Tsar Bell

Standing on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin between the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Kremlin Wall, the Tsar Bell is an astounding monument to Russian bell founding. Commissioned by Empress Anna Ivanovna and cast by local masters Ivan and Mikhail Motorin in 1735, it holds the title of the largest bell in the world. This monumental treasure weighs a staggering 201,924 kilograms (445,166 lb), measuring 6.14 meters (20.1 ft) high and 6.6 meters (22 ft) across, with bronze infused with over 500 kilograms of silver and 70 kilograms of gold.

A visit offers you a face-to-face look at a world record holder that has never actually been rung. During a severe Kremlin fire in 1737, cold water tossed by guards caused the cooling metal to crack, snapping off a massive 11,500-kilogram (25,400 lb) slab. Up close, you will marvel at its rich artistic detailing, featuring relief images of baroque angels, intricate plants, oval medallions of saints, and near-life-size depictions of Empress Anna and Tsar Alexei.

Set atop a stone pedestal since 1836, it remains one of Moscow's most fascinating historic sights.

What to see at Tsar Bell

• Marvel at the world's largest bell, weighing over 200 metric tons
• Inspect the massive 11,500-kg broken bronze slab resting beside the main structure
• View detailed baroque reliefs of angels, plants, saints, Empress Anna, and Tsar Alexei
• Explore the historic Kremlin grounds between the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Kremlin Wall

Visiting tips

Respect this historic monument during your visit by refraining from inserting metal coins into its open cracks, as modern metals can trigger damaging electrochemical corrosion.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Tsar Bell is easy to reach on Moscow’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and Tsar Cannon. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Moscow travel guide.