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THE KREMLIN - MOSCOW RUSSIA
The Kremlin, seat of the Russian government and home to some of the worlds most infamous leaders, ranks alongside Red Square and the Hermitage as one of Russias top tourist attractions. Ivan the Great, Ivan the Terrible, Lenin, Stalin, Gorbachev and Yeltsin all held sway here, and from within these fortified walls they cast their indelible marks on the pages of history.
Kremlin is actually the term given for the fortified stronghold of any city, and many other kremlins exist in large towns throughout Russia and acted as seats of power for local rulers. Moscows Kremlin began life in the 1150s, on a much smaller scale than it exists now, and was added too by various rulers as Moscow grew in wealth and power. Ivan the Great was responsible for the most ambitious modifications, and during the period of 1475-1516 Italian architects were brought in to build new fortified walls and a number of cathedrals - including the Cathedral of the Assumption, outside which Ivan famously tore up the charter binding Moscow's princes to pay tribute to the Mongols.
Since then many more of Russias leaders have since left their mark on the Kremlin and todays visitor cant fail to be impressed by the vast montage of spectacular buildings that awaits them. Constructed from the 15th Century right up to the 20th, you will find a number of bold and grandiose architectural styles in these edifices, which combine to reflect the glory and splendor of Russia through the ages. Unfortunately the government buildings and palaces can only be seen from the outside, but several hours can still be spent touring the site, admiring the various cathedral interiors and soaking up a profound sense of history.
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