Troitskaya Tower – An overview of the Kremlin Towers

The Troitskaya Tower is the most important and tallest of all the Kremlin towers. It is very interesting to note that the Kremlin has no less than 20 separate defense towers. They all have different heights, shapes, names, features and histories. At the top of the towers you will find either a red star, green tent roof or gilt weathervanes.

When you first arrive at the Kremlin you will not notice the difference and they all look more or less the same. It is only when you start looking at each one individually that you see the differences. In this post I will explain more about the Troitskaya Tower and it`s history.

History of the Troitskaya Tower

The Troitskaya Tower (Троицкая башня in Russian) is also called the Trinity Tower and can be found at the west side of the Kremlin. The reason why it is also referred to as the Trinity Tower is because it is standing next to the Trinity Monastery. It was built in 1495 by an Italian architect. The original bell and clock at the top of the tower was damaged during the  great fire in 1812. Some reports said it was restored and others say it was never restored.

The Troitsky Bridge, which is protected by the Kutafia Tower, leads to the gates of the Troitskaya Tower.

It changed names many times over the centuries but it was given it`s present name in 1658. This was an important gate even back then because it was the passage to the Estate of the Patriarch and the courts of the Tsarina and the princesses.

Today the Troitskaya tower contains the main visitor’s entrance to the Kremlin and it overlooks the beautiful Alexander gardens.

The tower has a two-story basement and it was used as a prison during the 16th and 17th centuries.

I mentioned in the beginning that this tower is the highest of all the Kremlin towers. If you measure the tower from the Alexander gardens then it will measure 80m.

Interesting facts about the Troitskaya Tower

1. Napoleon apparently lost his hat on the bridge when he entered the Kremlin in 1812.
2. In 1937 the Soviets installed a bright red star on top of the tower.
3. In 1707 when Sweden threatened to invade Moscow, the gun slots were enlarged and fitted with cannons.
4. The Troitskaya Tower is very similar in appearance to the Spasskaya Tower.

[ale_alert style=”green”] It is not permitted to go inside the tower but I have seen people walking on the bridge. I am not sure if there is an excursion that you can take to do this. [/ale_alert]

Address: Aleksandrovsky Sad, Kremlin/Red Square, Moscow,103073