Tsar Bell

Tsar Bell — one of the most recognizable symbols of the Moscow Kremlin and the largest bell in Russia. Its height exceeds 6 meters (about three and a half human heights), and its weight reaches 202 tons. Surprisingly, this giant has never rung: history decided otherwise. Today, the Tsar Bell has become not only a monument of 18th-century foundry art but also one of the most popular attractions of the capital.

What is it?

The Tsar Bell was cast in the 18th century by order of Empress Anna Ioannovna. The masters decorated it with relief images, inscriptions, and ornaments. On its surface, you can see portraits of tsars and saints, making it a true work of art. A special attraction for tourists is the broken fragment weighing 11 tons, placed nearby. Thanks to this “scar of history,” the bell looks even more majestic, and visitors of the Kremlin often ask: “Why did it crack?”

History of the Tsar Bell

The tradition of casting ever larger bells existed in Russia for several centuries:

• Ivan III commissioned an 8-ton bell,
• Vasili III — a 16-ton bell,
• Ivan the Terrible — a 35-ton bell,
• Aleksey Mikhailovich — a 128-ton bell.

But the record was set by Anna Ioannovna. Work began in 1733 under the supervision of master Ivan Motorin. After his death, his son Mikhail continued the project. About 200 people took part in the creation: blacksmiths, founders, sculptors, carvers. The bell was cast right in the Kremlin, in a foundry pit on Ivanovskaya Square. But they were never able to lift it onto the bell tower.

The Trinity Fire of 1737

In 1737, a Trinity Fire broke out. To save the bell from melting, people poured cold water over it. The sudden temperature drop caused cracks, and a piece weighing 11.5 tons broke off. For more than a hundred years, the bell lay in the ground. Only in 1836 did engineer Auguste Montferrand raise it and install it on a pedestal near the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, where it remains to this day.

Interesting facts

• The bell weighs 202 tons, its diameter is 6.6 m, and its height is 6.14 m.
• The alloy contains gold (72 kg) and silver (525 kg).
• The bell has never been used for its intended purpose.
• In 2016, scientists from the USA modeled its sound: the Tsar Bell’s “voice” would be deep and booming, audible for many kilometers.

What to do at the Tsar Bell?

• Take impressive photos next to the giant.
• Touch the metal and feel the scale of 18th-century craftsmanship.
• Examine the decorative reliefs and inscriptions.
• Try to lift the broken fragment — though at 11 tons, it’s impossible.

Practical information

• Location: Moscow Kremlin, Ivanovskaya Square.
• How to get there: the most convenient way is by metro — stations “Aleksandrovsky Sad” or “Biblioteka Imeni Lenina.”
• Opening hours: from May 15 to September 30 — 9:00 to 17:00, in winter — 9:30 to 16:30. Closed on Thursdays.
• Tickets: visiting Cathedral Square costs 700 RUB (discounted ticket — 500 RUB, children under 16 — free).

What to combine the visit with?

Near the Tsar Bell you can find:

• the equally famous Tsar Cannon,
• the Ivan the Great Bell Tower,
• ancient Kremlin cathedrals,
• the Armoury Chamber and the Diamond Fund.

After the tour, it’s worth taking a walk across Red Square — Moscow’s main landmark.

When to visit?

The best time to visit is during the warm season, when you can freely walk around the Kremlin. But even in winter, the Tsar Bell is impressive, especially against the backdrop of snow-covered walls and cathedrals.

Conclusion

The Tsar Bell is not just a bell, but a symbol of Russian history, ambition, and craftsmanship. It has never rung, yet it still became the “voice” of Russia, telling stories of the past and attracting millions of tourists. Visiting the Tsar Bell is a must-see on any trip to Moscow.