Alexander Kremlin

The Alexander Kremlin is a large palace complex consisting of many buildings that complement each other and create a single architectural ensemble, decorating the city of Alexandrov, located on the Golden Ring of Russia. On the territory of the Kremlin, in addition to the palace chambers, there are several temples - the Trinity Cathedral, the Crucifixion Church-Bell Tower, the Assumption and Pokrovskaya Churches - each of the temples is remarkable both for its architecture and history directly related to the Russian rulers. Frequent contact with the life of Russian tsars, especially Ivan the Terrible, provided the Alexander Kremlin and all the buildings that make up it, all-Russian glory, which is often not without mystery and is supplemented by many legends. Alexandrovskaya Sloboda (Kremlin) is directly related to the events taking place during the Time of Troubles. There were many tragic events in the life of the royal family. It was here that Ivan the Terrible, in anger, mortally wounded his own son. All the buildings of the Alexander Kremlin were erected at different times and with the participation of different architects – Russian and Italian. As a result of their labors, the Kremlin appeared, which was only slightly inferior to Moscow in terms of territory, beauty and wealth. The construction of the Kremlin began with the construction by decree of Vasily III, father of Ivan the Terrible, of luxurious palace chambers. Since 1513, the stay in the Alexander Sloboda of the royal family together with all the closest entourage became regular. The Cathedral, currently called Trinity, was erected at the beginning of the XVI century and served as a palace temple. Trinity Cathedral is located in the territorial center of the Kremlin. Its majestic building is built of white stone and brick, like all other buildings of the Kremlin. The cathedral is decorated with exquisite carvings, especially beautiful on the western portal. The cathedral is surrounded by extensions that now look like an integral part of it, but in fact were built later. The crucifixion church-bell tower was originally an observation tower. When the view from it deteriorated (due to overgrown trees and erected buildings), the tower was converted into a temple. Later, a low bell tower was attached to it - its huge bell made a beautiful ringing. In the XVII century, the bell tower was supplemented by a squat building - in it, according to historical evidence, lived Princess Martha, the unwanted wife of Ivan the Terrible. The Assumption and Intercession Churches are buildings of a later period. Within a few centuries of its construction, both churches changed considerably. As necessary, additional premises were attached to them - belfries, refectories, buildings for household needs.