Inside the Kremlin: Putin's 700-room citadel symbolizes his power better than any other place
Vladimir Putin is aiming to demonstrate his military power in Ukraine, and despite stiff opposition from Russia's neighbors, the world's attention is focused on the invading country's intentions for dominance. The Kremlin, an enormous bastion in the heart of Moscow, symbolizes Putin's might better than anywhere else on the planet.
Built in 1495, the Kremlin has been inexorably linked to Russian authority for half a millennium. The former residence of the Tsars who ruled the country before the communist Soviet administration is the central Grand Kremlin Palace. The Kremlin now covers 70 hectares and has five rich palaces, four magnificent cathedrals, an amazing armory, and the President's private apartments.
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The word "Kremlin" means "fortress, citadel inside a city," and its name is a reflection of its aspect. However, the Kremlin's five palaces, among the harsh exterior, have a fair share of decorative elegance. The Great Kremlin Palace, a 700-room residence of Russia's Tsars in the nineteenth century and later the seat of Soviet power, is located in Moscow. According to Moscow.info, the massive structure is both a museum of Tsarist life and a testament to Russian military prowess.
Terem Palace is a multilayer casket construction that was the Tsar's family's house in the 17th century and symbolises old Russia's regal grandeur. Poteshny Palace is a Kremlin oddity that has served as a nobleman's dwelling, a comedic theater, and a police headquarters at various times. This three-story structure was constructed in 1652 and is now a cathedral. The State Kremlin Palace, a Soviet-era building that today hosts concerts, is the Kremlin's own Soviet-era monstrosity. The Palace of Facets, built by Ivan III in 1491 to house the imperial thrones, is the oldest secular structure still standing.
President Vladimir Putin authorized the construction of the Kremlin helipad, which was completed in 2013, to ease traffic congestion caused by motorcades. The Tsar Bell, the world's largest bell, is also housed in the Kremlin. The Kremlin Armoury, which began as the royal arsenal in 1508, is also housed within its walls. It was in charge of making, purchasing, and storing weapons, jewelry, and different household products for the tsars.
Putin is officially housed in a small apartment on the inside, which is appropriate for his low-paying $125,000 a year salary though in reality, he may be one of the world's wealthiest people. A well-known financial publication Forbes even refuses to estimate his net worth since it is unable to verify his financial assets, yet his wealth is said to be worth more than $189 billion. The Russian president is also said to own fine watches, a fleet of yachts, and a number of opulent homes, including a $930 million palace.
