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The Kremlin

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About the Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin is a symbol of Russia and one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world.

The Kremlin is a medieval city fortress with numerous palaces, churches and armouries. The 90 acre (36.4 ha) ensemble has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Its architectural history may be divided into three main periods: the wooden Kremlin (13th century), the Italian Renaissance Kremlin, and the modern Kremlin.

The Kremlin began as a wooden fortification on a hill overlooking the Moskva and Neglinnaya rivers. Due to its strategic location, the fortress quickly grew into a town. During the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, the town was destroyed. By the middle of the 14th century, as Mongol power declined, the Kremlin entered a new period of prosperity. Its wooden walls were replaced with stone ones.

For the next two centuries, until Peter the Great moved the capital to Saint Petersburg, the Kremlin was at the centre of Russian history. After the capital moved, Moscow and the Kremlin declined in political importance. The Bolsheviks later made Moscow the capital again, returning the Kremlin to the centre of political life. During the Soviet period, the Kremlin became one of the main centres of state power.

Today, the Kremlin continues to serve as one of the official residences of the President of Russia.

The Kremlin is situated in the historical heart of Moscow. A large part of the territory is closed to visitors, but the areas containing museums, cathedrals and historic collections are open to tourists.

 How to Get to the Kremlin & Entrances

 GPS coordinates:

Latitude: 55°45’1.832″ N (55.750509)
Longitude: 37°36’51.8714″ E (37.614409)
 
Nearest metro stations:
 
Red line: Biblioteka Imeni Lenina and Okhotny Ryad
Dark blue line: Revolution Square
Light blue line: Aleksandrovsky Sad
Grey line: Borovitskaya
Green line: Teatralnaya
 
From Biblioteka Imeni Lenina it is a 5‑minute walk to the main entrance.
 
Different entrances for different areas:
 
Cathedral Square museums → enter through Kutafya Tower
Armoury Chamber → enter through Borovitskaya Tower
Diamond Fund → also through Borovitskaya Tower checkpoint

Important to Know Before Your Visit

• Prohibited items: large baggage, large backpacks, suitcases, skis, sleds, snowboards, scooters, hoverboards, bicycles.

• Left luggage office is located near Kutafya Tower.

• Electronic tickets must be exchanged for paper tickets at the ticket office – for the Armoury Chamber, at least 45 minutes before your session.

• Day off: all Moscow Kremlin Museums are closed on Thursdays.

• Always check the official website shortly before your visit, as opening hours and access may change due to official events, religious services, or other circumstances.

 

🕒 Opening Hours & Ticket Offices

Cathedral Square ensemble:

  • 15 May – 30 September: 9:30 – 18:00
  • 1 October – 14 May: 10:00 – 17:00

Armoury Chamber: 10:00 – 18:00 (timed admission)

Ticket office in Alexander Garden:

  • 15 May – 30 September: 09:00 – 17:00
  • 1 October – 14 May: 09:30 – 16:30

Visitor Centre: daily 09:00 – 18:00

Guard Mount Ceremonies

Two prestigious military ceremonies take place regularly in the Kremlin area and its surroundings. Both are conducted by the Presidential Regiment of the Russian Federal Protective Service (FSO).

 

Guard Mount at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Eternal Flame) 

Every day, soldiers of the Presidential Regiment stand motionless at the granite memorial. The ceremonial changing of the guard occurs every hour on the hour – a precise, solemn ritual that is free for anyone to watch.

• Location: The Memorial Complex “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in the Alexander Garden, next to the Moscow Kremlin walls.

• Hours of duty: The honour guard stands post daily from 08:00 to 20:00.

• Changing of the guard: Takes place every hour.

• Do you need tickets?

No – entry to the Alexander Garden is free. The garden is open 24/7, and admission is free. Watching the guard change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also free of charge. Tickets are only required if you plan to enter the Kremlin territory itself or visit the Armory Chamber.

Ceremonial Mounting and Dismounting of the Foot and Horse Guards at Cathedral Square

The tradition of mounted and foot guards parading inside the Kremlin dates back to the 15th century court of Grand Prince Ivan III and was later formalised in the 17th century. 
Every Saturday from April to October, you will see the Special Guard Company, the Honourable Cavalry Escort of the Presidential Regiment, and the Presidential Orchestra perform a synchronised display of horsemanship, drill and fanfares

  • Location: Cathedral Square inside the Moscow Kremlin.
  • Schedule: The ceremony takes place every Saturday at 12:00 noon. The season opened on April 18 and continues until October.
  • Do you need tickets?
    Yes – you must purchase an entrance ticket to the Moscow Kremlin territory. There are no separate tickets for the ceremony itself. The ticket also allows you to explore the architectural ensemble of Cathedral Square.
  • Ticket prices:
    Standard adult ticket: 1100 RUB

    Always check the official Kremlin website  for current ticket prices and availability, as these are subject to change.

Tickets – Separate Admission

Current standard prices:

• Cathedral Square museums – 1,100 RUB (includes cathedrals, permanent exhibitions, and the Kremlin grounds)

• Armoury Chamber – 1,400 RUB (includes the Armoury Chamber and the Kremlin grounds)

Armoury Chamber sessions: 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:30

Diamond Fund (separate exhibition):

• Timed sessions from 10:00 to 17:20 every 20 minutes (break 13:00–14:00), closed Thursdays.

• Price: 1,000 RUB (current price here).

• Tickets are booked online in advance (reservations open 34 days before the visit). It has its own ticketing system.

Discounts:

• Children under 7 – free

• Visitors aged 7–16 – discounted tickets (must be obtained at the ticket office with documents)

Where to buy:

• Official website kreml.ru (online sales open 17 days in advance)

• Official ticket office in Alexander Garden (same day tickets only)

Warning: Tickets purchased from unofficial resellers are not valid. Use only the official tickets.

 

Temporary Closures 

  • Ivan the Great Bell Tower ensemble – temporarily closed ; always check the official website for the current status).
  • Archaeological Museum – temporarily closed.
  • Kremlin Park route – temporarily closed due to reconstruction of archaeological windows.
  • K5 Museum (new museum at 5 Red Square) – still under reconstruction, not yet open.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • How much are Kremlin tickets?

Please note that the museum complex of the Moscow Kremlin frequently updates its opening hours and ticket prices. For the most current schedule and exact admission fees, always check the official website of the Moscow Kremlin Museums shortly before your visit:

https://www.kreml.ru

  • When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

The busiest periods are the warmer months, weekends and public holidays. For a quieter visit, choose weekdays. Remember that all museums are closed on Thursdays.

  • Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, strongly recommended. Visitor numbers are limited, and Armoury Chamber tickets are session‑based. Online sales open 17 days before the visit. Electronic vouchers must be exchanged for paper tickets at the ticket office – for the Armoury Chamber, at least 45 minutes before your session.

  • How do I get into the Armoury Chamber?

Enter through Borovitskaya Tower. The museum is open 10:00–18:00 with sessions at 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:30. Closed on Thursdays.

  • Can I climb the Ivan the Great Bell Tower?

Important: This attraction is currently listed as temporarily closed. Please check the official website (kreml.ru) just before your visit for the most up‑to‑date status.

  • Is the Diamond Fund included in the standard ticket?

No, the Diamond Fund is a separate exhibition with its own ticketing system and sessions.

  • What are the restrictions at the entrance?

You cannot bring large baggage, big backpacks, suitcases, skis, sleds, snowboards, scooters, hoverboards or bicycles. There is a left‑luggage office near Kutafya Tower.

  • Cavalry Guard Change Ceremony

The ceremonial changing of the guard is a popular tradition, historically held on Cathedral Square in warmer months. However, the Moscow Kremlin Museums do not publish a permanent weekly schedule for this ceremony. Check the museum’s current calendar and announcements before planning your visit around it.

Before your visit, always check the official Moscow Kremlin Museums website (kreml.ru) for the latest opening hours, ticket availability, and any temporary restrictions

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