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Moscow's Izmailovo Kremlin
This place is a real gem in the heart of Moscow. It's like stepping back in time, with its unique blend of history and architecture. You'll find yourself exploring the fascinating sights and sounds of this one-of-a-kind destination, from the stunning buildings to the intricate details.
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A Quirky Moscow Neighborhood with a Touch of History and Whimsy
summarizeEditor's Summary
Izmaylovo Kremlin is a one-of-a-kind entertainment district in Moscow that's got a weird and wonderful vibe. It's a mix of old and new, with some seriously tacky structures, but also some genuinely beautiful buildings and palaces. The area's got a rich history, and you can see remnants of 16th- to 17th-century Russian architecture everywhere you look. It's not a traditional historical site, but it's definitely worth a visit for its eclectic atmosphere and reasonable prices. Plus, entry to the territory is free, which is a nice bonus. Just be prepared for crowds and some commercialization - it's a popular spot, especially during peak season. The area's undergone some significant changes since the late 1990s and early 2000s, with many structures being built or renovated in the style of 16th- to 17th-century Russian architecture. You'll find plenty of museums, cafes, and photo opportunities to keep you engaged, and the scenery is beautiful, with plenty of picturesque buildings and palaces to snap pics of. The cafes have clean restrooms and sinks, which is a welcome convenience, and the pricing is reasonable compared to other areas of the city.
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Kararİyi
Tasarım6/10
Verimlilik7/10
Kullanışlılık8/10
Hey there, fellow travelers!
I was a bit taken aback by the sheer number of tacky structures popping up in this section. It's not exactly the kind of place where you'd find renowned scholars and esteemed critics working on groundbreaking research that sheds new light on the intricacies of masterpieces in art and architecture.
The Izmaylovo Kremlin, in its primary function, is an entertainment district. While some of the buildings may bear a passing resemblance to historical styles, they're essentially new constructions. This vibrant and visible spot has been growing since the late 1990s and early 2000s, near the historic Tsarist estate of Izmaylovo. A significant portion of the structures are made of wood, and the creators have attempted to style them in the spirit of 16th- to 17th-century Russian architecture. I've heard that knowledgeable folks refer to this style as 'neo-historicism'. In its short lifespan, the Kremlin has experienced two fires, one of which was devastating.
On the Kremlin's grounds, the cafes have restrooms and sinks. The pricing in these cafes is significantly more reasonable compared to the city center.
All the museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ticket prices range from 100 to 250 rubles. The vodka museum offers an audio guide for 100 rubles, and tastings cost just 200 rubles (a paradise for those with a thirst and a love for burning torches).
Entry to the Kremlin is free, from 8 am to 9 pm, every day. On Saturdays and Sundays, a flea market operates on a designated area of the Kremlin, known as the Vernissage.
We always got here by train. The nearest metro station is 'Partizanskaya', and there's also a station for the Moscow Central Circle line, 'Izmayslovo', for the local electric trains.
Just a stone's throw away from the Kremlin, you'll find three massive high-rise hotels - Beta, Gamma, and Delta. So, many of Moscow's guests who stay here have probably caught a glimpse of this tiny town.
On our very first visit to this place, we noticed two fancy cannons parked on the parking lot outside the Kremlin walls.
My husband, with his military background, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight and jokingly referred to the army that would use such a weapon. On the other hand, my husband and I both appreciated the banner with a slogan near the parking entrance.
I'm pretty sure this shot's from a bygone era - the slogan's probably been removed because it's not exactly in line with our modern way of life... The entrance to the Kremlin is guarded by a cannon from Peter the Great's time and a Preobrazhensky guardsman.
Inside the Kremlin walls, right in the center, is a church.
I visited this Orthodox church, St. Nicholas, which is part of the Danilov Monastery. It's the tallest wooden church in the city, standing at an impressive 46 meters tall. The church houses a reliquary with particles of the relics of St. Peter and St. Fevronia, the patron saints of family well-being. In this quirky town, you can imagine yourself in different roles.
I pictured myself as a great-granddaughter with my grandma.
Or as a fiery red-haired woman with a long braid.
And as a bony old witch, flying above the ground in a mortar. The Kremlin has several museums on its territory.
I think the most interesting spot for kids, especially girls, was the doll museum. For adults, if the stats are to be believed, the Vodka Museum was the real draw.
Despite the sign listing all the reasons to go in, we didn't end up checking it out - we just took some souvenir photos instead.
We popped into the pretzel museum, where you could even try some tea with the famous treats.
And in the museum showcasing everyday items, including wooden dishes, I spotted a few things that brought back memories of my grandma's old country home.
Walking around this beautiful building, you'll find the Izmailovo Kremlin Art Gallery and the Pottery Workshop.
There's also a restaurant inside the Kremlin, called the 'White Veranda'. It specializes in traditional Russian dishes.
I have to admit, even though I knew all the buildings were replicas, I still found myself imagining what it would have been like in the past.
Let's be real, there are just too many buildings and landmarks to remember. But then you stumble upon places like the Ministry of Happiness Agency.
Their list of services is a mile long: organizing parties, buffets, video and photo shoots, cakes, and all sorts of fun discussions. They're guaranteed to put a smile on even the grumpiest person's face. Even in the Kremlin, they found space for a ZAGS office.
Next to it, there's a poster with wedding names based on the number of years the couple's been together. My husband and I just made it past the ruby anniversary, but we're still a ways off from the sapphire one... And if you're looking for a place to buy flowers for the happy couple, there's even a special boutique.
I'm pretty sure that bell is for newlyweds too.
I love how this statue marks the beginning of a new life for a young couple. What caught my eye were the two colorful monuments. The colors were a bit unusual - blue and pink, but no black, brown, or green in sight.
There's Maxim Gorky, the famous writer, and Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the world proletariat. It's fascinating to think about how future generations will depict our modern-day leaders. Unlike many city views, which can feel dull and monotonous in the winter, this place is a riot of color. The multicolored pavilion behind the open-air stage is a real showstopper.
During holidays, local artists and creative collectives take the stage.
Another building that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale - it's definitely a nod to the royal terem.
I was surprised by how clean and peaceful the Kremlin grounds were, especially considering the vodka museum was right there. We took photos wherever we liked without any issues.
Besides the Kremlin, there's also the Vernissage. It's a flea market and a showcase for local artisans.
I was strolling through the market stalls and caught a scene from the spy thriller 'Anna'. Director Luc Besson, this Russian-French co-production, hit the screens back in 2019, before the pandemic. The Kremlin can add some color to the monotonous winter with its vibrant landscapes.
I'll definitely be back for another snowy winter.
My other reviews:
Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, Moscow. A massive park with a palace and museums. A pond with fountains
Kuskovo Estate, Moscow. The former ancestral home of the Sheremetev noble family
VDNKh Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy, Moscow. It's a whole exhibition, museum, and entertainment city. A long history of my visits
Northern River Port, Moscow. You can take a river cruise to five seas from here! Beautiful river gates of the city
Trakai Castle (Lithuania). An ancient castle risen from the ruins. Now it's just a stunning sight
Gardara Castle, Marche Region, Italy. A charming and beautiful corner of sunny Italy
Barcelona, Spain. Second largest city by population, but first by fame and visitor numbers
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is Izmaylovo Kremlin a traditional historical site?
No, Izmaylovo Kremlin is an entertainment district with a mix of old and new. While it has some historical buildings and a unique atmosphere, it's not a traditional historical site.
What kind of attractions can I expect to find in the area?
You'll find plenty of museums, cafes, and photo opportunities in the area. There are also some genuinely beautiful buildings and palaces to explore, and the scenery is beautiful, with plenty of picturesque backdrops to snap pics of.
Is the area close to the metro?
Yes, the area is close to the metro, making it easy to get to and from. You can take the metro to get to the area quickly and easily.
Are the cafes in the area clean and well-maintained?
Yes, the cafes in the area have clean restrooms and sinks, which is a welcome convenience. The pricing in the cafes is also reasonable compared to other areas of the city.
Has the area undergone any significant changes recently?
Yes, the area has undergone significant changes since the late 1990s and early 2000s, with many structures being built or renovated in the style of 16th- to 17th-century Russian architecture.
Is the area suitable for photography?
Yes, the area is great for photography, with plenty of unique and colorful backdrops. You can find plenty of opportunities to take great photos in the area.
Can I expect to find any historical or cultural events in the area?
Yes, the area hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. You can check the local listings to see what's happening during your visit.
Is the area suitable for families?
Yes, the area is suitable for families, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities. You can find plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat, and the area is generally safe and welcoming.
check_circlePros
- •The atmosphere is lively and entertaining, with plenty of cafes and museums to explore.
- •The area is close to the metro, making it easy to get to and from.
- •Entry to the territory is free, which is a nice bonus.
- •There are plenty of museums and photo opportunities to keep you engaged.
- •The scenery is beautiful, with plenty of picturesque buildings and palaces.
- •The area is great for photography, with plenty of unique and colorful backdrops.
- •The cafes have clean restrooms and sinks, which is a welcome convenience.
- •The pricing in the cafes is reasonable compared to other areas of the city.
cancelCons
- •Some of the structures in the area are tacky and don't quite fit with the historical vibe.
- •The area has undergone significant commercialization, which can be off-putting.
- •The crowds can be overwhelming at times, especially during peak season.
- •Some of the buildings may not be as authentic as they seem, with a few being new constructions.
- •The area has experienced two devastating fires, which can be a bit unsettling.
- •The wooden structures may not be as well-maintained as they could be.
