Avraamievskaya Tower, Gate tower of the Smolensk Kremlin in Smolensk, Russia

The Avraamievskaya Tower is a red brick gate tower of the Smolensk Kremlin, with a square multi-storey main block and a steep pyramidal roof of weathered grey planks topped by a metal finial. Its lower tier holds a zigzag passage with gates in the western and northern walls, and a stone staircase within the adjacent southern wall leads to the upper tiers. A crenellated brick parapet connects to its left side and continues along the fortress wall.

The structure was built between 1595 and 1602 as part of a major fortification project led by architect Fyodor Kon. This construction took place during the reigns of Tsar Feodor I and his successor Boris Godunov.

The tower is named after Saint Abraham of Smolensk, a local monk and archimandrite. Its gate passage runs in a zigzag through the ground floor, with doorways set in the western and northern walls, and three battle windows look out from that level.

Access is typically through organized visits of the entire Kremlin complex, where this tower represents one of several key points. Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the site involves considerable walking along outer walls and uneven historical surfaces.

The tower's ground floor holds a zigzag passage with gates set in its western and northern walls, and three gun ports that were later bricked up. From 1777 to 1812 the tower served as a gunpowder store.