Ivan the Great Bell Tower

Ivan the Great is a bell tower in the Moscow Kremlin, Russia, built with three octagonal tiers clad in white limestone and brick. The structure tapers upward and is crowned by a gilded dome that rises above the surrounding buildings.

Construction began in 1505 under the direction of Italian architect Bon Fryazin and continued for several decades until completion. The building remained the tallest in the city until the 19th century and shaped Moscow's skyline for generations.

The name honors John Climacus, a 6th-century Byzantine monk whose feast day is celebrated in the Orthodox calendar. Visitors hear the different bells during major church festivals, each with its own sound and role in worship.

Guided tours with tower access run from April through October and lead to a viewing platform at about 25 meters (82 feet) above ground. Access involves a narrow spiral staircase, so visitors should wear closed shoes and be comfortable with stairs.

The lower floor houses a small church dedicated to the saint after whom the entire tower is named. This combination of place of worship and lookout point was uncommon in Russian architecture of the time and merged religious with defensive purposes.

Location: Tverskoy District

Inception: 1508

Architects: Domenico Gilardi

Official opening: 1508

Architectural style: Russian architecture

Height: 81 m

Part of: Kremlin

Website: http://kreml.ru/en/kremlin/buildings/Ansambl_Kolokolyni

GPS coordinates: 55.75083,37.61806

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:11