After passing through the Borovikaja Gate, one leaves Alexander Park and enters the walled Kremlin precinct. To your left stands the Armoury Palace (not shown)--which houses what is perhaps the most dazzling museum in Moscow. Before you, however, stands the massive Grand Palace (closed to the public), former residence of the tsars and now official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. (The Russian "White House" is actually a modern building occupied by Parliament, and lies further west on the Moskova across from the famous Hotel Ukraina.) Sited near the Moskova river, the stylistically eclectic Grand Palace is painted yellow with white trim, and is distinguished by handsome classical arches and pediments as well as rich applied ornament. Look ahead (right) and you will see the flame-like golden dome of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel just coming into view.

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