<P> The Moscow Kremlin ( Russian : Моско́вский Кремль , tr . Moskovskiy Kreml , IPA : ( mɐˈskofskjɪj krjemlj ) ) , usually referred to as the Kremlin , is a fortified complex at the heart of Moscow , overlooking the Moskva River to the south , Saint Basil 's Cathedral and Red Square to the east , and the Alexander Garden to the west . It is the best known of the kremlins ( Russian citadels ) and includes five palaces , four cathedrals , and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers . Also within this complex is the Grand Kremlin Palace that was formerly the tsar 's Moscow residence . The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation . </P>
what was the original purpose of the kremlin
the tsar 's Moscow residence