Izmailovo Kremlin

Izmailovo Kremlin (Russian: Кремль в Измайлово, Pronounced Iz-mal-o-va) is actually one of about 20 different Kremlins in Russia.  Kremlin simply means castle, or seat of power.  The more popular Kremlin is located at Red Square and the one covered here is in the Izmailovo district. Izmailovo is a market center and a cultural center designed to replicate architecture and fairy tale depictions of ancient Russia. 

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a colorful wooden complex that houses the museums, the St. Nicholas church, the summer palace as well as an amazing souvenir market. The museums are organized according to themes. There is one that exhibit items related to the Russian folk arts, one dedicated to bread and another to Vodka. At the vodka museum, you experience the ancient Russia that was known for Vodka. Visitors learn the stories of how the manufacturing of Vodka began and its role in Russian civilization. You will also find the Museum of the Navy and a registry for weddings. 

It also houses the Saint Nicholas church; The Saint Nicholas church was named after patron Saint of crafts and trade. This wooden structure is 151 feet tall and by far the tallest wooden church structure in Russia. The church hosts wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events.

You will also find a structure depicting summer palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich serves traditional Russian meals, visitors visit the place to have a taste of these delicacies. The complex also offers cognitive excursions, horseback riding, and creative workshops (visitors can learn and experiment soap making, painting on wood, the art of sea knots, weaving from bast, pottery, patchwork doll and blacksmith craft).

Attached to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo district’s Flea market. The market is linked to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. The market is divided into two tiers, one side is dedicated to traditional handicrafts and souvenirs while the other is for all other items. 

The market attracts merchants from all over Russia. Shoppers shop for books, fur hats, baskets, traditional artworks, toys, matryoshkas (nesting dolls), mink hats, lacquer boxes, T-shirts, gas masks, magnets, and unique artifacts. 

The food section in the market where all the vendors sell grilled lamb and other meats with flatbread. This area is quite popular for traditional local foods, but there is not a lot of sitting space so you may have to share a table with other people. 

The Flea market and the Kremlin are most popular during the summer and weekends but they are even open on the coldest winter days. The complex is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. The market is open on weekends.

HISTORY

Originally the Kremlin was located over 7 km to the east outside of the Moscow city limits.  Because of the ever expanding reach of Moscow it became part of the city in the 20th century.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was the home of the Romanov family estate in 1600. The Kremlin in Izmailovo was founded by Marina Viktorovna Alekseeva and Alexander Fedorovich Ushakov. Alexander Fedorovich Ushakov had the idea of creating a cultural complex.  

Alexander Fedorovich Ushakov presented the idea to the city authorities in 1998. He initially presented only presented a simple project, a Russian styled wooden tower, however, the project was signed an entire wooden complex, the Izmailovo Kremlin. The construction started soon after. The place was opened in the year 2003. The complex was gutted by fire in 2005. Alexander Fedorovich rebuilt the complex. The complex was reopened in 2007. 

MISCELLANEOUS IMPORTANT FACTS

The Kremlin in Izmailovo partners with both local and foreign tourism agencies. They have a partnership with “Rest” in Moscow, MIIT Tourism, and Travel also in Moscow, MITF in Moscow and World Trade Market in London. 

Izmailovo hosts festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events every month in the complex. The Izmailovo Kremlin also allows and plans group tours for schools and other institutions.