Kremlin tower buildings. Stone guards of the Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin is an invaluable architectural ensemble dating back to the 15th-19th centuries. In its shape it resembles an irregular triangle. The southern side of the ensemble faces the Moscow River. The fortress is surrounded by a brick wall with 20 towers of different architecture. Today we will briefly introduce you to the features of each of them.

Beklemishevskaya Tower

The construction of this structure dates back to 1487 - 1488. Its author was the architect from Italy Mark Fryazin. The tower is round in plan. Its name comes from the courtyard of the boyar Beklemishev, which adjoined it. Its height is 46.7 m. However, this is not the tallest structure.

Konstantino-Eleninskaya Tower

Appeared in the Kremlin in 1490. It was built by Italian architect Pietro Solari. Its name originates from the Church of Saints Helen and Constantine, located nearby. The height of the structure is slightly less than 37 m.

Nabatnaya Tower

The Kremlin towers were built at different times. For example, Nabatnaya appeared in the fortress in 1495. It was named after the Spassky alarm bells located in it, which were part of the Kremlin’s fire-fighting system. It rises 38 meters.

Tsarskaya Tower

The towers of the Moscow Kremlin differ not only in architectural style, but also in size. For example, the Tsar's Tower has quite modest dimensions. It was installed directly on the wall. This happened in the 1680s. She is almost two centuries younger than her “sisters”. Previously, in its place there was a small tower made of wood. According to legend, Ivan the Terrible himself, the Russian Tsar, watched Red Square from there. This is where its name came from. Height - 16.7 m.

Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin

This is one of the most famous buildings in the Kremlin. First of all, because it refers to the towers overlooking Red Square.

The Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower has a gate of the same name, and the famous clock, the Moscow Astronomical Clock, is installed in its tent.

This is a grandiose structure with a height of more than 71 m. The Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin appeared in the Kremlin during the reign of Ivan III (1491). The author of the project was the architect Pietro Solari.

Initially, a much smaller tower was erected than what we see today. This is explained by the fact that in 1625, Christopher Galovey, an architect from England, in collaboration with the Russian architect Bazhen Ogurtsov, completed a large multi-tiered top over the tower. It was made in the Gothic style with some mannerist elements. The tower ends with a stone tent. Fairy-tale figurines are an original design element. They were covered with clothes sewn specially for this purpose.

At the end of the 17th century, the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower was decorated with the first double-headed eagle - the coat of arms of the Russian state. Much later, symbols of the state appeared on the Trinity, Nikolskaya, and Borovitskaya towers.

At all times, the tower gate was the central one of all the Kremlin gates. Moreover, they were revered as saints. It was forbidden to pass through them on horseback, and men passing through them were required to remove their hats. Anyone who did not comply with the holy rule was obliged to make 50 bows to the ground.

The Spassky Gate became the main entrance to the Kremlin territory. Troops went to battle through them. Ambassadors of foreign countries were also met here.

All Kremlin religious processions passed through these gates. Starting with Mikhail Fedorovich, all Russian tsars and emperors always passed through them before their coronation.

There is a legend that when the “invincible” Napoleon drove through the famous gates in devastated Moscow, a gust of wind tore off his famous cocked hat.

During the retreat, the French decided to burn the Spasskaya Tower, but the Don Cossacks arrived in time and were able to put out the already lit wicks.

There were chapels on both sides of the gate. On the left is Smolenskaya, on the right is Spasskaya. They were built of stone in 1802. In 1812, they were both destroyed and restored according to a completely new design. At the end of October 1868, two new tented chapels were solemnly consecrated. In 1925, both of them were demolished.

Kremlin chimes

Another attraction for which the Spasskaya Tower is famous is the chimes that have decorated the tower since the 16th century. However, it should be noted that they are constantly changing. A completely new watch was made in 1625 by the English mechanic and watchmaker Christopher Galovey. They performed musical melodies, measured day and night time, which was indicated by numbers and letters. At that time, there were no hands on the dial.

Tsar Peter I (1705) issued a decree on the reconstruction of the Spassky Clock. They were remade in the German style. A dial appeared, which was divided into 12 sectors.

In 1770 they were replaced by an English clock, which was discovered in the Chamber of Facets. At first they sang the simple song “Dear Augustine,” which belongs to German folklore.

The chimes that are known to us were made by the Budenop brothers (1851-1852). They were installed on the eighth and tenth tiers of the tower. The chimes were sounded by the “March of the Preobrazhensky Regiment” at 6 and 12 o’clock. At 3 and 9 o’clock they sang the hymn “How Glorious is Our Lord” by D. Bortnyansky. These melodies sounded over Red Square until 1917. At first, the idea arose to set the Russian anthem on the playing shaft of the chimes, but Nicholas I did not allow this to be done.

In early November 1917, the clock was damaged during the Bolshevik assault. They were hit by a shell, which broke one of the arrows and disrupted the rotation mechanism. The clock stood still for almost a year. In September 1918, V.I. Lenin issued a decree according to which the clock was restored by master Nikolai Behrens.

The chimes began to “sing” “Internationale” at 12 o’clock, and “You have fallen a victim...” at 24 o’clock. In 1938, the chimes fell silent for a long time. They only marked the hours and quarters with a fight.

58 years later (in 1996), during the solemn inauguration of the First Russian President B. N. Yeltsin, Russians heard the “Patriotic Song” performed by the chimes, and every quarter of an hour - the melody of the “Glory” choir.

The last restoration of the chimes took place in 1999. The numbers and hands are gilded. The appearance of the upper tiers of the tower was completely restored. At the end of the year the chimes were finally set. Now they perform the Russian national anthem, which was officially approved in 2000.

The chimes have quite impressive dimensions - a diameter of 6.12 m. They “look” on four sides. Roman numerals are 0.72 m high, the hour hand is 2.97 m long, and the minute hand is 3.27 m. Previously, the watch was wound manually, but after 1937 three electric motors were used for this.

Senate Tower

The towers of the Moscow Kremlin are not all equally popular and famous. For example, the Senate - it was erected in 1491 by Pietro Solari. It was named much later (1787), when the Senate Palace was built on the territory of the Kremlin. Its height is 34.3 meters.

Nikolskaya Tower

This design is also the work of Pietro Solari. The tower was built at the same time as its Senate “sister” (in 1491). She was named after the icon of St. N. the Wonderworker, which was located above the gate. The tower is crowned with a red star. The huge structure rises 70.4 m.

Arsenal Tower (corner)

The Kremlin towers, located at the corners of the fortress, are more massive. Arsenalnaya was built by Pietro Solari (1492). This is one of the most powerful towers. The name appeared at the beginning of the 18th century, when the Arsenal building was built on the territory of the Kremlin. The round tower has a well inside. The height of the structure is 60.2 meters.

Arsenal Tower (medium)

The second tower, named after the Arsenal, was built in 1495. Its height is 38.9 m.

Trinity Tower

This tower was considered second in importance after Spasskaya. Built by the Italian Aloisio da Milano in 1495. It was renamed several times, but in the end the name Troitskaya stuck (after the name of the courtyard in the Kremlin). Today this is the main entrance for everyone who wants to visit the Kremlin. The building is crowned with a red star. It should be noted that the Kremlin towers differ in size. The height of the tower exceeds 80 meters. There are structures that are more than twice as low as it is.

Kutafya Tower of the Kremlin

It was built in 1516. The author of the project is an architect from Italy Aleviz Fryazin. This is a low tower, surrounded by a deep moat and the Neglinnaya River. It had only one gate, which at the slightest danger was closed tightly by a drawbridge. It was a serious obstacle for enemies.

In the 17th century, with the help of dams, the water level in Neglinnaya was raised high. It began to surround the tower on all sides. At first, its height above ground level was 18 meters.

Why does the Kremlin's Kutafya Tower have such a name? There are two versions. One of them is from the word “kut” (corner, shelter) or from the word “kutafya”, which means a clumsy, plump woman.

The Kutafya Tower never had a top covering. In 1685, it received an openwork “crown” with spectacular white stone details.

Its height is 13.5 meters.

Commandant Tower

The tower received this name in the 19th century, when the official residence of the commandant of Moscow began to be located in the nearby Poteshny Palace. But the tower was built much earlier, in 1495. Its height is 41.25 m.

Weapon Tower

It must be said that at the end of the 15th century many Kremlin towers appeared. So the Armory was built in the Kremlin in 1495. It was named much later (1851), when the Armory Chamber was built nearby. The height of the building is 38.9 m.

Borovitskaya Tower

As a rule, Kremlin towers received their name from their location or in honor of a structure located nearby. The Borovitskaya Tower appeared on the Kremlin map in 1490. It was created by Pietro Solari. They named it in honor of Borovitsky Hill. It was on its slope that the tower was built. Today it is the main passage for government and presidential motorcades. The tower is crowned with a red ruby ​​star. Its height is 54 meters.

Vodovzvodnaya Tower

This structure was erected by the Italian architect Antonio Gilardi in 1488. The tower was round in shape, there was a well inside it, and a secret passage was dug in it, which led to the Moscow River. It got its name from the water pump installed in it in 1633, which supplied water to the Kremlin gardens. The beautiful structure is crowned with a ruby ​​star. The height of the tower is 61.25 m.

Annunciation Tower

In our article we published a photo of the Kremlin. Its towers are all very different in style, shape, and size. At the same time, they miraculously create a very harmonious ensemble. Look at the Annunciation Tower. It was built at the end of the 15th century (1488), but it still amazes Kremlin guests with its splendor. It received its name in honor of the icon of the Annunciation, located in the tower. Its height is 32.45 m.

Taynitskaya Tower

The structure was built in 1485. This is not the tallest tower - Tainitskaya. Previously, it was a travel pass, but later the gates were blocked. It was named after the secret well located in it and the secret passage that led to the Moscow River. The Taynitskaya Tower rises 38.4 meters above the Kremlin.

Nameless towers

Two not very tall towers. Both were built in the 80s of the 15th century. Their height is 34.15 and 30.2 meters, respectively.

Petrovskaya Tower

Another structure was named in honor of the nearby church of Metropolitan Peter and the courtyard of the Ugreshsky Monastery. The Petrovskaya Tower has a height of 27.15 meters.

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

This is another attraction dear to the heart of every Russian. Thousands of tourists from different parts of the world come every year to see the Nizhny Novgorod miracle.

The length of the Kremlin is about 2 kilometers, its height is from 18 to 30 meters. When the towers of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin were built, there were 13 of them. Only 12 have survived to this day. At the beginning of 2010, restoration and reconstruction of the lost Zachatievskaya tower began.

Each of the 12 structures has its own history, which, as a rule, is reflected in their names - Borisoglebskaya, Georgievskaya, Belaya, Zachatievskaya, Ivanovskaya, Northern, Chasovaya, Tainitskaya, Koromyslova, Kladovaya, Dmitrievskaya, Porokhovaya, Nikolskaya.

The exit to the open wall of the Kremlin for walking is located in the Pantry Tower. Over its long history, the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin has gone through many rebuildings and reconstructions. It is a most valuable monument of history, architecture and culture of Russia. The Kremlin towers attract the interest of researchers and scientists from all over the world.

So grandiose that its components have to be considered separately in order to appreciate all their splendor. And one of these components is, of course, the Kremlin towers, of which there are only 20 in the Kremlin.

All the towers were built at the same time, in the 15th-16th centuries, when the reconstruction of the Kremlin from wood to stone began (previously, towers were also built, but from less durable and much more flammable material). The goals of their creation were purely strategic - the presence of high, strong towers made it difficult to storm the structure, making it possible to strengthen the defense of the fortress for those inside.

At first, the towers were decorated with double-headed eagles from the Russian coat of arms, but then the eagles were dismantled, and ruby ​​stars were installed on 4 towers instead. They were placed along the perimeter of the triangle that forms the walls of the Kremlin. The corners of this triangle were crowned by Beklemishevskaya, Vodovzvodnaya and Corner Arsenal towers. All the towers at first had only a base, but in the 17th century they were supplemented with decorative tents and spiers with double-headed eagles, which were renewed every hundred years.

It is named after the boyar Ivan Beklemishev, who kept a courtyard in the corner of the Kremlin, facing the Moscow River. Beklemishev himself was executed under Ivan III the Great, but the tower named after him remained, and the execution took place on the Moscow River, so he did not have to travel far from home. After the need for constant readiness for the defense of the Kremlin disappeared, the Beklemishevskaya tower was used as a prison, as were the buildings remaining from the Beklemishev courtyard.

The tower is a tall cylinder topped with an octagonal spire, built 200 years after the tower was created. It has four tiers and was one of the most important strategic objects, defending the crossing of the Moscow River. Its creator was Marco Ruffo. Damaged during the Napoleonic War, but was restored.

Located in front of the Alexander Garden, it is also known as Sviblova (in honor of the Sviblov boyars who held court there). Vodovzvodnaya received its name after it was equipped with the first water supply system in Moscow. It served not only as a military building, but also as a utility building (thanks to the designated water supply system), supplying water to the royal palaces and gardens, and also contained laundry facilities.

Built by Antonio Geraldi, also known as Anton Fryazin (Fryazin-new), in 1488. It was blown up in 1812 and restored by Osip Bove 7 years later. Decorated with a ruby ​​star in 1937.

The largest in diameter and strongest tower, installed opposite the Neglinnaya River. It was equipped with a well and a secret passage leading to the Neglinnaya River, which could be used during the siege of the fortress. In the middle of the 17th century it was supplemented with a tent and spire. Built by Pietro Antonio Solari in the mid-15th century.

The remaining towers were placed on the axis of the Kremlin walls at irregular intervals. Many of them received serious damage during various battles, but all of them were restored - even rebuilt “from scratch.”

It was built on the site of the wooden Donskoy Tower, opposite the future Alexander Garden. She guarded the dams on Neglinnaya and kept an entertaining secret grotto inside. Before the construction of the Arsenal inside the Kremlin, it was called Granyonaya due to the architectural features of the facade.

It was built near the wall running along the Moscow River. When in the 18th century there was no longer an urgent need for its defensive potential, the Church of the Annunciation was built near the tower, and a bell tower was built in the watchtower, but in 1933 the church was destroyed and the tower was returned to its military appearance.

Built near the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge near Borovitskaya Square. Historians disagree on whether the tower was built where a large forest was located on seven hills, or whether we are talking about the residents of Borovsk who built the tower.

In any case, there would be a forest here. Decorated with a ruby ​​star, it was equipped with a drawbridge, which was later dismantled. Now government motorcades pass through the gates of the Tower, and once an attempt was made on the life of Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev near it. Built by Pietro Antonio Solari.

First Nameless Tower

The second name is Porokhovaya (a powder warehouse was organized in it). This is precisely what explains the fact that the First Nameless Tower was destroyed more often than others. Under Napoleon it was completely destroyed and rebuilt, then dismantled during the construction of the Kremlin Palace and rebuilt again. Height – 34.15 meters.

Second Nameless Tower

Located in the Kremlin wall opposite the Moscow River. It has a square cross-section, height – 30.2 meters. Previously it had an entrance gate, then it was blocked. After the construction of the Kremlin Palace, it was dismantled and restored.

Located on the northwestern side of the Kremlin, next to the Alexander Garden. It was named after the position of the commandant of Moscow who lived nearby and was settled in the Poteshny Palace; the old name was Kolymazhna. The architect is Aleviz Fryazin, aka Fryazin the old.

Located near the Beklemishevskaya Tower, it got its name from the Church of Constantine and Helena, built in the 17th century (before that it was Timofeevskaya) and destroyed in 1928. It was equipped with a drawbridge and two archers, which were later dismantled. Also, before reconstruction, it was equipped with gates and served as a travel gate. Author: Pietro Antonio Solari.

Placed at the end of the Trinity Bridge, it was surrounded by a ditch, over which it was possible to cross only by a drawbridge. The Kutafya Tower is very different in appearance from the others, having a squat appearance and a small height, but the largest area among the other towers (which did not prevent it from being one of the key defensive structures of the Kremlin). This is what gave it its name - in the old days, a plump and clumsy woman was called a kutafya.

It should be noted that the modern completion of the pavilions near Kutafya threatens the Kremlin with exclusion from the UNESCO protection lists, since it significantly affects its appearance. Architect – Aleviz Fryazin.

Served as the main signal system for Moscow. A special order of signals was developed for warning about fires (remember that when Moscow was mostly made of wood, any fire was a disaster for the entire city). It was equipped with a bell tower on which hung the Spassky alarm bell, which was deprived of its voice after the Plague Riot.
Now the tower can be called “Pisan” - the maximum distance from the tower to the vertical is 1 meter, so it is constantly monitored.

The only tower that, after reconstruction, became very different from the earlier version (it was made by Pietro Antonio Solari, rebuilt by Luigi Rusca in the Gothic style). Topped with a ruby ​​star. Nikolsky Gate met the troops of Minin and Pozharsky.

One of the main attractions of the tower is the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who was able to survive many attacks on the tower, and during the May Day parade in 1918, an inexplicable phenomenon was associated with it - the red calico with which the icon was covered seemed to be torn in half in absolutely windless weather.

The second name is Konyushennaya (because the passage led to the royal stables). Located opposite the Alexander Garden. It was used as a defensive structure, and received the name Armory after the Armory Chamber was built nearby. Architect - Anton Fryazin.

It was built near the Church of St. Peter the Metropolitan with the Ugreshsky Monastery, and survived numerous destructions and dismantlings with subsequent restoration. The monastery and church disappeared in the 18th century, at which time the tower was dismantled for the construction of the Grand Kremlin Palace, rebuilt, destroyed by the French in 1812 and finally restored in 1818 by Beauvais. It was not only a construction site, but also a utility room.

It is located opposite the Mausoleum, inside the Kremlin opposite the tower is the Senate Palace, which gave it its name. It has a weather vane at the very top of the tent, which has survived to this day. Built by Pietro Antonio Solari.

The most famous Kremlin tower. Equipped with a Spassky clock. Also here are the main gates of the Kremlin - Spassky. On the wall next to them was painted the image of Christ and an unquenchable lamp was burning; it was possible to pass through the gate only on foot and with a bare head.

The Spasskaya Tower was also decorated with other images, some of which disappeared irretrievably in the 30s. XX century. The tower is decorated with a ruby ​​star. The author is Pietro Antonio Solari (by the way, this is the only Kremlin tower whose authorship is indicated on a separate slab).

The first stone tower of the Kremlin to be built. It had a secret exit to the Moscow River and a well inside. Previously, a striking clock was placed on it, and every noon a cannon shot was fired from the tower's archer. There was also an archer on the tower, which was dismantled and restored twice (now it is gone). Architect - Anton Fryazin.

The tallest tower, connected to the outside world through a bridge leading to Kutafya. Changed 5 names: Epiphany, Rizopolozhenskaya, Znamenskaya, Karetnaya, Troitskaya. Decorated with a ruby ​​star.

It housed the Moscow archive, a prison, there was a clock on the tower itself, and then an icon of the Kazan Mother of God, which disappeared during the civil war. Now the clock has been restored, and the tower houses the Presidential Orchestra.
Built by Anton Fryazin.

It is not a tower as such and does not have its own foundation. The tower's tent is installed directly on the Kremlin wall and has practically no defensive or utilitarian significance. It is the youngest tower, built in the 17th century simultaneously with the completion of other towers.

Anastasia Berseneva
Ksenia Krzhizhanovskaya

Spasskaya Tower

The Moscow Kremlin is a unique architectural, cultural and historical monument of Russian architecture, the largest Kremlin in Europe, the best medieval city ensemble. On its territory there are palaces of Russian princes and tsars, cathedrals of the Orthodox Church, ancient squares and other important buildings. The Kremlin walls and towers of the Moscow Kremlin, as well as other objects, are an architectural monument and UNESCO sites.

The Kremlin has corner, drive-through and blind towers. The most important tower is Spasskaya.

The purpose of the Kremlin towers

In ancient times, the towers of the Moscow Kremlin primarily served as defense hubs. Some towers have travel gates to the Kremlin. In total, there are 19 towers along the Kremlin wall, and the 20th Kutafya tower is the only one not built into the Kremlin wall. Many towers have two names, an ancient and a modern name.

Three round corner towers and six passageways were built into the Kremlin wall, which were intended for defense. These towers were powerful defensive structures. Their system included diversion arrows and bridgehead towers. Of the bridgehead towers, only Kutafya has survived. The defensive system of towers also included bastions and drawbridges. Lowering gratings were installed in the gate openings of the towers. Between the travel towers there are 9 blind towers, that is, without gates.

The bases of these towers are rectangular in shape. They had 3 - 5 combat tiers with loopholes for mounted combat and for combat at the foot of the towers. Hiding places were made near the Kremlin towers - wells and underground passages - rumors so that enemies could not make secret digs. The loopholes of some towers were hewn to accommodate heavy cannons.

From the history of the Moscow Kremlin towers

The towers of the Moscow Kremlin were built mainly in the 15th century by Italian architects Solari and Fryazin. The towers were strengthened over time, tents were built on them, restored, and remodeled. In the 17th century, all towers, except Nikolskaya, were crowned with tents. Drawbridges were replaced by stone arched ones. A decorative Tsar's Tower was erected on the eastern wall. In the period from the 16th to the 18th centuries, clocks were installed on some towers, but they have survived to this day only on the Spasskaya Tower - these are the Kremlin chimes. At the beginning of the 18th century, due to the threat of an attack by the Swedes, the Kremlin walls were fortified with bastions. Their traces are preserved at the Arsenalnaya, Middle, and Armory towers. The loopholes of the towers were adapted to install heavy cannons. At the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th century. Additional fortifications of the towers were dismantled, and the ditch was filled up. In addition, at the end of the 18th century, in connection with the reconstruction of the Kremlin Palace according to the design of V.I. Bazhenov, 4 towers and part of the wall along the bank of the Moscow River were dismantled.

In 1812, the French blew up and damaged a number of towers: Vodovzvodnaya, Corner Arsenalnaya, Petrovskaya, Nikolskaya, 1st Bezymyannaya, Borovitskaya. In 1816 - 1819, some towers were restored under the leadership of O.I. Bove. The Nikolskaya Tower was restored by order of Lenin after its destruction during the October Revolution. To date, the towers have been restored.

Corner towers of the Kremlin

So three round corner towers: Beklemishevskaya, Vodovzvodnaya, Arsenalnaya were intended for the defense of the Kremlin.

Vodovzvodnaya Tower

Vodovzvodnaya corner southwestern tower on the river bank. The second name from 1633 (Sviblova) in honor of the boyar family Sviblova, who was responsible for the construction of this tower. The tower was built in 1488 by the architect Anton Fryazin. It has a height of 61.5 meters. This tower had an installation for supplying water from the river to the Kremlin gardens. In 1805, the tower was dismantled and rebuilt due to disrepair. In 1812 it was blown up by the French and restored again. In 1937, a ruby ​​star was installed on this tower. The tower was restored in 1970.

Beklemishevskaya Tower

Beklemishevskaya Tower (Moskvoretskaya) – south-eastern corner. It was built in 1487 - 1488 by the Italian architect Marco Rufo (Mark Fryazin). The name of the tower was given after the courtyard of boyar Beklemishev adjacent to the Kremlin and due to its proximity to the river. This tower protected the ford and crossing of the Moscow River. Height 46.2 meters. The tower had 4 combat tiers for all-round firing. On the upper platform there was a platform for mounted combat. There was a hiding place in the basement - a rumor. In 1707, due to the threat of a Swedish attack, the loopholes were cleared out to install heavy cannons. At the end of the 17th century, the tower was decorated with a tent.

Corner Arsenal Tower

Corner Arsenalnaya (Sobakina) northeast tower. It was built in 1492 by P. A. Solari. Until the beginning of the 18th century it was called the Dog Tower. By the name of the boyar Sobakin’s estate adjacent to the Kremlin. After the construction of the Arsenal, it began to be called Arsenalnaya. The tower has 18 sides. Its height is 60.2 m. In the basement of the tower there is a hiding place - a well. During the French retreat in 1812, the tower was damaged by an explosion, but was later restored. In the 50s and 80s of the 20th century, the tower was restored.

Passage towers of the Kremlin

In addition to the round corner towers, six travel cards were created in the Kremlin: Spassakaya, Nikolskaya, Troitskaya, Borovitskaya, Tainitskaya, Konstantino-Eleninskaya. These towers were also powerful defensive structures.

Trinity Tower

Travel card Trinity Tower located in the center of the northwestern side of the Kremlin, overlooking the Alexander Garden. This tower was built in 1495 - 1499 by the Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin. In the past, the tower was called Rizopolozhenskaya, Znamenskaya, Karetnaya, after the names of the Kremlin churches and the Karetny Dvor located close to it. The modern name comes from the Trinity Metochion of the Kremlin. The tower was square in shape, had 5 combat tiers, and the gate was covered by a retractable archer. The tower had hinged battle loopholes. There was a prison in the two-story basements in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Trinity Bridge goes to the gate of the tower. It was covered by the Kutafya Tower. In the 17th century, a tent was built on the tower, like the Spasskaya Tower. From 1585 to 1812 there was a clock on this tower. In 1707, platforms were made on the tower for the installation of heavy cannons. In 1935, ruby ​​stars were installed on this tower. This tower is the tallest - 80 meters with a star, without it 76.35 meters. Excursionists and visitors to the State Kremlin Palace pass through the Trinity Gate. In the 50s and 80s, restoration work was carried out.

Spasskaya Tower

was in the place where the Kremlin gates were in ancient times. It was built to protect the Kremlin from the northeast. This is the main tower of the Kremlin, it overlooks Red Square. The tower was built in 1491 by the Italian architect P.A. Solari. At first the tower was called Frolovskaya after the name of the Church of Frol and Lavra. The modern name is given by the name of the icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands, placed in 1658 above the gate. The icon has not survived. This tower was square, had 5 combat tiers, a retractable archery and two stone bastions. The upper platforms and archers had loopholes for mounted combat. The Spasskaya Tower was one of the first to be crowned with a tent in 1624 - 25; its upper platform was decorated with a belt of arches, white stone carvings, pyramids and animal figures. In 1625, a clock was installed on this tower. In 1935, a ruby ​​star was installed. The height of the tower with the star is 71 meters. The Spasskaya Tower has 10 floors. The Spassky Gate is the main gate of the Kremlin. On the days of military parades, the country's Minister of War, who hosts the parade, leaves them.

Nikolskaya Tower

Nikolskaya Tower of the Kremlin travel card It is located on the eastern side of the Kremlin and overlooks Red Square next to the State Historical Museum. The tower gate also faces. The tower was built in 1491 by the Italian architect P.A. Solari with the aim of strengthening the Kremlin on the north-eastern side. The name is given from the former Nikolaevsky (Nikolsky) Greek monastery. This tower was square in plan, had 3 combat tiers, the upper platform and the outlet archer were adapted for mounted combat. There were bastions on the sides of the archery. They were eliminated at the beginning of the 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, this tower was topped with a tent. In 1806, the Nikolskaya Tower was rebuilt by the architect Bove in the Gothic style. In ancient times there was a clock on the tower. In 1812, the tower was blown up, but later it was restored according to the design of I.O. Bove. The tower was severely damaged in 1917 by artillery fire, but by decree of V.I. Lenin it was restored. In 1935, a red star was installed on this tower. The height of the tower with the star is 70.4 meters. The Nikolskaya Tower was restored in the 50s and 80s of the 20th century.

Borovitskaya Tower

Borovitskaya (Predtechenskaya) The passage western corner tower of the Kremlin overlooks the Alexander Garden of the Kremlin. The name “Borovitskaya” is given after the forest that was once located next to Borovitsky Hill. Predtechenskaya is named after the Church of John the Baptist. The tower was built in 1490 by P. A. Solari. This tower was square in plan and had 5 combat tiers. On the upper platform there were loopholes for mounted combat. The entrance gate was covered by a diversion archer. Unlike other towers, the Borovitskaya Tower has a tiered pyramidal base. The stone arch bridge across the Neglinnaya River, built in the 16th century, was demolished in 1821 when the Alexander Garden was laid out. At the end of the 17th century, the tower was crowned with a tent. In 1935, a star was installed on the tower. During the restoration of the tower in the 70s of the 20th century, white stone decorations, a shield with the coat of arms of Moscow above the gate and basement chambers were restored. It has a height of 61.25 meters. It was named after the forest located near the tower. The name Predtechenskaya is given after the name of the Church of John the Baptist.

Taynitskaya Tower

Tainitskaya Tower of the Kremlin - a former passage tower in the middle of the southern wall, built in 1485 by A. Fryazin. This tower was built on the site of the Cheshkov Gate of the white stone Kremlin of Dmitry Donskoy. There is information that it was called Vodyana. The tower had two tiers; on its upper platform there were loopholes for mounted combat. From the river side, the gate was covered by a second tower, which was connected to the Tainitskaya tower by an arched bridge. There was a hiding place in the tower - a well and an underground passage to the river. The name of the tower is connected with this. At the end of the 17th century, the tower was topped with a tent. In 1770, during the construction of the Grand Kremlin Palace, the tower was dismantled and later restored. In 1862, a diversion archer was added. The salute battery guns were installed on the upper platform. In 1930, the archery was dismantled, the gates were blocked, and the cache was filled up. The height of the tower is 38.4 meters.

Konstantino – Eleninskaya (Timofeevskaya) tower of the Kremlin

Constantino - Elenin Tower

This tower is located on the eastern side of the Kremlin in the area of ​​​​Vasilievsky Spusk from Red Square to the Moscow River. The name comes from the Church of Constantine and Helena. The tower was built in 1490. It was used for the passage of the population and troops to the Kremlin. Before this tower was built, there was another tower on this site. From which D.I. Donskoy and his army went to the Kulikovo field. The Konstantino-Eleninskaya Tower was built to strengthen the Kremlin. The tower is square. On the upper platform there were platforms for mounted combat. The tower had hinged gates, a drawbridge over a moat, protected by two arches. At the end of the 17th century, the tower was crowned with a tent. At the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th century, the archers were dismantled and the gates were blocked. In the 50s and 70s of the 20th century, the tower was restored. The height of the tower is 36.8 meters.

Other Kremlin towers

Kutafya Tower

Kutafya Tower built in the 16th century to protect the bridge to the Trinity Tower across the Neglinnaya River. It is the only one not built into the Kremlin wall. The tower had two combat tiers. On its upper platform there were loopholes for firing at the enemy at the foot. In 1685, an openwork decorative top was built over the tower. Initially, the tower was surrounded by a moat with drawbridges thrown across it. The bridges led to the side gates, which were restored in 1974-76. A through passage has been made to the Manege Square. The height of the tower is 13.5 meters.

Tsar's Tower

Tsar's Tower located to the right of the Alarm Tower. This tower is not high, only 16.5 meters, and in appearance it is very different from other towers. The four columns of the Tsar's Tower stand directly on the wall. The roof is located on the columns. This tower has no loopholes or strong walls. This tower was not built for the defense of the Kremlin. According to legend, Tsar Ivan the Terrible loved to watch Red Square and the city from this tower.

The Moscow Kremlin has 20 towers and they are all different, no two are alike. Each tower has its own name and its own history. And probably many people don’t know the names of all the towers. Shall we meet?

BEKLEMISHEVSKAYA (Moskvoretskaya) tower is located in the south-eastern corner of the Kremlin. It was built by the Italian architect Marco Fryazin in 1487-1488. The courtyard of boyar Beklemishev adjoined the tower, for which it received its name. Beklemishev's courtyard, together with the tower, served as a prison for disgraced boyars under Vasily III. The current name – “Moskvoretskaya” – is taken from the nearby Moskvoretsky Bridge. The tower was located at the junction of the Moscow River with a moat, so when the enemy attacked, it was the first to take the blow. The architectural design of the tower is also connected with this: the tall cylinder is placed on a beveled white stone plinth and separated from it by a semicircular ridge. The surface of the cylinder is cut through by narrow, sparsely spaced windows. The tower is completed by a machicolli with a battle platform, which was higher than the adjacent walls. In the basement of the tower there was a hidden rumor to prevent undermining. In 1680, the tower was decorated with an octagon carrying a tall narrow tent with two rows of dormitories, which softened its severity. In 1707, expecting a possible attack by the Swedes, Peter I ordered bastions to be built at its foot and the loopholes to be expanded to install more powerful guns. During Napoleon's invasion, the tower was damaged and then repaired. In 1917, the top of the tower was damaged during shelling, but it was restored by 1920. In 1949, during the restoration, the loopholes were restored to their previous form. This is one of the few Kremlin towers that has not been radically rebuilt. The height of the tower is 62.2 meters.

The KONSTANTINE-ELENINSKAYA tower owes its name to the Church of Constantine and Helena that stood here in ancient times. The tower was built in 1490 by the Italian architect Pietro Antonio Solari and was used for the passage of the population and troops to the Kremlin. Previously, when the Kremlin was made of white stone, there was another tower in this place. It was through her that Dmitry Donskoy and his army went to the Kulikovo field. The new tower was built for the reason that there were no natural barriers on its side from the Kremlin. It was equipped with a drawbridge, a powerful diversion gate and passage gates, which later, in the 18th and early 19th centuries. were dismantled. The tower got its name from the Church of Constantine and Helena, which stood in the Kremlin. The height of the tower is 36.8 meters.

The Alarm Tower got its name from the large bell, the alarm, that hung above it. Once upon a time there were guards on duty here all the time. From above, they vigilantly watched to see if the enemy army was approaching the city. And if danger was approaching, the watchmen had to warn everyone and ring the alarm bell. Because of him, the tower was called Nabatnaya. But now there is no bell in the tower. One day at the end of the 18th century, at the sound of the Alarm Bell, a riot began in Moscow. And when order was restored in the city, the bell was punished for divulging bad news - they were deprived of their tongue. In those days it was a common practice to recall at least the history of the bell in Uglich. Since then, the Alarm Bell fell silent and remained idle for a long time until it was removed to the museum. The height of the Alarm Tower is 38 meters.

ROYAL Tower. It is not at all like other Kremlin towers. There are 4 columns right on the wall, and on them there is a peaked roof. There are neither powerful walls nor narrow loopholes. But she doesn’t need them. Because they were built two centuries later than the other towers and not for defense at all. Previously, there was a small wooden tower on this site, from which, according to legend, the first Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible watched over Red Square. Previously, there was a small wooden tower on this site, from which, according to legend, the first Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible watched over Red Square. Later, the smallest tower of the Kremlin was built here and called it Tsarskaya. Its height is 16.7 meters.

SPASSKAYA (Frolovskaya) tower. Built in 1491 by Pietro Antonio Solari. This name comes from the 17th century, when an icon of the Savior was hung over the gates of this tower. It was erected on the spot where the main gates of the Kremlin were located in ancient times. It, like Nikolskaya, was built to protect the northeastern part of the Kremlin, which had no natural water barriers. The passage gates of the Spasskaya Tower, at that time still Frolovskaya, were considered “holy” by the people. No one rode through them on horseback or walked through them with their heads covered. The regiments setting out on a campaign passed through these gates; kings and ambassadors were met here. In the 17th century, the coat of arms of Russia - a double-headed eagle - was installed on the tower; a little later, coats of arms were also installed on other high towers of the Kremlin - Nikolskaya, Troitskaya and Borovitskaya. In 1658, the Kremlin towers were renamed. Frolovskaya turned into Spasskaya. It was named so in honor of the icon of the Savior of Smolensk, located above the passage gate of the tower from the side of Red Square, and in honor of the icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands, located above the gate from the Kremlin. In 1851-52 A clock was installed on the Spasskaya Tower, which we still see today. Kremlin chimes. Chimes are large clocks that have a musical mechanism. The bells play music at the Kremlin chimes. There are eleven of them. One large one, it marks the hours, and ten smaller ones, their melodious chime is heard every 15 minutes. The chimes contain a special device. It sets the hammer in motion, it hits the surface of the bells and the Kremlin chimes sound. The Kremlin chimes mechanism occupies three floors. Previously, chimes were wound manually, but now they do it using electricity. The Spasskaya Tower occupies 10 floors. Its height with the star is 71 meters.

The SENATE Tower was built in 1491 by Pietro Antonio Solari, rises behind the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin and is named after the Senate, whose green dome rises above the fortress wall. The Senate Tower is one of the oldest in the Kremlin. Built in 1491 in the center of the north-eastern part of the Kremlin wall, it performed only defensive functions - it protected the Kremlin from Red Square. The height of the tower is 34.3 meters.

NIKOLSKAYA Tower is located at the beginning of Red Square. In ancient times, there was a monastery of St. Nicholas the Old nearby, and above the gate of the tower there was an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The gate tower, built in 1491 by the architect Pietro Solari, was one of the main defensive redoubts of the eastern part of the Kremlin wall. The name of the tower comes from the Nikolsky Monastery, which was located nearby. Therefore, an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was placed above the passage gate of the strelnitsa. Like all towers with entrance gates, Nikolskaya had a drawbridge over the moat and protective grilles that were lowered during the battle. The Nikolskaya Tower went down in history in 1612, when militia troops led by Minin and Pozharsky burst into the Kremlin through its gates, liberating Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. In 1812, the Nikolskaya Tower, along with many others, was blown up by Napoleon's troops retreating from Moscow. The upper part of the tower was especially damaged. In 1816, it was replaced by the architect O.I. Bove with a new needle-shaped dome in the pseudo-Gothic style. In 1917, the tower was damaged again. This time from artillery fire. In 1935, the dome of the tower was crowned with a five-pointed star. In the 20th century, the tower was restored in 1946-1950s and in 1973-1974s. Now the height of the tower is 70.5 meters.

The CORNER ARSENAL tower was built in 1492 by Pietro Antonio Solari and is located further away, in the corner of the Kremlin. The first name was received at the beginning of the 18th century, after the construction of the Arsenal building on the territory of the Kremlin, the second comes from the estate of the Sobakin boyars located nearby. There is a well in the dungeon of the corner Arsenal Tower. It is more than 500 years old. It is filled from an ancient source and therefore it always has clean and fresh water. Previously, there was an underground passage from the Arsenal Tower to the Neglinnaya River. The height of the tower is 60.2 meters.

The MIDDLE ARSENAL tower rises from the side of the Alexander Garden and is called so because there was a weapons depot right behind it. It was built in 1493-1495. After the construction of the Arsenal building, the tower got its name. A grotto was erected near the tower in 1812 - one of the attractions of the Alexander Garden. The height of the tower is 38.9 meters.

The TRINITY Tower is named after the church and the Trinity Compound, which were once located nearby on the territory of the Kremlin. Trinity Tower is the tallest tower of the Kremlin. The height of the tower currently, together with the star from the side of the Alexander Garden, is 80 meters. The Trinity Bridge, protected by the Kutafya Tower, leads to the gates of the Trinity Tower. The tower gate serves as the main entrance for visitors to the Kremlin. Built in 1495-1499. Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin Milanz. The tower was called differently: Rizopolozhenskaya, Znamenskaya and Karetnaya. It received its current name in 1658 after the Trinity courtyard of the Kremlin. In the 16th-17th centuries, the two-story base of the tower housed a prison. From 1585 to 1812 there was a clock on the tower. At the end of the 17th century, the tower received a multi-tiered hipped superstructure with white stone decorations. In 1707, due to the threat of a Swedish invasion, the loopholes of the Trinity Tower were expanded to accommodate heavy cannons. Until 1935, an imperial double-headed eagle was installed at the top of the tower. By the next date of the October Revolution, it was decided to remove the eagle and install red stars on it and the other main towers of the Kremlin. The double-headed eagle of the Trinity Tower turned out to be the oldest - made in 1870 and prefabricated with bolts, so when dismantling it had to be dismantled at the top of the tower. In 1937, the faded gem star was replaced with a modern ruby ​​star.

KUTAFYA tower (connected by a bridge to Troitskaya). Its name is associated with this: in the old days, a casually dressed, clumsy woman was called a kutafya. Indeed, the Kutafya tower is not high, like the others, but squat and wide. The tower was built in 1516 under the direction of the Milanese architect Aleviz Fryazin. Low, surrounded by a moat and the Neglinnaya River, with a single gate, which in moments of danger was tightly closed by the lifting part of the bridge, the tower was a formidable barrier for those besieging the fortress. It had plantar loopholes and machicolations. In the 16th-17th centuries, the water level in the Neglinnaya River was raised high by dams, so that water surrounded the tower on all sides. Its original height above ground level was 18 meters. The only way to enter the tower from the city was via an inclined bridge. There are two versions of the origin of the name “Kutafya”: from the word “kut” - shelter, corner, or from the word “kutafya”, which meant a plump, clumsy woman. The Kutafya Tower has never had a covering. In 1685, it was crowned with an openwork “crown” with white stone details.

The COMMANDANT'S Tower got its name in the 19th century because the commandant of Moscow was located in the building nearby. The tower was built in 1493-1495 on the northwestern side of the Kremlin wall, which today stretches along the Alexander Garden. It was formerly called Kolymazhnaya after the Kolymazhny yard located near it in the Kremlin. In 1676-1686 it was built on. The tower is made up of a massive quadrangle with machicolations (mounted loopholes) and a parapet and an open tetrahedron standing on it, completed with a pyramidal roof, an observation tower and an octagonal ball. The main volume of the tower contains three tiers of rooms covered with barrel vaults; The completion tiers are also covered with vaults. In the 19th century, the tower received the name “Komendantskaya”, when the commandant of Moscow settled nearby in the Kremlin, in the Poteshny Palace of the 17th century. The height of the tower from the side of the Alexander Garden is 41.25 meters.

The ARMORY tower, which once stood on the banks of the Neglinnaya River, now enclosed in an underground pipe, received its name from the nearby Armory Chamber, the second comes from the nearby Stables Yard. Once upon a time there were ancient weapons workshops located next to it. They also made precious dishes and jewelry. The ancient workshops gave the name not only to the tower, but also to the wonderful museum located nearby behind the Kremlin wall - the Armory Chamber. Many Kremlin treasures and simply very ancient things are collected here. For example, helmets and chain mail of ancient Russian warriors. The height of the Armory Tower is 32.65 meters.

Built in 1490 by Pietro Antonio Solari. Travel card. The first name of the tower is the original one, it comes from Borovitsky Hill, on the slope of which the tower stands; The name of the hill apparently comes from an ancient pine forest that grew on this site. The second name, assigned by royal decree of 1658, comes from the nearby Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist and the icon of St. John the Baptist, located above the gate. Currently, it is the main passage for government motorcades. The height of the tower is 54 meters.

WATER TOWER - so named because of the machine that was once here. She lifted water from a well located below to the very top of the tower into a large tank. From there, water flowed through lead pipes to the royal palace in the Kremlin. This is how in the old days the Kremlin had its own water supply system. He worked for a long time, but then the car was dismantled and taken to St. Petersburg. There it was used to construct fountains. The height of the Vodovzvodnaya tower with a star is 61.45 meters. The second name of the tower is associated with the boyar surname Sviblo, or the Sviblovs, who were responsible for its construction.

Annunciation Tower. According to legend, the miraculous icon of the Annunciation was previously kept in this tower, and in 1731 the Church of the Annunciation was added to this tower. Most likely, the name of the tower is associated with one of these facts. In the 17th century, for the passage of laundresses to the Moscow River, a gate was made near the tower, called Portomoyny. They were founded in 1831, and in Soviet times the Church of the Annunciation was also dismantled. The height of the Annunciation Tower with a weather vane is 32.45 meters.

TAINITSKAYA Tower is the first tower founded during the construction of the Kremlin. It was named so because a secret underground passage led from it to the river. It was intended to be able to take water in case the fortress was besieged by enemies. The height of the Taynitskaya tower is 38.4 meters.

Built in the 1480s. The tower ends with a simple tetrahedral pyramidal tent. The interior of the tower is formed by two tiers of vaulted rooms: the lower tier with a cross vault and the upper tier with a closed vault. The upper quadrangle is open into the cavity of the tent. One of the two towers that did not get a name. Height 34.15 meters.

Built in the 1480s. Above the upper quadrangle of the tower there is an octagonal tent with a weather vane; the upper quadrangle is open into the tent. The interior of the tower includes two levels of premises; the lower tier has a cylindrical vault, and the upper one is closed. Height 30.2 meters.

PETROVSKAYA tower, together with two unnamed ones, was built to strengthen the southern wall, as it was most often attacked. Like the two nameless ones, the Petrovskaya Tower at first had no name. She received her name from the Church of Metropolitan Peter at the Ugreshsky Metochion in the Kremlin. In 1771, during the construction of the Kremlin Palace, the tower, the Church of Metropolitan Peter and the Ugreshsky courtyard were dismantled. In 1783, the tower was rebuilt, but in 1812, the French destroyed it again during the occupation of Moscow. In 1818, the Petrovskaya Tower was restored again. Kremlin gardeners used it for their needs. The height of the tower is 27.15 meters.

photos around the Kremlin

Tsar's Tower

Built in 1680. It is a mansion placed on the wall. Once upon a time there was a small wooden tower from which Tsar Ivan the Terrible loved to watch Red Square. White stone belts on the pillars, high pyramids in the corners with gilded flags, a tent ending with a weather vane - all this gives the tower the appearance of a fairy-tale mansion.

The blind Alarm Tower was erected in 1495 in the northwestern wall of the Moscow Kremlin between two others - the Tsarskaya and Konstantino-Eleninskaya towers. Inside it is divided into two tiers. Its lower tier is a complex multi-chamber room connected to the running part of the walls by stairs. In 1676-1686, a hipped tetrahedral top was added.

Built by the architect Solari in 1940, on the site of the Timofeevsky Gate. Named after the Church of Constantine and Helena. At first the tower was a passage tower and had a drawbridge. In 1680, a tent roof was built. At the end of the 18th century, the bridge was broken and the gates were blocked. Even now the arch of the gate and the recess for the icons are clearly visible. Height 36.8 meters.

Located in the southeast corner. Built by the architect Mark Ruffo in 1487. In defense of the Kremlin, it took on the blow of enemy hordes. The architectural solution of the tower: a tall, slender cylinder placed on a plinth. A hearing cache was built in the basement to prevent undermining. In the seventeenth century a tent was erected. This tower has another name - Moskvoretskaya, because of the Moskvoretsky Bridge. The height of the tower is 46.2 meters.

The name of this tower comes from Peter's Church. The tower was destroyed by shells in 1612. In 1812, the tower was blown up by the retreating French. It was restored by the architect Beauvais. In 1818 it served the needs of Kremlin gardeners. The height of the tower is 27.15 meters.

First Nameless Tower

It was built in 1480. This tower has very sparse architectural forms. In the 15th and 16th centuries, gunpowder was stored in the tower. In 1547, a gunpowder explosion occurred in the tower. It was re-erected in the 17th century. They built a tent. Height - 34.15 meters.

Second Nameless Tower

The tower was built in the 15th century. It served only a defensive function. In 1680, a pyramidal tent with an observation tower was built above the tower. The tent is topped with a gilded weather vane.

Tainitskaya Tower is the oldest of the Kremlin towers. The name comes from the cache, which is located under the tower. Built in 1485 by architect P. A. Fryazin. At the end of the 17th century a tent was erected. In 1770 the tower was demolished, but three years later it was rebuilt. The height of the tower is 38.4 meters.

Annunciation Tower

Built 8 1487-88. Low, tetrahedral tower. At its base lies a white stone slab. During the time of Ivan the Terrible, there was a prison in the tower. At the end of the 17th century, a tent topped with a golden weather vane and a watchtower were erected. The name of the tower comes from the Annunciation icon and the church. In the depths of the tower there was a deep underground. The height of the tower is 30.7 meters, with a weather vane - 32.45 meters.

The tower is located in the southwestern corner of the Kremlin. The tower guards the Kremlin. The Vodovzvodnaya Tower is one of the most beautiful towers of the Kremlin ensemble. Built in 1488 by the architect Gilardi. At first it was called Sviblovaya. The modern name appeared in 1633, since this tower housed a water-lifting machine. The tower itself was built in a classical style. The tower is completed by battlements. At the end of the 17th century, a tent was built over the tower.

The tower has a stepped shape. It got its name from the forest that used to cover the entire hill. Built in 1490 by the architect Solari. On April 16, 1658 it was renamed Predtechenskaya. But it has reached us like the Borovitskaya Tower. The Borovitsky Gate had a utilitarian purpose. In 1812, the top of her tent fell. The restoration was carried out by Beauvais in 1816-19.

Weapon Tower

It is a small, austere, dull building. Built in 1945. At first it was called Kolymazhnaya, since the Kolymazhny yard was located nearby. It received its current name in the 19th century because the commandant of Moscow lived next to the tower. In 1676-86 a tent and a tower were erected. The height of the tower is 41.25 meters.

Trinity Tower

This tower completed the construction of fortifications on the side of the Neglinnaya River. Built in 1495-1499 by Aleviz Fryazin. It has six floors, deep two-story basements. A clock was installed on the tower in 1585, but it burned down in 1812. Recently a new clock was installed on the tower. The name comes from the Trinity Metochion in the Kremlin. Before that, it was called Epiphany, Kuretnaya, Znamenskaya. This tower, topped with a star, is the tallest of all. Its height is 80 meters.