Moscow

The Moscow Kremlin is the centre and heart of the city and Russia. All roads lead to this seat of political power. The Kremlin occupies a triangular piece of land covering Borovitsky Hill on the north bank of the Moscow River. It is enclosed by high walls, which span 2.25kms with the famous Red Square outside the east wall.

Ivan the Great Bell Tower has two golden domes rising above the eastern side of the Sobornaya ploshchad. It is the Kremlins tallest structure and is visible some 30kms away. The 65 tonne bell dates from between 1532 and 1542.

The Kutafya Tower forms the main visitor’s entrance. It stands away from the Kremlins west wall at the end of the ramp over the Alexandrovsky Garden. This tower is the last that has survived over the centuries.

Beside the Bell Tower stands the Tsar Bell which is the world's biggest bell weighing 202 tonnes.

The hall of Facets and Terem Palace is on the western side of Sobornaya ploshchad and is named after it's Italian Renaissance stone facing. Its upper floor housed the Tsar's throne room and was reached by an outside staircase. It was designed by Marco Ruffo and Pietro Solario and was built between 1487 and 1491. It has been closed to tourists.

The Armoury is host to a number of Russian Treasures including the renown Easter Eggs made with precious stones and metals by the famous St Petersburg jewellers Faberge. Room 6 hosts the royal regalia including the 800-diamond throne of Peter's father, Tsar Alexey. Room 9 holds the coaches including the coach that Elizabeth travelled in for her coronation from St Petersburg to Moscow. During peak season entry into the armoury can be difficult and queues are to be expected.

There are (19) nineteen towers built between 1485 and 1500 most are open to the public.