This is the Kremlin's main square. For many years it was the compositional centre. It took shape together with the Kremlin in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, when it became a public centre associated with historical events of great importance. Here ceremonies connected with the coronations of the rulers of Russia were held, the heads of the Russian Church, metropolitans and later patriarchs, were chosen, foreign ambassadors were received, church processions took place and theatrical mysteries were enacted.

Cathedral Square. Miniature. 17th cetury

      We advise visiting the Kremlin cathedrals in a set order, according to their historical importance and date of building. We shall begin with Russia's main cathedral, the Assumption, then visit the Annunciation and Archangel cathedrals and, finally, the Church of the Deposition of the Robe and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower and Belfry. Experience shows that the exterior of any building is best viewed from a distance equal roughly to half the building's height.

Select Cathedral Assumption Cathedral Annunciation Cathedral Archngel Cathedral Church of the Deposition of the Robe Ivan the Great Bell-Tower and Belfry