty – the Moscow Kremlin. Part 1. History.
What can be compared with this Kremlin, which, surrounded by battlements, flaunting the golden domes of cathedrals, reclines on a high mountain, like crown of sovereignty on the forehead of the formidable ruler?.. He is the altar of Russia, on it many sacrifices worthy of the fatherland should be and are already being performed... No, it is impossible to describe neither the Kremlin, nor its battlements, nor its dark passages, nor its magnificent palaces... You have to see, see... you have to feel everything that they say to the heart and imagination!..,
- M.Yu. Lermontov.
Moscow has stood on Russian soil for nine centuries and, it seems, does not feel its ancient age at all, looking more to the future than to the past. But there is a place in Moscow where every period of its centuries-old history, every turn of its complex fate has left its indelible mark. This place is the Moscow Kremlin.
It is located in the center of a huge city on a high hill above the Moscow River. From the opposite bank of the river, the walls and towers of the Kremlin give the impression of a fence of a majestic architectural ensemble. Up close, you can feel the harsh power of this ancient citadel. The height of its walls, narrow loopholes and battle platforms, the measured pitch of the towers - everything suggests that, first of all, this is a fortress.
Upon entering the Kremlin, the impression changes. On its territory there are spacious squares and cozy squares, ceremonial palaces and golden-domed temples. Today, everything here truly breathes History - ancient cannons and bells, ancient cathedrals that have preserved so many events, so many names in memory... Everything is nearby, all together - the royal palaces and palaces of the New Age, the residence of the President of Russia and world-famous museums.
So what is the Moscow Kremlin - this amazing fortress city in the center of Moscow? A stronghold of power, the ancient spiritual center of Moscow and Russia, a treasury of its art and antiquity? It is unlikely that a comprehensive answer can be found. Apparently, there will always be something unsaid behind it, some hidden meaning and meaning. Having absorbed the history of the country, becoming a witness and participant in all its most important events,
The Kremlin turned into an all-Russian national shrine and became a symbol of Moscow and all of Russia.
More than nine hundred years of history of Moscow and the Kremlin are too long term to even try to list all its main events and facts. We do not offer a detailed chronicle of events, but rather a story about the historical fate of the Moscow Kremlin, each turn of which is a milestone in the life of our country.
The Moscow Kremlin is located on Borovitsky Hill on the left bank of the Moscow River, at the confluence of the Neglinnaya River. The height of the “Kremlin coastal mountain,” as it was called in the old days, is approximately 25 meters. The area now occupied by the Kremlin was completely covered with forest in ancient times. Apparently, the ancient name of the Kremlin hill “Borovitsky” is connected with this.
Archaeologists date the first evidence of human presence on Borovitsky Hill to the end of the 2nd millennium BC new era and attribute the found monuments to the so-called Fatyanovo culture. Then there is a rather long gap in the history of the settlement of Borovitsky Hill.
The next archaeologically studied stage dates back to the 8th-3rd centuries BC. The primitive communal settlement was located in the area of modern Cathedral Square of the Kremlin. Archaeologists attribute it to the Dyakovo culture, named after the first settlement of this type, discovered near the former village of Dyakovo (near Kolomenskoye)
The settlement on Borovitsky Hill may have already had fortifications. From the northeast, as a means additional protection, two deep ravines were used. One ravine led to Neglinnaya north of the current Trinity Gate, the other cut through the southern slope between the Petrovskaya and 2nd Nameless towers of the existing Kremlin. The beginnings of both ravines were gradually connected by a ravine, artificially deepened by the first settlers of the Kremlin mountain.
In the first half of the 12th century, a Slavic settlement arose on Borovitsky Hill, where the Kremlin is located today, which gave rise to the city of Moscow. The Vyatichi probably re-inhabited the top of the hill. They also developed the periphery of the old settlement - the cape of the mountain. Both parts of the village received closed ring fortifications and, apparently, had cult centers inside: the upper one - on the site of the Assumption Cathedral, where a cemetery of the 12th century was discovered and, probably, a wooden temple stood, the lower one - “under the pine forest”, where, according to legend, in this The wooden Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist had already stood. It was here, on the headland of the hill, that the hanging seal was found Metropolitan of Kyiv the end of the 11th century is a clear evidence that the settlement was of an urban type.
Holy Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow. Icon of the turn of the 17th-18th centuries
In the second half of the 13th century, the weakened Vladimir-Suzdal principality experienced a period of intense fragmentation. Moscow also had its own princely dynasty. Its founder was Prince Daniil - youngest son Vladimir Prince Alexander Nevsky. We do not know the exact date of Daniil's move to Moscow. The chronicle first mentions his name in connection with the Moscow events in 1283.
As a result of the invasion of the Batu hordes, Rus' found itself under the heavy burden of the Mongol-Tatar yoke, however, it retained its statehood.
The main form of dependence was the payment of tribute. In addition, the princes were forced to receive labels (letters) from the Horde for ownership of their lands. In 1243, the Vladimir prince was recognized by Batu as the eldest among the princes of North-Eastern Rus'. He began to bear the title of "great". By passing the label on the great reign of Vladimir from one prince to another, the rulers of the Horde turned it into the object of a long internecine struggle.
Ivan I Danilovich Kalita
In 1328, the son of Moscow Prince Daniil, Ivan Kalita, received the label for the great reign. Having managed to establish peaceful relations with the khan, he achieved the right to collect tribute from all Russian lands. Stopped for forty years Tatar raids to Rus'. The Moscow prince imposed a double tribute on the country, part of which he hid from the khan. Apparently, this is where his nickname “Kalita” comes from, which means “bag, money bag.”
A. Vasnetsov. The Kremlin under Ivan Kalita.
Particularly important for the history of Moscow and the Kremlin is the fact that, having received the label, Ivan Kalita did not move to the capital Vladimir, as other princes did, but remained in Moscow, expanding his principality, subjugating and purchasing other lands and cities. Under him, the head of the Russian church, Metropolitan Peter, moved from Vladimir to Moscow, whose authority was exceptionally high.
In connection with this, the Moscow Kremlin also changed its significance. From an ordinary fortified city center, it became the residence of the Grand Duke and Metropolitan. On its territory they began to erect structures not only from wood, but also from white stone. At the highest point of Borovitsky Hill in 1326-1327, the Assumption Cathedral was built - the main temple of the principality, in 1329 - the church-bell tower of St. John Climacus, in 1330 - the Cathedral of the Savior on Bor, and in 1333 - the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, in which Ivan Kalita and his descendants were buried.
These first white-stone churches in Moscow determined the spatial composition of the Kremlin center, which in its main features remains the same today. Under Ivan Kalita, Moscow is actively growing, and his residence on Borovitsky Hill is beginning to be perceived as separate, main part cities. And, apparently, it is no coincidence that it first appears in the Resurrection Chronicle under the year 1331. given name- Kremlin.
Cathedral of the Transfiguration on Bor in the Moscow Kremlin
In 1339-1340, Ivan Kalita built a new, larger fortress “in a single oak” from oak logs, that is, only from oak. The Resurrection Chronicle notes the very rapid completion of construction: in November they laid the groundwork and “finished the same winter for the spring in the great fast.” It is known that the Kremlin was expanded towards the floor (towards modern Red Square).
Giacomo Quarenghi. View of Cathedral Square in the Moscow Kremlin. 1797
Dying, Kalita drew up a spiritual letter (will). He transferred to his sons not only Moscow lands, but also symbols of the power of Rus' at that time - gold chains and belts, as well as precious dishes and princely clothes. Among them, the “golden cap” was mentioned for the first time, which is identified with the famous Monomakh cap - the main crown of Russian sovereigns. Thus, in the first half of the 14th century, the treasury of the Moscow Grand Dukes began to form in the Kremlin.
Kalita's policy was continued by his descendants. She achieved particular success during the reign of his grandson, Dmitry Donskoy.
Dmitry Donskoy. Portrait from the Tsar's title book, 1672.
In 1365, the Kremlin suffered severely from another fire. The young prince Dmitry Ivanovich decides to build stone fortifications on Borovitsky Hill. Throughout the winter of 1367, limestone was transported on sleighs from the village of Myachkovo, which was located 30 versts from Moscow, and in the spring they began construction work. As a result, walls and towers rose in the center of Moscow, becoming the first white-stone fortress of North-Eastern Rus'.
Construction of the first stone Kremlin in Moscow. Miniature of the Front Chronicle Vault. XVI century.
The walls, surrounded by a natural water barrier and a moat on the side of Red Square, according to researchers, were high and jagged, with fences, that is, wooden shutters, placed between the teeth. Probably, the white-stone Kremlin had 8 or 9 towers and 5 of them were travel towers. Moreover, three travel towers led towards Red Square.
Tombstones in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin (in the center is the tombstone of Dmitry Donskoy)
The territory of the Kremlin was further enlarged due to the floor part of the hill and especially due to the hem, since the southern part of the wall was lowered from the edge of the hill to its base along the Moscow River.
The capture and destruction of Moscow by the Horde Khan Tokhtamysh. Miniature of the Front Chronicle. XVI century.
Prince Dmitry annexed a number of principalities to Moscow, and in relations with the Golden Horde he moved to an open struggle for liberation from the yoke - he stopped paying tribute to the Horde. In response, Khan Mamai set out on a large campaign against Rus'.
Defense of Moscow from Tokhtamysh in 1382. Painting by A. M. Vasnetsov
On September 8, 1380, on the Kulikovo field, at the confluence of the Nepryadva River with the Don, the Russian squads and regiments of Khan Mamai clashed in a fierce battle. The Tatars were completely defeated. Moscow Prince Dmitry, under whose banner almost all of North-Eastern Rus' stood, received the honorary nickname “Donskoy” for this victory and went down in history as one of the greatest commanders of Ancient Rus'.
A. Nemerovsky. Sergius of Radonezh blesses Dmitry Donskoy for a feat of arms
The victory on the Kulikovo Field restored the Russian people's faith in their own strength and caused a rise in national self-awareness and culture. The territory of the Moscow principality grew significantly, the population of its capital increased, and the Kremlin treasury began to receive valuables from the treasury of appanage princes who went into the service of the Grand Duke of Moscow.
“Battle of Kulikovo” Adolf Yvon (1859)
Two years later, after the next Tatar invasion of Moscow in 1382, the payment of tribute had to be resumed, but in smaller amounts, and the growth of the power of Moscow was reflected in the spiritual charter of Dmitry Donskoy, where he for the first time passed on his title of Grand Duke by inheritance.
In ancient times, at the confluence of the Neglinnaya River and the Moscow River on Cape Borovitsky, the first settlement of the future Moscow appeared. In 1147, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky gave his feast here. This chronicle mention went down in history as the year of the founding of our capital.
Already at that time the settlement was surrounded by a rampart and wooden walls. In this place, Yuri Dolgoruky built a fortress in 1156, which became the famous Moscow Kremlin.
Fires in Moscow at that time were not uncommon. In 1337, almost the entire city burned down, so by 1340 the Kremlin was surrounded by new oak walls.
Another fire in 1354 again destroys the Kremlin. A repeat event occurs after another 10 years. The city's rulers were in dire need of solving this problem.
Dmitry Ivanovich decides to surround the Kremlin with stone fortifications. Heavy work on the delivery of limestone begins, and since 1368 white stone walls have risen in the city.
The modern appearance of the Kremlin took shape in 1485-1495 on the initiative of Ivan III. A huge number of the best architects of “all Rus'” were involved in the construction. Also, Italian masters in the field of construction of defensive structures were involved in the construction of the walls and towers of the fortress. The Italians at that time were building Moscow everywhere, but still the original Russian plans were not killed, foreign influence came to naught.
The first Taynitskaya Tower in the Kremlin was built in 1485 by Anton Fryazin. Here, secret passages to the river and a well were provided, providing the defenders of the fortress with water.
In 1487, the southeastern corner was occupied by the Beklemishevskaya round tower by Marco Fryazin. A little later, all the other Kremlin towers were built.
Clock of the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin
The people revered the main gate of the Frolov Tower. People did not pass through them on horseback or with their heads covered. Later, the Frolovskaya Tower was renamed Spasskaya because of the icons of the Savior of Smolensk and the Savior Not Made by Hands placed here. According to documents, the main clock of the state in this tower appeared back in 1491.
In 1625 the clock was replaced with a new one. The master was Khristofor Golovey, and Kirill Samoilov cast 30 bells for them.
The next clock update took place under Peter I. With the transition to a single daily count of time, a Dutch clock with 12 divisions was installed on the Spasskaya Tower. But after the fire of 1737, they also had to step down from their honorary post.
The clock of our time was installed in 1852 by the Butenop brothers.
Ruby stars of the Moscow Kremlin
In 1935, stars from the Spasskaya, Nikolskaya, Borovitskaya and Trinity towers were installed on the tops of stainless steel, lined with red gilded copper. In the center of the stars is a 2-meter-high hammer and sickle emblem, decorated precious stones. To install the stars, we even had to rebuild the towers a little. One way or another, within two years the stones on the stars faded, and in 1937 a decision was made to install ruby stars.
The Moscow Kremlin is a symbol Russian Federation, is revered by its entire population and attracts foreign tourists who want to plunge into the history of our great country.
