The white stone complex of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower dominates an entire side of Cathedral Square and houses several of the largest bells in the world.
It is made up of three bodies built in different phases: the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Assumption Belfry and Filaret’s Annex.
The oldest part is the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, built where the bell tower of a 14th century church once stood. The architect who had it built in 1505-1508 was an Italian, Marco Bono. Initially it was about sixty meters high, with an octagonal base, topped with a dome. A few decades later it was raised to its current height of 81 meters and for a long time was the highest construction in all of Moscow, since it was forbidden to construct buildings higher than it.
In the 16th century, a church was built right next to the Tower which was transformed into the Assumption Belfry at the end of the 17th century. A few years later, a bell tower with a square base was built, called Filaret’s Annex, named after the Patriarch who had it built.
In 1812, the Napoleonic army blew up the complex as it retreated from Moscow, destroying much of it. Thanks to its sturdy structure, Ivan the Great's Tower survived relatively unscathed.
Fortunately, you can admire these buildings today in all their splendor thanks to the immediate reconstruction work in the 19th century and subsequent restorations.
Of course you can't miss the spectacular view from the top of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Climbing its 137 steps is worthwhile in order to admire this architectural masterpiece from the inside too, where you’ll find an interesting exhibition on the history of the Kremlin.
Visitors can also enjoy the fascinating temporary exhibitions on display in the Assumption Belfry, with works of art from the Kremlin Museum and other important Russian and foreign museums.
An interesting fact: near this complex you'll find two truly colossal items, the Tsar Bell, the largest bell in the world, weighing more than 200 tons and measuring over 6 meters in height and diameter, and the Tsar Cannon , weighing 40 tons. You know what they have in common? They never worked! But they certainly are two unique masterpieces.
