Where else is the Kremlin. 12 Kremlins of modern Russia

Moscow, Novgorod, Kazan, Suzdal, Nizhny Novgorod, Pskov, Smolensk, Kolomna, Astrakhan, Tobolsk, Tula, Rostov, Aleksandrovsk, Vlashy; Dimir, Vologda. Still exist without walls-Volokolamsk, Dmitrov, Ryazan, Yaroslavl.

The ancient fortifications, designed to protect and gather under their protection the surrounding inhabitants, called the Kremlin, were the beginning of the transformation in Russia. settlements to the cities. The origin of the word Kremlin is interpreted in different ways, but the fact that it is associated with timber and (or) shelter (except) is the most correct, in my opinion.

Because in Ancient Russia there were a fairly large number of cities, then there were also enough Kremlins in Russia. So we can only try to find those that have survived.

I will name among the first Moscow, Kazan, Pskov and Novgorod ( Velikiy Novgorod) Kremlin. Fully or partially preserved fortifications are Tula, Tobolsk, Ryazan, Astrakhan, Zaraisky, Kolomensky, Vologda, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, Gdov, Izborskaya, Porkhov, Rostov, Smolensky, Staroladozhskaya. I cannot but mention the Kyiv Kremlin, although only the restored Golden Gate

The photo shows:

1) Pskov Kremlin

2) Novgorod Kremlin

3) Kazan Kremlin

4) Izborsk fortress

Kremlin is a fortress in old Russian cities. Therefore, almost all old Russian cities once had their own kremlins. For example (so far in the Moscow region): Volokolamsk, Kolomna, Zaraisky, Mozhaisky, Dmitrovsky, Zvenigorodsky, Ruzsky, Vereya Kremlins.

We especially note the Izmailovsky Kremlin. This is a brand new one. The Kremlin with the sense of a defensive fortress has never been. It is cultural and entertainment shopping complex, opening day.

A feature of Russian kremlins was the presence on the territory of the kremlin Orthodox church, master and administrative buildings.

In pre-Mongol Russia, there were about 400 large and small cities. Each of them had a detinets (fortress). The term Kremlin (chrome) appeared in the XIV century.

Of the surviving (at least partially) kremlins of Russia, one can distinguish: Alexandrov, Astrakhan, Vladimir, Vologda, Vyazma, Gdov, Zaraisk, Izborsk, Kazan, Kolomna, Mozhaisk, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod (Nizhny Novgorod), Novgorod, Porkhov, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan, Serpukhov, Smolensk, Staraya Ladoga, Tobolsk, Tula.

Cities in which ramparts have been preserved or archaeological excavations have confirmed the presence of kremlins in antiquity (for the Moscow region, see at the beginning of the answer): Aleksin, Belgorod, Belozrsk, Borovsk, Bryansk (Pokrovskaya Gora), Velikie Luki, Irkutsk, Kaluga, Kleshchin (fortification nearby with Pereyaslavl Zalessky), Kostroma, Mur, Mtsensk, Opochka (fortification, Pskov region), Orel, Pustozrsk (fortification on the Pechora River), Radonezh (fortification), Rzhev, Rurik’s settlement in Veliky Novgorod, Sviyazhsk, Slobodskaya ( Kirov region), Staritsa, ancient settlement Old Ryazan, Starodub, Suzdal, Torzhok, Toropets (the Kremlin was called the Red Wall), Uglich, Ufa, Kirov (in ancient times Khlynov, Vyatka), Tsivilsk (Chuvashia), Cheboksary, Yuryev-Polsky, Yaroslavl.

What does the average person imagine when they hear the word "Kremlin"? Of course, red towers, monumental walls, main square Russia… In short, Moscow immediately comes to mind! However, the Kremlin is not only the official place of work of the Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but also, above all, an ancient Russian defensive structure. There are many Kremlins all over Russia! Today we will tell you in which city, besides Moscow, there is this majestic building.

1. Novgorod

The Novgorod Kremlin is the most beautiful complex of medieval buildings in this city. Located on the banks of the Volkhov River, the building is a favorite place for tourists and is included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. It should be noted that the Novgorod Kremlin is almost a thousand years old!

2. Kazan

Kazan in recent years is rightfully considered the "third capital" of Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is not surprising, because in this beautiful city really something to see! One of the most beautiful buildings - also, by the way, protected by UNESCO - is the Kazan Kremlin, built back in the 10th century to repel enemy attacks. By the way, by analogy with the Moscow Kremlin, the residence of the head of the Republic of Tatarstan is located here.

3. Astrakhan

The Kremlin in Astrakhan is surprisingly well preserved - and yet it was built more than four hundred years ago! These walls are really powerful. Take a look for yourself: in such a Kremlin you can fight off enemies even now! 🙂

4. Tula

Tula also has its own Kremlin, and it arose at about the same time as in Astrakhan. It includes nine loophole towers and walls with a perimeter of about a kilometer. Agree, there is something in common with the Kremlin in Moscow!

5. Pskov

One of the most ancient kremlins in modern Russia, the Pskov kremlin was built around the 12th century. Today, tourists can see seven watchtowers, as well as the Trinity Cathedral, which has been well preserved to this day.

6. Smolensk

The Kremlin in Smolensk is quite “young”: it was built in the 17th century. During the war with Napoleon, this building showed its power, withstanding an incredibly strong onslaught of the enemy. Despite the crushing hostilities, this building has survived well to this day.

7. Nizhny Novgorod

The incredibly beautiful Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin has been attracting tourists from all over Russia and even Europe for many years. This building is located on a place where two rivers merge into one: the Oka and the Volga. Almost a dozen towers, strong walls and the famous cathedral inside - all this makes the Kremlin in Nizhny Novgorod one of the most beautiful in Russia.

8. Tobolsk

This Kremlin is unique, because nowhere else in Siberia have such defensive structures been built. Little to the fact that this Kremlin is about three hundred years old, it is well preserved and also attracts local tourists.

Today the Moscow Kremlin is the official residence of the President of Russia and a symbol of the country. Built to defend an ancient urban settlement, the Kremlin is of great historical value not only for Moscow, but for the entire country. But the Moscow Kremlin is far from being the only such building on the territory of our country.

Moscow Kremlin

In the ancient cities of Russia, since the 9th century, wooden and then stone walls with watchtowers were erected to protect the settlements. Later, the central part of the city, surrounded by a defensive wall, began to be called the "Kremlin". On the site of the city surrounded by a protective wall, there were temples and cathedrals, as well as other objects significant for the city. In several cities of Russia, ancient defensive walls are still preserved, some of which can be compared with the objects of the Moscow Kremlin in their beauty and are even included in the list. world heritage UNESCO. We will tell about the most important from a historical point of view and well-preserved ancient fortresses in our review.

Novgorod Kremlin

Novgorod Fortress, or Novgorod Detinets, is located on the left bank of the Volkhov River and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first mention of the fortress in this place dates back to the 11th century. The modern walls of the fortress, which tourists can admire, were built of brick and stone in the 15th century. The Spasskaya and Pokrovskaya towers were erected at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries.

Kazan Kremlin

One of the towers of the Kazan Kremlin

Another Kremlin from the UNESCO list on the territory of our country. Various parts of the Kazan Kremlin date back to the 10th-11th centuries. The first fortifications were built by the Bulgars, and then during the Golden Horde. Stone walls and towers that have survived to this day were erected after the capture of the city by Ivan the Terrible in the second half of the 16th century. Today, the Kazan Kremlin is a landmark of the city, and it houses the residence of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Astrakhan Kremlin

The Astrakhan Kremlin is one of the well-preserved ancient defensive structures built in the 16th century. Seven of the eight towers of the Astrakhan Kremlin have been preserved in their original form. The defensive walls of the Kremlin with loopholes and towers are almost 1.5 kilometers long.

Tula Kremlin

The Tula Kremlin is also over 400 years old. This well-preserved monument of architecture includes 9 towers and more than 1 kilometer long walls that adorn the two-horned battlements. These battlements make the walls look like those that rise in the Moscow Kremlin.

Pskov Kremlin

The Pskov Kremlin is one of the oldest in Russia. Some of its parts, such as Dovmontov city, were built as early as the 13th century. 7 towers of the Pskov Kremlin, the Trinity Cathedral and several city buildings have survived to this day.

Smolensk Kremlin

The Smolensk fortress, or the Smolensk Kremlin, was built at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries. Despite the fact that the fortress was badly damaged during the Patriotic War of 1812 (Napoleon's troops destroyed part of the building during the retreat), there is something to see here. 17 towers of the Kremlin and more than 3 kilometers of brick walls are well preserved.

Zaraisk fortress

The Zaraisk Kremlin was built in the 16th century, when the city was also called Novogorodok-on-Osetre. The Kremlin walls more than once saved this city, located in the Moscow region, from the attack of the invaders and withstood a long siege.

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

The most beautiful historical and architectural monument of Nizhny Novgorod is located on a high bank at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin was built at the beginning of the 16th century. 13 towers, brick walls, more than 2 kilometers long, and the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsky Cathedral, also dating from the 16th century, are perfectly preserved.

Kolomna Kremlin

The Kolomna Kremlin was built at the beginning of the 16th century to protect the city from nomadic raids during the reign of Tsar Vasily III. 7 towers have survived to this day, almost 2 kilometers of walls, Uspensky Cathedral on the territory of the Kremlin, two monasteries and several other buildings.

Tobolsk Kremlin

The only Kremlin located on the territory of Siberia, in former capital Tobolsk province - the city of Tobolsk. The Kremlin was built to protect the city from nomadic raids in the 17th-18th centuries. 7 towers of the Kremlin have been preserved, and inside it are located St. Sophia, Pokrovsky and Sophia-Assumption Cathedrals, as well as other historical buildings.

N. P. Lerebour. View of the Moscow Kremlin. 1842

The Moscow Kremlin is the largest in the world medieval fortress This is an indisputable historically proven fact.

The main symbol of Russia, the building is so status, significant, outstanding that only such world-famous historical buildings can be compared with it. architectural objects, as Egyptian pyramids Or the Tower of London...

The Moscow Kremlin is the oldest part of the Russian capital, the heart of the city, the official residence of the country's leader, one of the world's largest complexes with unique architecture, a treasury of historical relics and a spiritual center.

The significance of the Kremlin in our country is evidenced by the fact that it is with the Moscow complex that the very concept of the “Kremlin” is associated. Meanwhile, there are Kremlins in Kolomna, Syzran, Nizhny Novgorod, Smolensk, Astrakhan and other cities not only in Russia, but also in Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Why is the Kremlin called the Kremlin?

According to the definition given in the "explanatory dictionary" of Vladimir Dahl, "krem" is a large and strong timber forest, and "kremlin" is a coniferous forest growing in a moss swamp. And the “Kremlin” is a city surrounded by a fortress wall, with towers and loopholes. Thus, the name of these structures comes from the type of wood that was used in their construction. Unfortunately, not a single wooden kremlin has been preserved on the territory of Russia, except for the guard towers in the Trans-Urals, but stone structures, until the 14th century called detinets and performing a protective function, remained and the Moscow Kremlin is certainly the most famous of them.

Location

The main symbol of Russia is located on Borovitsky Hill, on the higher left bank of the Moskva River, in the place where the Neglinnaya River flows into it. If we consider the complex from a height, then the Kremlin is an irregularly shaped triangle with a total area of 27.7 hectares, surrounded by a massive wall with towers.

First detailed plan Moscow Kremlin, 1601

AT architectural complex The Moscow Kremlin includes 4 palaces and 4 cathedrals, the southern wall goes to the Moscow River, the eastern one to Red Square, and the northwestern one to the Alexander Garden. Currently, the Kremlin is an independent administrative unit within Moscow and is included in the list of world natural and cultural heritage UNESCO.

Legends of the Moscow Kremlin

Like any ancient, historical building, the Moscow Kremlin has its own secrets, legends associated with it, and often rather dark secrets.

Most of these legends are associated with the Kremlin dungeons. Since their exact map was lost a long time ago (perhaps it was destroyed by the builders themselves), many underground passages, corridors and tunnels of the Moscow Kremlin have not yet been fully explored.

For example, the search for the famous library of Ivan the Terrible was resumed several times, but the vast repository of books and documents of that time has not yet been found. Scientists argue whether the legendary library actually existed, whether it burned down during one of the fires that repeatedly raged on the territory of the complex, or is hidden so well that modern archaeologists are not able to find it on the huge square of the Moscow Kremlin.

Most likely, until the 18th century, all the towers and walls of the Kremlin were literally “permeated” with numerous secret passages and tunnels.

It was during the search for Liberia (as the library of Ivan the Terrible is usually called) that the archaeologist Shcherbatov in 1894 stumbled upon a mysterious underground structure located under the first floor of the Nabatnaya Tower. Trying to explore the found tunnel, the archaeologist hit a dead end, but then he discovered the same tunnel leading from the Konstantin-Eleninskaya Tower.

Konstantin-Eleninskaya (Timofeevskaya) tower

The archaeologist Shcherbatov also found a secret passage that connected the Nikolskaya Tower with the Corner Arsenalnaya, however, in 1920, all information, photographs taken by scientists and reports on the passages found were classified by the Bolsheviks and became a state secret. It is possible that the new authorities have decided to use the secret passages of the Kremlin for their own purposes.

According to scientists, since the Moscow Kremlin was built according to all the rules of fortification of the Middle Ages and was primarily a fortress designed to protect the townspeople from attacks by enemies, the Italian architect Fioravanti also built places for lower combat and "rumors" - secret corners from which you can it was secretly to observe (and eavesdrop) on the enemy. Most likely (it is already quite difficult to collect evidence at present), until the 18th century, all the towers and walls of the Kremlin were literally “permeated” with numerous secret passages and tunnels, but then, as unnecessary, most of them were simply walled up and covered up.

By the way, the very name of the Tainitskaya tower clearly indicates that there was a hiding place under it, there are references to the construction of secret passages in the annals that recorded the process of building towers in the 15th century.

Taynitskaya tower with a gate in the 19th century

There were rumors about the dungeons of the Beklemishevskaya Tower, which, by the way, enjoys the most notorious reputation - it was here that the torture chamber, created by order of Ivan the Terrible, was located. In the 19th century, Archpriest Lebedev, who served in the Kremlin for more than 45 years, counted 9 failures that formed on the vaults of various underground structures. It is known about the secret passage leading from the Tainitskaya to the Spasskaya Tower, another secret road leads from the Troitskaya to the Nikolskaya Tower and further to Kitai-Gorod.

Beklemishevskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin

And Ignatius Stelletsky, a well-known historian and specialist specifically in “dungeon archeology”, the initiator of the digger movement in Moscow, intended to go from the Beklemishevskaya Tower to the Moscow River, and from the Spasskaya Tower through a secret underground passage directly to St. Basil’s Cathedral, and then along the existing near the temple descent into a large tunnel under Red Square.

There were remnants underground passages in various parts of the Moscow Kremlin repeatedly, almost during every reconstruction, however, most often such dead ends, gaps or vaults were simply walled up or even filled with concrete.

On the eve of his coronation, the ghost of Ivan the Terrible was seen by Emperor Nicholas II himself, about which he informed his wife Alexandra Feodorovna .

There are in the Moscow Kremlin, of course, and their ghosts. So, in the Commandant's Tower they saw a disheveled, pale woman with a revolver in her hand, in which they allegedly recognized Fanny Kaplan, who was shot by the then Kremlin commandant.

For several centuries, the ghost of this Russian tyrant has been found on the lower tiers of the bell tower of Ivan the Terrible. By the way, the ghost of Ivan the Terrible also has a crowned witness - on the eve of his coronation, Emperor Nicholas II himself saw him, about which he informed his wife Alexandra Feodorovna.

Emperor Nicholas II on the roof of the Grand Kremlin Palace, 1903

Flickers sometimes over the teeth of the Moscow Kremlin and the ghost of the Pretender - False Dmitry executed here. The Constantino-Eleninskaya Tower also enjoys a bad reputation - here, too, in the 17th century there was a torture chamber and a case was recorded of the appearance of drops of blood on the masonry, which then disappeared on their own.

Another ghostly inhabitant of the Moscow Kremlin, of course, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, who was seen both in his office and in former apartment. Stalin's well-known comrade-in-arms, the head of the NKVD, Yezhov, "visited" his former office ... But Iosif Vissarionovich himself was never noted in an appearance in the Kremlin after March 5, 1953.

It is not surprising that such an ancient structure, replete with burials, secrets and secret rooms, is of interest not only to archaeologists, scientists and historians, but also to mystics.

Facts about the Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin is by far the largest fortress in the entire territory of Russia, as well as the largest surviving and functioning fortress in Europe.

The secret of the absolutely exact time of the Kremlin chimes now lies underground: the chimes are connected by cable to the control clock of the Sternberg Moscow Astronomical Institute.

Chimes of the Spasskaya Tower

Quite interesting is the appearance of the teeth on the walls of the Kremlin. Their project with delivery from Spain was ordered by the designer of the Moscow Kremlin Pietro Antonio Solari. They look like a dovetail, and in Italy they were used on the castles of the Italian Guelphs and Ghibellines.

During the Second World War, or rather, in 1941, the Kremlin began to be disguised: all the old buildings were stylized as ordinary houses, green roofs were painted over, dark paint was applied to gilded domes, crosses were removed, and stars on the towers were sheathed. Windows and doors were painted on the Kremlin walls, and the battlements were covered with plywood, imitating the roofs of houses.

Kremlin stars withstand the maximum pressure of a hurricane wind, each up to about 1200 kg. The weight of each star reaches one ton. During windy days, the stars rotate several times a day, changing their position so that they face the wind with their sides. This greatly reduces the wind pressure on the star.

50 billion US dollars, or 1.5 trillion Russian rubles - the Moscow Kremlin was valued at this amount. The consulting group "Uphill" took up its assessment.