Veselukha Tower

The Veselukha Tower is a fortified structure with a round profile that forms part of the eastern defensive wall of the Smolensk Kremlin. The tower stands among eight other preserved fortification structures that line this section of the ancient walls.

Built between 1595 and 1602 under architect Fyodor Kon's direction, the tower served as a critical defense position against invasions from the west. Its construction was part of a broader fortification program designed to protect the city from external threats.

The tower takes its name from its location on the eastern side of the Kremlin wall, where guards could see across the suburbs and surrounding lands. This strategic placement made it a key lookout point for defenders.

You can reach the tower by walking along the eastern section of the Kremlin wall, viewing it alongside the other fortification structures. It helps to explore the full circuit of the wall to understand how the defense system worked as a whole.

Local records mention counterfeiters who operated near the tower, sparking stories about mysterious dealings in the area over the centuries. This unusual chapter of the tower's neighborhood gives the site an intriguing layer beyond its military role.

Location: Smolensk

Part of: Smolensk Kremlin

GPS coordinates: 54.78983,32.06544

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:01