Kitai-gorod wall, Historic fortification in Moscow
The Kitai-gorod wall was a fortification system that protected the inner city and extended for several kilometers with high stone walls and towers. This second line of defense stood behind the Kremlin and controlled access to the commercial and residential areas inside.
The wall was built in the mid-16th century under Ivan the Terrible to protect the expanding city. It was damaged multiple times over the centuries and eventually dismantled in the 20th century to make room for modern development.
Kitai-gorod's name is derived from the words 'kita' meaning pile or heap, and 'gorod' meaning town.
Today only small sections remain visible, mainly near Red Square and scattered throughout the old city district. The best way to explore the surviving fragments is to walk through the historic Kitai-gorod neighborhood and look for preserved sections along the streets.
The Kitai-gorod wall features distinct tent-like roofs on its towers, typical of Russian architecture.
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