On the territory of Russia there are many unique places that preserve the history and culture of the Russian people. Many historical and architectural monuments have survived on the territory of the city of Astrakhan. The military-historical center of the city is the Kremlin, a visit to which will not leave anyone indifferent. Magnificent cathedrals, powerful white-stone walls of the Kremlin attract the attention of travelers and guests of the city, calling to visit the courtyard and attractions located on its territory.
History of the construction of the Astrakhan Kremlin
Astrakhan is a city famous for its historical sights. One of them is the Astrakhan Kremlin. It is located in the center of the city, on a small island washed by the Volga, Tsarevka and Cossack Erik rivers.
The Astrakhan Kremlin is an example of the military engineering art of Ancient Russia. It was built as a southern outpost of the Russian state, protecting it from nomadic raids. The first structures on the island were built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. After his capture of Astrakhan, the tsar ordered to build serious defensive fortifications that could protect the civilian population of the city.
The first mention of the Astrakhan Kremlin dates back to 1558. At this time, military engineer Vyrodkov presented to the tsar the scheme of the first military structure located on the territory of the Hare Island. The buildings were surrounded by a double wooden fence, between the walls of which were laid stone boulders and soil.
In 1580, it was decided to increase the defensive capability of the fortress, so the construction of new defensive towers and walls began. The construction was supervised by the outstanding masters of stone architecture M. Velyaminov, G. Ovtsyn and clerk Dey Gubasty.
Description
The Astrakhan Kremlin is a museum of the military history of the state and the city. The central attraction of the Kremlin is the Astrakhan bell tower, which reaches a height of 40 meters. The bell tower was rebuilt several times. Today it has a slight slope from the central axis due to soil shrinkage.
The architectural ensemble of the Astrakhan Kremlin includes the Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Artillery Tower, the Red Gate Tower.
The example of Russian church building is the Assumption Cathedral, which welcomes tourists wishing to visit the Astrakhan Kremlin. The cathedral consists of two tiers. There is a tomb on the lower tier. Divine services are held on the upper tier of the cathedral. Only the upper tier of the cathedral is open to tourists and guests of the city.
Seven towers have survived on the territory of the Kremlin, which served as support points for the Kremlin walls. The artillery tower is one of the most famous buildings in the Kremlin. For several decades, the tower was used as a prison for holding prisoners. Today on the territory of the Artillery Yard there is a museum of military equipment, exhibitions of firearms are held.
Tours
Excursions are constantly held on the territory of the Astrakhan Kremlin. They take place all year round, any day of the week. The excursion around the Kremlin does not include visits to museums and cathedrals. Excursion groups can consist of three or more people. The cost of the excursion depends on the number of people in the group.
At the entrance to the Kremlin, the tourist is invited to familiarize himself with the map of the territory, on which all important structures are marked. You can order excursions or tickets at the information desk on the territory of the Kremlin, as well as on the official website.
The Kremlin is open from 8.00 to 20.00. At this time, all exhibitions and cathedrals of the museum complex are open for tourists.
The Astrakhan Kremlin is located at: Astrakhan, st. Trediakovsky, 2, st. Lenin, 1, st. Admiralteyskaya 12. The Kremlin can be reached from anywhere in the city by all means of transport, which goes to the stop “pl. October.
