Spasskaya Tower (Kazan Kremlin)

Photos

  • Спасская башня (Казанский кремль). Photo 1

Description

The Spasskaya Tower of the Kazan Kremlin, its main passage tower and an architectural monument of the 16th century, is located in the southern wall of the fortress, overlooking May 1 Square. Since September 1, 2023, a museum has been opened in the tower, dedicated to the fortification of the fortress and the tower itself at different historical stages.

This four-tiered tower with the gateway Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands was erected in the 16th century by Pskov architects Ivan Shiryai and Postnik Yakovlev, known by the nickname "Barma". It is the main entrance to the Kazan Kremlin. The tower was originally a simple cubic battle structure made of white limestone with a watchtower on a flat roof, with an entrance on the right side that curved inside to make it difficult for enemies to enter.

Over time, the tower was rebuilt several times. As a result of fires in the 17th and 18th centuries, brick octagons of two additional tiers and a hip roof, decorated with rich decor, were built on the powerful quadrangle. The passage was straightened, and a clock with chimes of an unusual design was installed on the tower. Today, this clock reproduces the light-and-music installation “Crimson Ringing,” which creates an unusually spectacular spectacle in the evening.

On the northern side of the tower, on the inside of the Kremlin, there was a gate church in the name of the Savior Not Made by Hands. However, in 1927, the chapel attached to the tower on the south side was destroyed in order to establish a through passage to the Kremlin. The history of this tower and its significance for the Kazan Kremlin is displayed in the open museum located inside the tower.

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