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Kolomna

Kolomna is an old town, mentioned in the annals in 1177, which date is now considered to be Kolomna's birthday. The town is located at the confluence of Moskva and Oka Rivers, tying upstream and lowstream waters of these two important river routes of Central Russia. Since Kolomna was on the straight way to Volga River, it emerged as a place for trades and crafts. Being a frontier town, Kolomna served as a protective shield for Ryazan against Prince Vladimir's invasions, and then for Moscow against Mongolians, who frequently attacked the city. Political situation made princes fortify Kolomna, and in 1525 they started building stone Kolomna Kremlin, making the town an unassailable citadel. Kolomna Kremlin had 17 towers, including ones with passages, and proved to be a reliable protective shelter. From the beginning of time Kolomna was a rendezvous point for Russian military forces before battles. This was the place, where Dmitry Donskoy gathered his brigades heading for Kulikovo Pole, and Ivan III blunted attacks of Crimean Tatars, while Ivan the Terrible formed cohorts for his Kazan campaign.

Kolomna Kremlin

Kolomna Kremlin

Inside the Kremlin one can admire the Cathedral Square with ancient temples: five-domed Uspensky town cathedral (1672-1682) and Tikhvinskaya church with large pyramid bell tower (1692). To the north from the cathedral Voskresenskaya church (XVI century) is situated. The Cathedral Square is connected with Pyatnitskie (Friday) Gates via Lazareva Street. To the left from the gates there is the church of Nikola Gostinny (about 1530), and near it you can see the church of Holy Cross day, a square building with Empire style columns. So-called city trade quarters are situated eastwards from the Pyatnitskie (Friday) Gates -- ancient houses and Nikolskaya church of XVII century are quite attractive sights.

Tikhvinskaya church 
and Uspensky town cathedral

Tikhvinskaya church and Uspensky town cathedral

Near the Uspensky town cathedral Novo-Golutvin functional convent, established in 1801, is located and is notable for three-storied Empire style bell tower (1825). The convent's territory is a real pleasure for an eye, especially elegant building of Troitskaya church (1680). Another attraction of the convent is two-storied long building of XII century -- pontifical house. Pokrovskaya chapel is located near the northern gates of the convent.

Troitskaya church

Troitskaya church

Last modified: Thu Sep 21 18:30 MSD 2009