Ivanovskaya Tower of Tula Kremlin, Defensive tower in Tula Kremlin, Russia
The Ivanovskaya Tower is a defensive structure within Tula Kremlin, built with heavy stone walls and small window openings as part of the fortress's complete defensive system. The tower stands at a strategic corner of the fortification and overlooks the Upa River.
The tower was constructed during the 16th century under Tsar Ivan IV to strengthen Tula's southern border against attacks from the Crimean Tatars. The structure was part of a larger fortification effort that protected the city for centuries.
The tower forms part of the Kremlin's defenses, where visitors today can see the heavy stone walls and narrow windows that reflect medieval defensive thinking. The structure shows how people in that era created protection through building design.
The tower is part of the Kremlin complex and visiting works best by entering through the main Kremlin gate. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the old stone pathways can be uneven and the stairs inside may be steep.
From the top, the tower offers a rare overview of the entire Kremlin complex and the city beyond, which few visitors see today. This vantage point reveals why the location was so valuable for defense.
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