Architecture of the Moscow Kremlin. History of the creation and description of the Moscow Kremlin

The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin allows you to get a full picture of how the center of the Russian capital was originally built. The architectural ensemble includes temples, squares, chambers, buildings. Today all these are sights, to look at which visitors and tourists come from all over Russia and from abroad.

Construction of the Kremlin

The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin was formed at the end of the XV century. The main towers and walls were built in 1485-1495. A red brick and a white stone were used on the lime mortar. It should be noted that the local masters were not qualified enough for such works. Therefore, foreign specialists were invited. Ivan III hired architects from Italy to build the Moscow Kremlin.

However, some of the towers were built by Russian masters. The fact is that their shape resembles characteristic wooden structures. As you know, at that time carpentry in Russia reached its perfection, which was promoted by the universal material itself, and the work was constantly required, since periodically large fires destroyed all buildings. To avoid this, when building the Moscow Kremlin was used stone.

Assumption Cathedral

One of the main buildings of this architectural ensemble is the Assumption Cathedral. It was erected on the site of the first stone cathedral in Moscow, built by Ivan Kalita in the first half of the 14th century. The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin is largely determined by this structure.

The cathedral was built in 1475. For the sample took a similar cult construction in Vladimir XII century. Thus, once again stressed the continuity of Moscow in relation to Vladimir, which was previously considered one of the main cities of Russia.

For the next 400 years it was the main temple in Russia. It was here that the rulers of all rulers were crowned. The main entrance is located on the side of the Cathedral Square. The entrance to this main temple of the Moscow Kremlin is guarded, as it were, by the archangel Michael, whose figure is depicted above the arch. Even higher is the Virgin and Child.

The iconostasis, which we can see today in the Assumption Cathedral, was executed by the iconographers of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in the middle of the 17th century.

During the Patriotic War of 1812, the buildings of the Moscow Kremlin were plundered and devastated. This cathedral was not an exception. Part of the loot from the French then deflected the Russian Cossacks.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral

The architecture of the Moscow Kremlin can not be imagined without the Annunciation Cathedral. It is located in the south-western part of the Cathedral Square. It was built at the end of the XV century. Work was done by Pskov masters.

During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, a porch with a high porch made of white stone was added.

This temple of the Moscow Kremlin was built in the traditions of early Moscow architecture. Today, the murals of the cathedral, which appeared in the beginning of the 16th century, are of great interest. The main merit belongs to the artel of artists, led by Feodosy and his son Dionysius. Many stories on the theme of the Apocalypse. You can also meet and secular motives. For example, Russian princes and Byzantine emperors.

The floor of this cathedral is unique. It was laid out with a special tile made of precious agate jasper.

Cathedral of the Archangel

This cathedral in the walls of the Moscow Kremlin appeared at the beginning of the XVI century. It was built by the invited Italian architect Aleviz Novy. At the same time he followed the traditions of Russian architecture. The features of the Italian Renaissance are seen only in the rich decoration of the temple.

Its construction was conducted on the site of the ancient Archangel Cathedral, which Ivan Kalita built in the 14th century, in memory of the capital's release from the famine. He was dismantled because of the tightness, making room for a more spacious temple.

The cathedral is crowned with five domes. Central is gilded, and lateral ones are simply painted with silver paint. Carved white-stone portals were made in the style of the Italian Renaissance.

During the seizure of the capital by Napoleon, a wine warehouse was located here. On the altar, the French made a kitchen, and all the values were stolen.

Church of the Deposition

Noteworthy and a small church, built by local craftsmen at the end of the XV century. It appeared on the site of the old wooden church of the Deposition of the Deposition, which was built after the Tatars retreated from Moscow.

In 1451 they approached the city, but did not storm it, but retreated, abandoning everything they had stolen. The Orthodox Church gave this religious significance, considering it a miracle. In fact, the Tatars retreated because of political differences between the military commanders.

The new church was seriously damaged by the fire in 1737. It was restored by the architect Michurin.

Armouries

The chambers of the Moscow Kremlin today are of great interest to tourists. The first mention of the values that are in the Armory today can be found in 1339. Even in the time of Ivan Kalita began the formation of princely treasures. Among them were decorations, dishes, church vessels, expensive clothes and weapons.

At the end of the XV century, one of the centers of Russian art crafts was located here. In addition, gifts from foreign embassies were brought here. Pearls, silver goblets, horse harness.

By 1485 the treasury had grown so large that it was decided to build a separate two-story stone building between the Annunciation and Archangel cathedrals. It was called a state courtyard.

Faceted Chamber

The Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is one of the few parts of the palace that have been preserved since the time of Ivan III. It was his ceremonial throne room. This is the oldest civil stone structure in Moscow.

ские мастера при помощи приглашенных итальянцев - Пьетро Солари и Марко Руффо. It was built in 4 years by Russian masters with the help of invited Italians - Pietro Solari and Marco Ruffo.

The Chamber is a square room in which the cross vaults rest on a pillar in the center of the room. The hall with a height of 9 meters is illuminated at the expense of correctly located 18 windows, as well as four massive chandeliers. The total area of the Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is almost 500 square meters.

At the end of the XVI century, its walls were painted with church and biblical subjects. For centuries, it was here that the most important events in the history of the Russian state were celebrated. Foreign embassies and delegations were accepted, the Zemsky Sobor met. Regularly in the Faceted Chamber celebrated the victory of Russian arms. For example, Ivan the Terrible celebrated the capture of Kazan, and Peter I won the victory over Poltava over the Swedes.

Red Square

The Red Square of the Moscow Kremlin appeared in the 15th century. Today it is one of the symbols not only of the capital, but of the country, its business card.

It was laid by Ivan III, who ordered to demolish all the wooden buildings around the Kremlin. Because they seriously threatened him with a fire. This place, under his order, was taken under the trade. Therefore, originally Red Square was called Torg. True, this did not last long.

Already in the XVI century it was renamed Troitskaya. Because of the nearby Holy Trinity Church. Later in its place appeared the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed. Judging by the documents, in the XVII century the square was called the Fire. At the same time, one should not forget the interesting toponymic feature of Ancient Rus. At that time, the same object could simultaneously have several official names.

Red Square officially began to be called only in the XIX century. Although in some documents this name dates back to the 17th century. The meaning of this name, according to the dictionary of Vladimir Dal, is that in our ancestors the word "red" meant beautiful, excellent.

For centuries, the example of the Red Square can be traced to how the Moscow Kremlin was changing. In the 15th century a Kremlin wall with the famous towers - the Senate, Spassky and Nikolskaya - appeared here. In the XVI century, St. Basil's Cathedral and the Execution place. In the XIX century - Historical Museum, the upper shopping arcade, which is now called GUM, a monument to Minin and Pozharsky. XX century brought to the Red Square Mausoleum and necropolis near the Kremlin wall.

St Basil's Church

This temple was built in the middle of the XVI century. It was built in honor of the capture of Russian troops by Kazan. The building is a grandiose structure of 9 pillars that rise above the ground floor, connecting with each other by a gallery. Combines the composition of the central pillar, which crowns the tents with a decorative cupola at the top. Many specially come to Moscow to see this temple with their own eyes.

Eight pillars are surrounded by a central tent. All the others end in heads in the form of bulbs.

From the side of the Spassky Tower two porches lead to the terrace of the temple. From there you can get to the bypass gallery. Tourists and residents of the capital still impresses with the coloring of the temple, even though it was performed several centuries ago. The temple of St. Basil the Blessed was painted by the real masters. They used exclusively natural colors in combination with white stone and red brick. Of the latter, the smallest details are made. A bright painting was performed in the XVII century. When later extensions appeared, they placed a bell tower and a chapel in the north-east. Until now, the names of architects who built this iconic religious building came to us. They were called Posnik and Barma.