Kremlin

We made it into the Kremlin today. It was amazing! In the Armory we saw gilded and encrusted everything: tableware, bibles, guns, saddles and bridles. Catherine the Great's silver embroidered gowns were astonishing. Then the Diamond Fund. Wow. So, so many jewels! A 200 carat sapphire and a 190 carat diamond! No wonder the Russian people revolted. They starved while the Tsar was coronated in a 5000 diamond crown.

The churches really blew me away. An entire square filled with beautiful cathedrals topped by golden onion domes.

















The doorways are beautifully painted, a hint of what lays inside.




Photographs are not allowed inside, which I totally understand, but it is a shame. Every surfaced was covered with frescoes and icons. When the different parts of Russia were united in the 16th or 17th century (I think) all the icons were brought from all over the country to the Kremlin. The effect is amazing. I am not sure how it happened, but mu iPhone accidentally snapped some pictures while in a church (without flash, of course!). A lucky accident.

















These cathedrals (minus the crazy hordes of people who don't know how to walk through doorways) are my favorite sight so far.

Location:Moscow