Around the Kremlin [antikvár]

Notes on Kremlin History The Moscow Kremlin is the most outstanding place of historic interest in the Soviet Union, a complex of buildings revealing the Russian national talent for architecture and art. The Russian people's heroic past mingles here in a single entity with her magnificent present, while every stone, every tower and every structure bears witness to her glorious heritage. Scattered through the older towns and cities of Russia there are many Kremlins (citadels or castles in mediaeval Russia). They are to be found in Pskov, Novgorod, Tula, Gorky, Kolomna and Smolensk, to name only a few places. But the Moscow Kremlin stands out from them all and, by virtue of its architectural unity, perfection and colourfulness, bids fair to compete with many an architectural marvei in other parts of the world. As the ancient and rightful centre of the Russian land, national craftsmanship and civilisation, it attracted to it all of Russia's best craftsmen-masons, carpenters, smiths and artists; and they brought with them the centuries-old traditions of their nation. It embodied the very best the genius of the nation could create, it became a unique school for the craftsmen of Russia and served as a model for the Kremlins built in other cities during the 16th and 17th centuries. The history of the Moscow Kremlin can be traced back many centuries, and the first reference to Moscow relates to the year 1147 A. D., when Prince Yuri Dolgoruky ("Long-Arm") of Suzdal sent Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich of Novgorod-Seversky an invitation to come there, saying: "Come to me, my brother, in Muscovy." It is highly unlikely that this was an