Round Tower, Defensive tower in Kitai-gorod, Moscow, Russia
The Round Tower is a reconstruction built in 1997 as a defensive structure within Moscow's Kitai-gorod historic district. Its circular shape eliminates protruding corners, which reflects the engineering approach used in medieval fortifications to reduce weak points.
The original Kitai-gorod wall was built in the 16th century to protect Moscow's merchant quarter. This modern reconstruction from the late 20th century was created to restore the visibility and understanding of the city's medieval defense system.
The tower stands as part of the restored Kitai-gorod wall, showing how visitors and locals experience this historical defense system in the heart of Moscow. It marks a visible connection between the city's medieval past and its present-day landscape.
The tower sits in the heart of the old city and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can view and photograph the structure from the outside, with daytime visits offering the best light for observation.
This reconstruction reveals a key detail of medieval warfare: round designs were far more effective against catapults and battering rams than angular bastions. The approach was both practical and shaped how fortress designers thought about defense across Europe.
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