Kolomna Kremlin - complete guide

Old stone forts have survived only in 50 cities of Russia. One of these medieval wonders adorns the center of Kolomna. Let's get acquainted with a unique monument of serf architecture - the Kolomna Kremlin!

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History and description of the Kolomna Kremlin

The first Kremlin was built of wood in the 12th century to protect Muscovy from the southeast. The fortified outpost was small and did not save from enemy raids. The Tatars captured the city many times.

In the first half of the 16th century, by the will of the Grand Duke Vasily III, on the site of the old fortress, Kolomna Kremlin made of stone. In architecture, it is very similar to the Kremlin in Moscow. Probably, the construction was supervised by the famous Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin (Old). The fort fulfilled its task and protected Kolomna from nomads - since the middle of the 16th century, enemies have never conquered the city.

In the 17th century, the Russian state expanded, and the borders were pushed further from Moscow. Crafts and trade began to develop in Kolomna. Local residents were slowly dismantling the walls and towers of the Kolomna Kremlin for building materials, and by the beginning of the 19th century, little remained of the powerful fortress. The situation changed after the decree of the Russian Tsar Nicholas I, in which the Tsar ordered to stop the destruction of the historical monument in the center of Kolomna.

What area does Kolomna Kremlin Today? The most beautiful fortress in the vicinity of Moscow is spread over 24 hectares. Three sections of high stone walls are 1940 m long. 7 towers have survived along the perimeter. Historians believe that there were originally 16 or 17.

Inside the Kolomna Kremlin there are now two monasteries and several Orthodox churches, old civil buildings, mansions, estates, monuments, museums and exhibition halls. It is interesting to spend a whole day here!

Churches, cathedrals and temples of the Kolomna Kremlin

To protect monasteries and churches from enemies, they were built inside fortified walls. There are many Orthodox shrines in the heart of the Russian city, so the Kolomna Kremlin is of interest not only for tourists, but also for believers.

Assumption Cathedral - the most beautiful building in the center of Kolomna. The majestic five-domed temple was built in the second half of the 17th century on the site of the old cathedral. A spectacular hipped-roof belfry was added to the temple 10 years later. Take a look inside to admire the colorful murals and splendid iconostasis!

There are two old churches near the cathedral. Resurrection temple known for the fact that the wedding of Dmitry Donskoy and Princess Evdokia took place in front of his altar. Red brick Tikhvin Church appeared later - at the end of the 18th century. Adjacent to it is a slender 17th century bell tower.

The Kolomna Kremlin houses a female Novo-Golutvin monastery, on the territory of which the Trinity Cathedral, the Intercession Church, stone chambers and a bell tower have been preserved. The nuns maintain a kennel where Central Asian Shepherd Dogs and rare Mongolian-Buryat dogs are bred. Excursions around the monastery are conducted by the novices and sisters themselves.

The second women's monastery of the Kremlin in Kolomna - Assumption Brusensky Monastery appeared in the middle of the 16th century. In its churches and buildings, traditional Russian architecture and classicism are harmoniously combined.

Church of St. Nicholas Gostiny - one of the oldest monuments of the Kolomna Kremlin. It was built in 1501, but little remains of the original building. The external appearance of the church was changed by major reconstruction and anti-religious persecution of the last century.

Smart Holy Cross Church stands where the shopping arcade used to be. During the years of Soviet power, this temple was partially dismantled and given to a cardboard factory. Then the building was restored and the churches returned to their original appearance.

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