Kokui Tower, Military tower in Novgorod Kremlin, Russia
Kokui Tower is a military tower within Novgorod Kremlin standing about 41 meters tall with multiple tiers and observation platforms. The structure displays the characteristic architecture of medieval Russian fortifications with its tiered design.
During World War II, German forces used the tower as an observation post and inflicted substantial damage to its upper section. The structure was restored after the city's liberation in 1944 and has been preserved since.
The tower stands as a symbol of medieval city defense and appears on Russia's 1997 five-ruble banknote as part of the Kremlin skyline. This representation highlights its importance as one of Russia's most recognizable landmarks.
Two telescopes with 60x magnification on the observation deck let visitors examine distant landmarks across the medieval city. The view from above provides a clear overview of the entire Kremlin grounds and surrounding old town.
In the lower section during the 19th century, the tower stored vegetables, especially cabbage, and housed pigs cared for by local firefighters. This unusual use shows how fortress spaces were adapted for everyday needs.
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