The Kremlin

The Kremlin in Moscow is a historic fortress and complex on the Moscow river that is sometimes referred to as the world's eighth wonder. It is one of the main symbolic constructions in Russia and can be traced back to the 12th century when Moscow was founded (1147). Originally built from wood, the fortress was destroyed in 1238 by Mongols. The second version of the Kremlin - also wooden - was again destroyed, but this time by the great fire of Moscow (1365). The third version of the Kremlin - this one built from stone - did not prevent the Mongols from taking and burning the city and Kremlin again in 1382.

As Moscow became the dominant city in northern Russia, its grand dukes decided to upgrade the castle. In 1485 a group of Italian architects started their work in Moscow. They came up with a brilliant idea that gave birth to the Kremlin as we know it today. Instead of tearing down the old walls, they built on top of them. As a result, the walls have become exceptionally thick and the castle resembles the original one. However, the strength of the Kremlin walls quickly became almost inconsequential as the Russian state expanded its power in successive centuries. The Kremlin's defensive role had been replaced by a new, symbolic one as the symbol of the Russian state.

The Kremlin has been the residence of Russian rulers, tsars, emperors, soviet leaders and presidents. Today, this citadel is the place of official ceremonies, the official residence of the Russian president and a giant museum with four palaces, four cathedrals and 20 towers that have survived the centuries and many invasions. The last time the Kremlin was successfully invaded was in 1812: Napoleon took the Kremlin but lost the war.