Kopytenskaya Tower, Gate tower in Smolensk, Russia.
Kopytenskaya Tower is a gate tower in the eastern section of the Smolensk Kremlin, built with solid brick walls and multiple defensive positions. Its construction shows typical features of fortifications from this period, with a sturdy structure designed to control access to the city.
The tower was constructed between 1595 and 1602 under architect Fyodor Kon's direction as part of a major fortification project. This building period represented an important strengthening of the city's defenses during a time of territorial tensions.
The tower's name comes from an old Russian word connected to horses, reflecting its role in the medieval fortification system. Visitors can see how the thick walls once protected the city and its inhabitants during times of conflict.
The tower is accessible year-round as part of the Smolensk Kremlin complex, where information is available on-site. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the pathways within the fortification can be uneven.
The tower features specially positioned arrow slits and cannon ports at different heights that allowed defenders to target approaching enemies from multiple angles. This careful arrangement of openings shows how medieval engineers maximized the space for defensive strength.
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