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Spotlight: ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Monuments: The Other Kremlin

The "Kremlin in Izmailovo" is a cultural complexÌýfounded by Aleksandre Fedorovich Ushakov and Marina Viktorovna Alekseeva in 2003. It was established as a cultural center and marketplace mad in the image of traditional ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ architecture and fairytale depictions of Old Russia.Ìý

The idea of creating a centerÌýfor ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ culture came to Alexander FedorovichÌýas a dream in which he began to see the current Kremlin with its towers, a bustling square, and a pond, surrounded by children. Day after day, the details of the new Kremlin were clearer and clearer until he finally presented his project plans to the mayor.

During the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, the family'sÌýresidence was located in Izmailovo. At the current location of the Izmailovo Kremlin, there was a farm, a linen manufactory, a glass shop, and a brick plant. It was in this area that young Peter the GreatÌýfound his small boat, marking the beginning of the ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Navy's history.Ìý

Izmailovo played a major role in developing the country's history and culture. In 1974, an exhibition of contemporary avant-guarde artists laid the foundation to theÌýcontemporary art. Not long after,Ìýthe famous "Izmailovo Vernissage" was formed, an art market selling paintings, antiques, books, and ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ crafts.

According to ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ tradition, a church must be built first when establishing a new settlement. When the project of the cultural complex "Kremlin in Izmailovo" was being realized,Ìýthe first thing built was a church blessed in the name of St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of crafts and trade. In 2005 a fire resulted in enormous damage to theÌý"Kremlin in Izmailovo" and the adjacent " Vernissage." Fortunately, the flames stopped before the church, leaving the sanctuary intact.

Without hesitation, Alexandre Fedorovich decided to buildÌýthe "Kremlin in Izmailovo" again with the support of the Eastern District Prefecture.ÌýThe Kremlin is surrounded by colorful towers,Ìýthe Palace of ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ÌýFormal Meal rises, architectural fantasy based on the works of Simon Ushakov, and a wooden palace in Kolomenskoe.ÌýThe palace is decorated by its own master crafters with a griffin crown its roof, a symbol of knowledge and the emblem of the House of Romanoffs.

The mission of the "Kremlin in Izmailovo" Cultural Complex is theÌýrevival of the ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ family traditions. At the initiative of Marina Viktorovna Alekseeva,Ìýthe WeddingÌýPalace is placedÌýin the Izmailovo Kremlin; andÌýfor children and adults, craft workshops,Ìýa high school, and aÌýmuseum are open to the public. Rooms for family celebrations and hand-decorated by master artists introduce the guestsÌýto ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ folklore and immerse the visitors in an atmosphere of magic.

Perhaps the most ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ place in Moscow, the Izmailovo KremlinÌýis welcome to all!

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Photo Credit: NVO

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