Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
saints, including St George, St Vladimir, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Alexander. St Ge-
orge's Hall is mainly used for state awards ceremonies, while major international treaties are
signed in St Vladimir's Hall. The Great Kremlin Palace (apart from the Armoury) is closed
to tourists.
Crown display, the Armoury
LONELY PLANET / GETTY IMAGES ©
Armoury
Aleksandrovsky Sad)
dates back to 1511, when it was founded under Vasily III to manufac-
ture and store weapons, imperial arms and regalia for the royal court. Later it also produced
jewellery, icon frames and embroidery. During the reign of Peter the Great all craftspeople,
goldsmiths and silversmiths were sent to St Petersburg, and the Armoury became a mere
museum storing the royal treasures. To this day, the Armoury still contains plenty of treas-
ures for ogling, and remains a highlight of any visit to the Kremlin.
