Kutafya tower

Kutafya Tower – an integral part of the Moscow Kremlin. It has a very unusual name. Previously, "kutafyas" were called rather clumsy, overweight women of small stature. This tower is the only one located outside the Kremlin walls. It is located directly opposite the Trinity Tower. They are connected by a bridge spanning the Neglinka. At present, everyone can enter the Kremlin through the Kutafya Tower.

A bit of history

Kutafya Tower – a truly unique piece of architecture. It was built in 1516. Aleviz Fryazin from Italy supervised its construction. In that era, when creating walls and towers, only fortification tasks had to be solved. The entrances and entrances to the fortress were closed with the help of special structures. Kutafya Tower – the only such building that has miraculously survived to this day. It was built in order to protect the entrance to the Trinity Bridge. A moat was also dug in front of the tower. Then water was poured into it. On the other side was the Neglinnaya River. The tower does not impress with the sophistication of architecture. The construction is quite simple. There are two side tiers and hinged loopholes.

During the Middle Ages, a large number of defensive fortresses with towers were built in Moscow. They had loopholes and entrances. The thicknesses of such structures were very thick. Kutafya tower served as a gate. Through it one could go to the Trinity Tower. These structures were connected by a bridge. On the other side of the tower there was also a bridge – lifting. If there were signs that danger was coming, the bridge was quickly raised. In this case, it was not possible to approach the Kutafya Tower, since a bridge was provided in front of it.

Reconstruction

During its existence, the tower has been restored many times. So in 1685 the roof and battlements were dismantled. It was replaced by an arcade add-on. She still decorates the Kutafya tower. 

After the threat of attacks had passed, the moat was filled in. A gate was created in the wall from the side of Moscow. They were crowned with a portal. 

Kutafya tower today

Today, the Kutafya tower has ceased to be a formidable guardian. She is a kind of good-natured gatekeeper of the Kremlin. Usually tourists enter the inner territory, passing through it. Few know the heroic past of this tower. Many generations of those who defended Moscow fought the enemy in it. Thanks to them and this tower, we have the opportunity to admire the magnificent views of Moscow and be proud of such ancestors.