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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 The Kremlin's defensive role had been
replaced by a new, symbolic one as the symbol of the Russian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. |
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