Visit the Kremlin in Moscow: tickets, prices, schedules

Moscow is your next destination? So don't miss visiting the Kremlin, symbol and unmissable monument of Moscow!

Warming proudly in front of the equally famous Red square the fortress of the Kremlin was the seat of the Soviet power before becoming that of the Russian president! Both are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Kremlin is right: it is one of the most emblematic buildings in Russia, with its sublime cathedrals, incredible museums and sumptuous buildings!

To help you organize your visit, we have prepared a mini-guide with all the important information: schedules at the rates but also the history of this emblematic fortress. You will then be ready to visit the Kremlin in Moscow!

History of the Kremlin in Moscow

Originally a simple enclosure protected by a wooden palissade and then by a stone wall in the 14th century, the Kremlin was finally erected by the great princess of Moscovie Ivan III , became great-prince of all Russias in the 15th century. He wanted to have a residence worthy of his new prestige. He brought architects from Italy to build the fortifications of the Kremlin but also some of the beautiful buildings that the fortress built. The site was gradually expanded by new buildings, palaces and fortifications by the principal successors and then imperials of Ivan.

In the 17th century, huge carillon clocks were installed at the top of the Saviour Tower. Later, in the 19th century, they will play every three hours the anthem “God protects the Tsar” before it is replaced after the revolution by “the International”!

At first fortress, then a residence of the tsars, it was subsequently the siege of the Soviet power, which destroyed certain buildings, such as the monastery of Ascension and the monastery of Chudov, which left room for the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. It is also demolished in 2014 by order of Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin being now the seat of Russian power.

For the anecdote, the Kremlin served as a residence at Napoleon 1 in September and October 1812 when his troops occupied Moscow.

What to see and do in the Kremlin?

Visiting the Kremlin will allow you to explore the various buildings that make up the site with the exception of state buildings. The main attractions of the Kremlin are on the Cathedral Square. Note that to visit the Palais des Armures, you will need a different ticket.

It houses an impressive museum where all the treasures accumulated by the princes of Moscow and the Russian tsars are preserved: thrones, crowns, carrots, clothes and especially a very famous collection of eggs from Fabergé.

From the Place des Cathédrales, after entering the Kremlin, you can start your visit by discovering the Cathedral of the Dormition . Built between 1475 and 1479, it celebrates the accession of Moscow to the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church and is the first stone church in the city! But above all, it was in this cathedral that the crowning and marriage of the tsars took place.

The rest of your visit to the Kremlin will necessarily lead you to the Cathedral of the Annunciation . Built in 1489, it was a private place of the tsars, where he came to gather and confess. In the basement is the Kremlin Museum of Treasures and Antiquities: objects found during archaeological excavations are collected.

Then you can discover the Cathedral of the Archangel-Saint-Michel which houses in his necropolis 46 tombs of the princes of Moscow and the first tsars of Russia. The Tour du Clocher will offer you a wonderful view of the city and the site. Built in 1598, it was energized by the armies of Napoleon before being rebuilt.

Continue your visit with the Church of the Deposition-de-la-Vierge and the beautiful Palace of the Patriarch.

Finally, visiting the Kremlin in Moscow will also be an opportunity to discover the following attractions around the Place des Cathédrales: the Tsar Kolokol a huge bell, and the Tsar Pushka, a gigantic 38-ton gun.

How to get to the Kremlin in Moscow?

The Kremlin is located in the heart of the Russian capital and is shown on all levels. The entrance to the Kremlin is on the west side of the building and not facing the Red Square. You can access this emblematic building:

• By metro: stop at the station Biblioteka Imeni Lenina on the red line. Can also enjoy it to visit a few Moscow metro stations That's really worth the detour!
• By bus: stop at the station Biblioteka Imeni Lenina on lines 144, N2, N11, m1, m2, m3, m6, m27.
• By car: The nearest paid parking lot is at Tverskaya St, 3, Moskva, Russia, 125009.

Kremlin rates

HORARI

You can visit the Kremlin every day except Thursday. Note that the site may be closed for certain holidays. The Place des Cathédrales visited freely from 10H to 17H and the ticket office is open from 9H30 to 16H.

The Palais des Armures is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with 4 visiting sessions starting at 10 a.m., 12 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.

Visits to the tower of Ivan the Great and its museum take place at 10:15, 11:15, 13H, 14H, 15H and 16H.

RATES

To visit the Kremlin, the prices are as follows for the Place des Cathédrales:

• Adults: 500 rubles (about 6.7€)
• Less than 16 years old: free

Here are the prices for the Palais des Armures :

• Adults: 700 rubles (9,4€)
• Less than 16 years old: free

Good to know: - It is possible to buy your tickets online, on the Kremlin official website or at a dealer. Windows are specially dedicated to people who have already booked their tickets in advance, avoiding their long queue at the billboard. Be sure not to forget your identity document. - Please note that a ticketing ticket is mandatory, that you have a free ticket or that you have booked your ticket online. - For the bell tower of Ivan the Great, the entrance costs 250 roubles (3,35€) and cannot be reserved in advance.