Kutafiya Tower

Kutafiya Tower is a rectangular gate tower at Moscow Kremlin with a white stone base and red crenellated top. The structure serves as the entry point and connects to the Trinity Bridge that leads toward the fortress.

Built in 1516 by Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin, the tower was designed to defend the Trinity Bridge and control access to the Kremlin. It remained the sole outer outpost of this fortification system through centuries of change.

The tower displays medieval Russian military architecture with its defensive tiers and openings for weapons. Visitors can see how the old fortress system actually worked.

The tower is easily accessible on foot across the Trinity Bridge and forms the natural starting point for exploring the Kremlin grounds. Morning visits typically offer less crowding than later in the day.

The tower stands at about 13.5 meters tall, making it noticeably smaller than most other Kremlin towers. Despite its modest size, it proved effective as a defensive position guarding a crucial crossing point.

Location: Tverskoy District

Inception: 1485

Part of: Kremlin

GPS coordinates: 55.75250,37.61280

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:09