Ivan the Great Bell Tower (Kolokolnya Ivana Velikovo)

Ivan the Great Bell Tower (Kolokolnya Ivana Velikovo) Review

The octagonal main tower of this, the tallest structure in the Kremlin, rises 263 feet. According to a tradition established by Boris Godunov no building in Moscow is allowed to rise higher than the bell tower. The first bell tower was erected on this site in 1329. It was replaced in the early 16th century, during the reign of Ivan the Great (hence the bell tower's name). But it was during the reign of Boris Godunov that the tower received its present appearance. In 1600 the main tower was rebuilt, crowned by an onion-shaped dome and covered with gilded copper. For many years it served as a watchtower; Moscow and its environs could be observed for a radius of 32 km (20 mi). Altogether, the towers have 52 bells, the largest weighing 70 tons. The annex of the bell tower is used for temporary exhibits of items from the Kremlin collection; tickets may be purchased at the entrance.