The Izmailovsky Kremlin

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a cultural complex, located in the east of Moscow, not far from Silver-Grape pond. Built in the period 1998-2007, it presents a remarkable attraction with architectural elements made in traditions of the XVII century. It is a unique place in the city, in which history, Russian folk tales and modern life are intertwined. Here you will find St. Nicholas Church, the highest wooden temple in Russia, many interesting museums like the Museum of Vodka, marriage palace, several cafes, souvenir shops and “Chudo-Grad” tourist company, where you can book an excursion or a handicraft workshop. 

Izmailovsky Kremlin is a popular place for different celebrations, exhibitions, perfromances, fairs and other events. Russian national holidays and festivals take place here. People also like to celebrate weddings in the Kremlin according to the oldest traditions. 
The Kremlin is rather big and you have a variety of things to do in inside its walls.

Things to Do in Izmailovsky Kremlin

1. Visit one of numerous museums.

The Kremlin numbers 5 attractive museums: the Museum of Vodka, the Museum of Russian Toy, the Museum of Russian Costume, the House of Bread and the Museum of felt boots. 
Visit all of them and you will learn about the 500-year history of the famous Russian drink, see the unique collection of traditional Russian costumes, paint toy, cook real Russian gingerbreads and make souvenir felt boots.

2. Visit Russian fete

Many wonderful events take place on the territory of Izmailovsky Kremlin – fairs, games, competitions, parades, festivals and weddings. You can plunge into Russian national traditions by listening to folk songs and watching folk dance.

3. Make something with your hands

When seeing handicraft masters at work, use a great chance to take part in producing your own artworks. In the Lyceum “Danila-Master”  you can make a clay figure or a soap, paint a toy or a glass plate, make souvenir felt boots or a cute Tilda angel. Visiting the complex gives you an opportunity to get acquainted with various crafts and decorative arts. 

4. Eat russian food

If you are hungry, choose one of several restaurants, located on the Kremlin territory. The most attractive place is a retro cafe “Old Moscow”. The atmosphere of the Stalin era is reconstructed inside: old chairs, massive sideboard, busts and portraits of general secretaries, antique gramophone, radio and sewing machine. Food is served on china plates while marches, Soviet jazz and old songs are playing. Sometimes black and white films screenings are held here.
The second interesting spot is the Palace of Russian Dining – an enormous restaurant complex, in which ethnic food is presented. There are spacious halls, taverns for up to 1000 guests and stylized wine cellars, all provide the national coloration of Russia. The interior of the palace is decorated in the style of traditional Russian crafts – Khokhloma and Palekh, combining elements of tsar's chambers and peasant huts. 

5. Go to Vernissage

The Vernissage in Izmailovo is a must-see place to visit. It is the largest in the world fair and exhibition of decorative arts. It a great market, where you can buy wonderful gifts. Craftsmen from all regions present their works of traditional Russian styles: Gzhel, Khokloma, Palekh, Fedoskino, Dymkovo toys, etc. Here you can visit the Flea market, the Antique row, the Street of Handicrafts, the Artists Lane and many other exciting spots. 

Izmailovsky Kremlin is a huge open-air museum, a cultural centre and the popular haunt among locals and visitors alike. It is a great place to entertain your kids and to enjoy your stay in Moscow.

If you are not able to visit Izmailovsky Kremlin and to buy something at the famous Vernissage, but still want to have a little gift from Russia, you can purchase beautiful and original handicrafts using our online souvenir shop.

Natalia Semicheva