The heat of Moscow’s mid summer can crush your patience and concentration to absorb the Kremlin treasures. Bearing with the heat is worth it. First of all, the Armoury Treasury collection is not only what the name implies. Beyond the war metal of chain mail and weapons, there are massive bejeweled Bibles, royal crowns and ceremonial dress covering centuries of Russian state regalia, vestments of the Orthodox church dating back centuries, all preserved in what was originally the tsars’ arsenal. Ambassadorial gifts from other kingdoms hoping to gain tsarist favor eventually were stored in the treasury. Making a good impression could prevent the wrath of the Russian empire from pounding your countryside making way to pick up the spoils of war or more territory. Bring on those porcelain china sets manufactured in Sevre (top factory of the day) or silver and gold from artisans of other lands. There are oddities such as a double throne for two children rulers, complete with a cutout at the back for prodding them during wearying ceremonies. Most travellers pay close attention to the largest Faberge egg collection (10) in the world, one of which is representative of the Trans Siberian Railway.

Collectively Assumption Cathedral, Archangel Cathdral and Annunciation Cathedral (are you confused yet?) wrap up the power of the Orthodox Church towering over the Kremlin visitors. Speaking of Russian power, although not open to the public you probably didn’t realize you have also strolled past the offices of the president of Russia, the former Senate and the Supreme Soviet are also on the grounds. The control that the cathedrals no longer hold now lies here. The presence of all of this Russian power have brought on a nap. Now slip through the Kremlin walls through Trinity Gate Tower and absorb what you have just been witness to while lying prone on the Alexander Garden lawn along with many other weary Russians. Or cool off in the stream of the public park (below) the Kremlin walls as a few daring locals do. There is something exhilarating about breaking the rules so close to so much power.