Moscow - the Kremlin

It's been a while since I blogged - internet availability has been sporatic. So, this is the start of the game of catch up.

My first full day in Moscow, and Jasmin's only day, brought us first to the Kremlin. According to Wikipedia, 'kremlin' is used to refer to any fortified area. I had thought that it meant government buildings of some sort, but though the kremlins around the country do usually include government offices, that is not the official definition.

The Kremlin in Moscow is the largest one in the country. Located at Red Square it is surrounded by tall walls with watch towers. These walls themselves are beautifully built and painted.

a wide shot of Red Square

(the Kremlin is on the left)

looking at the Kremlin from Red Square

a wall and watch tower of the Kremlin

We walked through Red Square and then around the Kremlin complex to get to the park at the front gate of the Kremlin. There we saw a nice fountain and statue as well as some tulips that felt the signs of spring and bloomed just for us.

the fountain

tulips and the walls of the Kremlin

I love tulips!

Inside the Kremlin were government buildings as well as several cathedrals. I hadn't realised that there would be cathedrals. They were really beautiful both inside and out. Unfortunately I couldn't take pictures inside, so views of the outside will have to do. The picture of the paintings on the outside is similar to those found on the indside. The paintings covered the walls and ceiling with images of Christ, Mary and many of the saints. These cathedrals were used for religious purposes as well as coronation ceremonies.

Emily and some of the government buildings

The onion domes of one of the cathedrals

Some of the painting on the outside walls