Борисоглібська вежа, Medieval tower in Novgorod Kremlin, Russia.
The Boris and Gleb Tower is a stone structure located within the Novgorod Kremlin walls, built with thick masonry and designed with narrow defensive openings. The tower served as one of several fortification points that made the compound a complete defensive system.
The tower was built during the medieval period and formed part of Novgorod's defensive network against external attacks and raids. Its construction represents a shift toward stone fortifications that made the city stronger than earlier wooden defenses.
The tower takes its name from Orthodox saints Boris and Gleb, showing how medieval builders organized defense around religious figures and protection. This choice reflects what people valued in those times - faith mixed with practical survival needs.
The tower is open year-round and typically visited as part of guided tours of the Kremlin complex near the Volkhov River. Wear sturdy shoes since the pathways along the fortification walls can be uneven with steps in several places.
The tower bears a name linked to two saints whose images were traditionally depicted together in Russian religious art, a pairing uncommon among other fortification towers. This dual saint reference makes it distinct from other defensive structures in the complex.
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