Mozhayskiy Kreml'

Mozhaysk, Russia, Russia

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The Mozhayskiy Kreml' in Mozhaysk, Moscow Oblast, Russia, originated as a wooden fortress in the 12th century on Cathedral Hill overlooking the Mozhaya River, first mentioned in chronicles from 1231 when it repelled attacks as part of the Smolensk principality.

Burned by Tatars in 1293 and later integrated into Moscow's domain by 1303, it endured sieges by Lithuanian Prince Olgerd and Tokhtamysh's raids before Ivan the Terrible ordered its 1541 rebuild after a major fire, evolving into a stone stronghold by 1624-1626 modeled after Moscow's Kitay-gorod with white stone walls, Nikольские (St. Nicholas) and Petrovские gates featuring an overgate church, and towers like the Kitchen and White. 

Dismantled post-Time of Troubles around 1802 as defensive needs waned, remnants include the striking 1683-1685 rebuilt St. Nicholas Cathedral atop Nikольская tower and fragments of walls, now a historic site with museums amid scenic views.