Izmailovo Kremlin is a Russian wooden cultural center and marketplace founded for the revival of traditional Russian culture. The complex was modeled after 17th and 18th-century Russian architecture and fairytale depictions of Old Russia. In Russian, the word ”Kremlin” means fortress, or a citadel built to protect the city. However, the Izmailovo Kremlin was not built for protection but as a cultural and entertainment complex with an imitation of classical Russian architecture.
Izmailovo Kremlin contains the wooden replica of the Tsar’s Summer Palace, museums, souvenir shops, and cafes. It also houses the Church of St. Nicholas, which is the highest wooden church in Russia with a height of 46 meters. The cultural complex has many museums with single-subject museums. There are museums dedicated to vodka, marshmallows, Russian bread, or folk art.
The district of Izmailovo played a major role in developing Russia’s culture and history as it was among the art centers of the country. Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin, there is a famous open-air market that became the landmark of the district. It is one of the largest fairs in the country and dates back to the 17th century. The bazaar is filled with Russian crafts, paintings, and antiques and is very popular among merchants, tourists, and of course locals.
The complex aims to maintain classical Russian architecture, and folklore while taking inspiration from the Russian old tales.
In 2003 a fire almost destroyed Izmailovo Kremlin but it was rebuilt later.
