Suzdal' grew out ol its oldest part. THE KREM LIN. Its compositional centre is the 13th cen tury CATHEDRAL OF THE VIRGINS BIRTH. It is constructed of porous limestone, and deco rated with reliefs, masks and a girdle. During a khans invasion in the 15th century, the cathedral burned down, and in the 1500s its upper level was rebuilt and topped with cupolas. The southern and northern gates, made using a fire-gilding technique, are a one-of-a-kind example of decorative applied arts in ancienl Russia. Also part ot the Kremlin ensemble are the 15th-16th century ARCHBISHOPS CHAMBERS, Suzdal's oldest civic building, and the BELL TOWER (1635], famous for its chiming clock. In 1967, the wooden NIKOLSKAYA CHURCH (1776] was brought from the neighbouring Yuryev-Pol'skiy region, and installed in the Kremlin courtyard. At the present time, the Kremlin is home lo the exhibitions of the Vladimir-Suzdal1 museum-sanctuary, while the first floor of Ihe Archbishops Chambers has a restaurant specializing in Russian cuisine, called Тгарегпауа (Hefeclory]. Come in, rest awhile and try the delicious dishes made according lo aneienl recipes.