Taynitskaya (Secret) Tower (Moscow)

 tower, listed building / architectural heritage, 15th century construction

The Taynitskaya – or Secret – Tower is in a way the oldest tower of the Moscow Kremlin. Its erection marked the beginning of the Kremlin’s fortification structures. Under the tower is a hidden well, hence the name of the tower and the gates. In the event of a siege, the Kremlin could be supplied with water via this well and a secret underground passage.
The tower was built in 1485 by Pietro Antonio Solari, also known as Pyotr Fryazin. In the late 17th century, a tent roof was added. Unfortunately, the 15th-century tower did not survive; it was torn down in 1770 to make way for the Kremlin Palace designed by architect Vasily Bazhenov. In 1771-1773, however, the tower was rebuilt, with the tent roof added later.
In 1930, the bastion was taken apart and the gates and hidden passageways bricked up. The height of the tower is 38.4 meters.