Spasskaya Tower (Kazan Kremlin)

The Spasskaya Tower (Spasskaya bashnya) is the main gate tower of the Kazan Kremlin and an architectural monument of the 16th century. It stands in the southern wall of the fortress in the centre of Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, facing May 1 Square. The tower is part of the Kazan Kremlin ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since 1 September 2023 it has housed a museum.

History of the Spasskaya Tower

The tower was built in 1556–1562. Its construction is attributed to the Pskov architects Ivan Shiryai and Postnik Yakovlev, known by the nickname Barma. The original tower was a low white-stone defensive structure with walls about 2.5 metres thick. The passage through it bent inside the tower to make it harder for an enemy to break through to the gate.

After fires in the 17th and 18th centuries the tower was rebuilt: brick octagonal tiers were added on top of the massive white-stone base, crowned by a richly decorated hipped roof. This gave it its present multi-tiered look, and it became the main entrance to the kremlin.

On its northern, inner side the tower adjoined the gate church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands. In 1927 the chapel attached to the tower on the south side was demolished, and in 1930 the bent passage was straightened to create a through entrance to the kremlin.

What to see

The tower carries a clock with chimes. An electric clock was installed in 1963; today the chimes are accompanied by the Crimson Ringing (Malinovy zvon) light-and-music installation, which is most striking from May 1 Square in the evening. The spire is topped by a five-pointed star.

The Spasskaya Tower Museum is devoted to the fortifications of the Kazan Kremlin and to the tower itself at different stages of its history. The exhibition occupies the rooms of the former gate church and shows weapons, building materials and how the tiers of the tower changed from a 16th-century white-stone stronghold to the structure seen today.

Getting there

The nearest metro station is Kremlyovskaya. From there, walk along the kremlin walls to May 1 Square; the passage through the tower is the main pedestrian entrance to the Kazan Kremlin. Address: Sheinkmana passage, 8.

Good to know

Admission to the Spasskaya Tower Museum is by ticket, and the price includes an audio guide. Check current opening hours and prices on the website of the Kazan Kremlin museum-reserve before visiting.