Vodovzvodnaya Tower, Fortified tower at Moscow Kremlin, Russia
The Vodovzvodnaya Tower is a fortified corner structure at the southwestern side of Moscow Kremlin, rising 61 meters above ground. The building features an octagonal upper section made of stone and was designed to protect the Kremlin grounds while housing water-pumping equipment inside.
Built in 1488 by Italian architect Antonio Gilardi, the tower was originally named Sviblova after a local noble family. The name changed to Vodovzvodnaya in 1633 following the installation of a water-pumping system inside the structure.
The tower's name comes from a water-lifting mechanism that once supplied water from the Moskva River to the Kremlin grounds. This practical function shaped how locals and residents understood the building's role in daily fortress operations.
The tower is best viewed from the Moskva River embankment, where several public viewpoints offer free access and clear sightlines. Visitors should plan to stroll along the riverside during Kremlin opening hours to see the structure from different angles and enjoy the surrounding area.
The tower housed a hidden pumping mechanism inside that once lifted water directly from the river into Kremlin buildings, making it one of the few defensive structures with such an innovative technical function. This system was unusual for its time and helped ensure the fortress had water supply even during sieges.
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