Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Eight Magnificent and Historic Russian Kremlins

Some of the most prolific forts in the world can be found in Russia. In Russia, fort or citadel is known as Kremlin. Here are the 8 most magnificent forts in this huge country. These Kremlins are popular Russian tourist attractions.

1.) Peter and Paul Fortress


The Peter and Paul Fortress is a grandiose structure located in St Petersburg, Russia. It is the original citadel of St. Petersburg founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and from 1706-1740. The fortress contains many remarkable buildings clustered around the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which has a 123.2 m bell-tower - the tallest in the downtown.

2.) Moscow Kremlin


The Moscow Kremlin is a notable and historic fortified complex in Moscow, the capital of Russia. It is situated at the center of the city and overlooks the River Moskva, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and Alexander Garden. Moscow Kremlin is the best known of Kremlins or Russian citadels. It includes 4 palaces, 4 cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of Russia..

3.) Ivangorod Fortress


Ivangorod Fortress is a remarkable fortification building located in the town of Ivangorod, Russia. This Russian medieval castle was established in 1492 and overlooks the Narva River Narva City, Estonia. This quadrilateral castle measures 150 m2 with walls 14 meters tall.

4.) Shlisselburg Fortress


Shlisselburg Fortress is magnificent-looking located in Shlisseburg, a town in Leningrad Oblas, Russia. It was constructed at the head of the Neva River on Lake Ladoga. The town and the fortress are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

5.) Suzdal Kremlin


The Suzdal Kremlin is a beautiful fort and is the oldest part of the City of Suzdal. It dates back from the 10th century. Like other Russian Kremlins, it was originally a fortress or citadel and was the religious and administrative center of the city. It is most notably the site of the Cathedral of the Nativity. This fortress, which was constructed in the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with several structures in the neighboring city of Valdimir.

6.) Kazan Kremlin


The Kazan Kremlin is the chief historic citadel of Tatarstan, situated in Kazan City. It was built during the time of Ivan the Terrible and was declared in 2000 a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

7.) Novgorod Kremlin


Novgorod Kremlin is also known as “The Detinets”, the ancient name for the Kremlin or fortress. It stands on the left bank of the Volkhov River. The fort was constructed from 1484 to 1490 with a length of 545 meters and a width of 240 meters with 9 surviving towers. The tallest tower, the Kokui tower is capped by a silver dome. The walls are 1,487 meters in circumference. Today, it is possible to enter this tower and climb to the top.

8.) Brest Fortress


Brest Fortress is a 19th century Russian fortress in Brest, Belarus. It is one of the most important Soviet World War II war monuments commemorating the Soviet resistance against the German invasion on June 22, 1941. This fort is originally the largest 19th century fortress of the Russian Empire. It has a total area of 4 km² with a fortified area 30 km in circumference. It is formerly known as Brest-Litovsk Fortress.

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