The History of the Kremlin in Izmailovo

The Cultural-Entertainment Complex “Kremlin in Izmailovo” is situated on the bank of the Serebryano-Vinogradny (“Silver-Grape”) pond next to the historic country estate of the Russian tsars and a modern hotel complex, within a five minute walk of the metro station “Partizanskaya” (former “Izmailovsky Park”).

On the spot where today the world-famous complex “Kremlin in Izmailovo” is located, less than 17 years ago there was a vast neglected ground. One more time in the history after the XVII century the gifted masters and skilled craftsmen came there and the work began. The craftsmen put all their talent and soul in the construction of the Kremlin. That is how appeared the famous “Kremlin in Izmailovo”, designed in style of Tsar’s Palace.

From the ancient times the word “Kremlin” was used to indicate big fortress, the central part of an ancient Russian city. Kremlin was the kernel of the whole settlement. Its walls were the last barrier for enemies. During the siege all people came to Kremlin. First Kremlins were wooden but already in XIII-XIV to increase their defensive capacity architects began to build stone fortresses, fire-proof, surrounded by fortresses and water ditches. In Russia there are more than 20 historical-cultural complexes which are called “Kremlin”. They are not only fortresses with stone walls and towers, but also remarkable architectural complexes with churches and palaces. Russian Kremlins are our pride. The Kremlin in Izmailovo combines different traits of ancient Russian Kremlins.

Here is gathered everything worthful from Tsar’s Palace in Izmailovo: one of the ponds is reconstructed; menagerie, poultry-yard and stable are being reconstructed (those are for horses, a bear and pigeons); flowers and grapes are planted. In Bread House you will see an exposition showing the traditions of bread making, windmill and looms and also will be able to make bread by yourself.

The Kremlin is situated on a high hill, surrounded partly by wooden palisade, partly by stone walls with massive towers and bridge.  The Kremlin is built according drafts and engravings of Tsar’s Palace of XVI-XVII centuries. The white stone towers are decorated by colored
tiles, made according to ancient traditions. You can enjoy a wonderful view from the Bell Tower: wooden buildings with museums and workshops, the Vernisage souvenir market built in the Old Russian style, the wooden Church of the Sanctifier St. Nicholas, and the Blacksmith Yard. In the Palace of Russian Dining you can taste dishes of different Russian regions and nations. In the XXI century Russian traditions are raised in the Kremlin in Izmailovo. Here the folk bands perform, city holidays and festivals are held, and in the Palace of Happiness weddings are celebrated.

The Kremlin in Izmailovo combines three museums: Museum of Russian Toys, Museum of Russian Costume and Way of Life, and Vodka History Museum. In the nearest future Bread House and The Bell Museum will be reconstructed.

In Kremlin in Izmailovo you can also learn some old crafts. In the Lyceum “Danila-Master” you can take part in master-class on painting, pottery, toy making and so on.

In the only Blacksmith Yard in Moscow professional blacksmiths create their unique masterpieces. Here you can see the museum of forging and even try to make by yourself some little souvenir.
 
Near the Izmailovo Kremlin the famous Vernisage is situated – it is the biggest exhibition and fair of fine and decorative arts, traditional Russian crafts, antiques and souvenirs. It exists more than 20 years and gathers in one place craftsmen from all regions of Russia. Here one can find famous traditional Russian art and crafts such as Khokhloma, Gzhel, Fedoskino, Palekh, Kholui, Dymkovo toys, etc.