Entrance Towers

Lonely Planet review

The Kutafya Tower ( Kutafya bashnya ), which forms the main visitors' entrance today, stands away from the Kremlin's west wall, at the end of a ramp over the Alexandrovsky Garden. The ramp was once a bridge over the Neglinnaya River, which used to be part of the Kremlin's defences; it has flowed underground, beneath the Alexandrovsky Garden, since the early 19th century. The Kutafya Tower is the last survivor of a number of outer bridge towers that once stood on this side of the Kremlin.

From the Kutafya Tower, walk up the ramp and pass through the Kremlin walls beneath the 1495 Trinity Gate Tower ( Troitskaya bashnya ), the tallest of the Kremlin's towers. Right below your feet were the cells for prisoners in the 16th century. On your way to Sobornaya ploshchad you pass the following buildings that are closed to visitors.