Tsarskaya Tower, Fortified tower in Moscow Kremlin, Russia.
The Tsarskaya Tower is a fortified structure on the Kremlin Wall that stands out with four corner turrets featuring decorative pediments and gilded flags. This 16-meter-tall building displays white stone belts and is crowned by a green conical spire resting on fluted pillars.
The structure was built in 1680 as part of the Kremlin fortifications, incorporating an arched passageway at its base and a second level open on all sides. This design reflected the evolution of fortress construction in the 17th century.
The name reflects tsarist times and points to the royal importance this structure held within the Kremlin. The architecture displays traditional Russian style elements like kokoshnik ornaments and the green spire that characterize the tower.
The tower is located in the Tverskoy District near Red Square and is accessible to visitors exploring the Kremlin complex. Best visited during daylight hours when lighting reveals the ornamental details and stone embellishments more clearly.
The tower contained a fire alarm system to alert Moscow citizens, even though it never served a defensive purpose within the Kremlin walls. This detail reveals that the structure was designed more to protect the city than to defend the fortress itself.
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