The Grand Duke of Moscow Vasily the third spent a lot of time and effort on expanding the borders of his patrimony. In 1503, most of the current Zaraysk region ceased to be the territory of the Ryazan principality, which by that time had lost its independence. These lands became part of the Moscow state. However, Ryazan was no longer an obstacle for the Crimean Tatars on their way to Moscow. Therefore, prince Vasily sharply faced the problem of protecting the southern borders of the state. It was then that the decision was made to build several defensive points, including in Zaraysk.
The history of the Kremlin
The Zaraisk Kremlin was built in 1528-1531. Earlier on this place there were already wooden fortifications. However, it was decided that this was not a reliable defense structure. Therefore, engineer Aleviz Fryazin was invited from Italy. Nimes inside the old wooden walls and new stone were built.
According to archaeologists who excavated around the Kremlin, it was initially surrounded by a dry moat five meters wide and three meters deep. The existence of a regular city plan that has been preserved to this day, drawn up in 1730 by architect Gotovtsev, confirms its existence.
Over the entire period of its existence, the Zaraisk Kremlin has been restored and rebuilt more than once, thanks to which it has simply been preserved in excellent condition. This medieval building was repeatedly repaired in the 17th and 19th centuries.
Kremlin after the revolution
After the revolution (in 1918), the Kremlin was transferred to the Zaransk Museum. However, despite this, the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands located on the south side was demolished in the 30s. The Church of St. George the Victorious, which once adorned the bank of the Osetr River opposite the fortress, and the Epiphany Church, which was also nearby, have not survived to our days. In the beginning and middle of the 20th century, cosmetic repairs were carried out several times in the Kremlin. He underwent a major restoration in 1887-1993.
Museum "Zaraisk Kremlin"
Today, this ancient medieval Kremlin is very popular among tourists. It is a rectangle stretched from east to west. One of its distinguishing features is its very small size. This is the smallest stone Kremlin that has survived to this day. Its dimensions are only 130 x 190 m. You can get around the entire Kremlin in no more than 20 minutes.
Corner towers of the Kremlin
The walls of the fortress are decorated with seven towers - four in the corners and three above the entrance gate (south, north and west). There is no tower on the east side. The fact is that initially this wall was blank. The gate in it was broken later, after the need for repelling the invasions of the Tatars disappeared.
Corner towers are dodecahedrons with a diameter of about ten meters and a height of about 12-14 m. Their distinctive feature is that they protrude far beyond the walls of the Kremlin. Once the defenders of the fortress had a great opportunity, being here, to hold an almost circular defense. The northeastern tower is called Porokhovaya because stockpiles of gunpowder were once stored in it. Southeastern - “At the tavern” - got this name due to the fact that next to it was a drinking establishment. This building was demolished not so long ago - in the 90s. The corner south-west tower is called "At the cache", since next to it is an underground passage through which water was once delivered to the Kremlin. Unfortunately, due to various kinds of restoration work at the moment, this "cache" has been lost. The northwestern tower (the highest) is called the "Guard". The surroundings of the monastery are very clearly visible from it, and therefore it once served as an observation point.
Drive towers
The access towers have a tetrahedral shape and three tiers of defense. The gates that once served as an obstacle to the enemy were equipped with falling bars. In addition to this, fortifications were supplemented by drawbridges. From the north, the Zaraisk Kremlin can be reached through the Nikolsky Gate. They are named so in connection with the fact that next to them is the chapel of the same name, which has survived to this day. The western tower is called Yegoryevskaya because it was precisely next to them that the Church of St. George the Victorious was once located. Not far from the southern Spasskaya Tower there used to be a church of the same name. The eastern gate is called Trinity.
Kremlin churches
The Kremlin has two cathedrals: St. John the Baptist and Nikolsky. The latter was built in 1681. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a later construction. The exact date of its construction is unknown. In addition to these two churches, the Zaraisk Kremlin has a wooden belfry on the territory (a map with its location in the city and a diagram are presented below).
Kremlin walls
Kremlin walls have an average height of eight meters and a thickness of 3.5. The width of the combat course in them is 2 m. They are laid out of brick and lined with limestone. It is known that once the Kremlin was bleached. However, after one of the restorations, it was decided not to change the original appearance of the walls, since brick and limestone combine very well. Thus, the medieval spirit of construction was preserved. The Zaraisk Kremlin, a photo of which you can see in this article, is a really interesting ancient building, which you should definitely visit.
The area around the Kremlin
Some time after the construction, courtyards of artisans, traders, priests and landowners began to appear around the Kremlin. In addition, a wooden prison was built around this village. It consisted of sections covered with earth mixed with stones, and was no less a serious defensive structure than the Zaraisk Kremlin itself. It was possible to get to the village through five passage towers. In addition, the prison was supplemented by seven more deaf. Belted around this wooden railing was a deep moat. In addition, Posad defended the picket fence. Numerous settlements were molded around him.
Shrines
Well-preserved ancient buildings are not the only interesting thing that the Zaraisk Kremlin boasts. Its sights are not numerous, but they are available. First of all, it is a tombstone-monument to the Zaraisk princes John, Theodore and Eupraxia. Also on the territory there is a baptismal temple of Seraphim of Sarov.
For many centuries, the main shrine of the Kremlin was the miraculous icon of Nikola Zaraysky. Today, it is stored in the Andrei Rublev Museum in Moscow. However, those wishing to find out exactly how she looked, can look at the list from her, located in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in the Kremlin.
Tourists reviews
Today, the Zaraisk Kremlin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia. History buffs who have already visited it, note not only the variety of the excursion program, but also the cleanliness of the territory, as well as the well-groomed structure. Museum staff willingly provide visitors with all the information they need about the history of the Kremlin, its sights and architectural features. Many tourists are very impressed by the silence and tranquility reigning in the territory. Those who decide to visit this wonderful place are advised to visit not only the fortress itself, but also go around it outside to see better towers and walls. Some tourists even find ancient coins in the Kremlin.
Zaraisk Kremlin. How to get there?
The Kremlin is located in Zaraysk on Revolution Street, house 2. You can get to this city from Moscow through the Lakes or Lukhovtsy. In the first case, the path will be slightly longer. Upon reaching Kolomna, you should turn onto the Ozerskoe highway. After Oka there will be a right turn towards Zaraysk. In order to get to Lukhovitsy, you need to move along the M5 highway (Novoryazansky). Having passed Luhovtsy, you should turn to Zaraysk.
You can get to this city by bus. It leaves from the Vykhino metro every 40-60 minutes every day from 7:30 to 20:35. The number of the bus is 330.