Beklemishevskaya Tower, Fortified tower at Moscow Kremlin, Russia
Beklemishevskaya Tower is a fortified tower on the southeastern corner of Moscow Kremlin, rising roughly 46 meters high. Its upper section features an octagonal shape with louvered openings, while narrow windows along the walls supported the site's defense.
Marco Ruffo, an Italian architect, built this tower in 1487 as part of the Kremlin's fortification program. The structure was named after Ivan Bersen-Beklemishev, a boyar whose residence once stood nearby.
The tower shows how Italian builders brought their techniques into Moscow's fortification system while adapting to local needs. This blend shaped the Kremlin's appearance and tells the story of exchange between different building traditions.
The tower is visible during regular Kremlin hours and can be observed from outside the fortification. Guided tours explain its defensive functions and show the details of its construction and design.
The tower contains a specialized underground chamber designed to detect if enemies tried to tunnel beneath the walls. This hidden defensive feature shows how builders anticipated threats that others might miss.
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