Astrakhan Kremlin

The walls of the Astrakhan Kremlin were equipped with prongs the slots of which allowed to fire from handguns against enemies. At the same place at the top tier were formed "Varnitsa"—holes through which boiled water or hot tar was poured on attackers. During those times the system of organization of “fire fighting” of the fortress was invoked as one of the most modern systems in whole Russia. Construction of Assumption Cathedral, which began in 1699 on the first of October, was probably the most significant event that was held on the territory of the Astrakhan Kremlin. Thirty professional stonemasons were invited led by bondman architect Dorotheos Myakisheva. The building of the Cathedral lasted almost 12 years. During this time, the architects created the temple with proper cubic form with five heads. The external of the Cathedral was decorated with molded brick and carved with white stone. Windows and dome heads were framed by columns in the style of Corinthian décor and semicircular arches were filled with paintings with biblical plots. Three such arches were arranged on each side of the temple.

The cathedral was divided into two floors: the upper church is dedicated to the honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The tall and light temple was intended for ceremonial worship during warm months. The lower church which is dark-lightened and surrounded by the gallery columns.

In 1710 the bell tower cathedral was constructed under the control of architect Dorothea Myakisheva. In addition to bells, the watch was also installed, which created freshness and uniqueness in the city. The next two centuries were relatively calm for the Kremlin. Its buildings were repaired, rebuilt and renewed.

At the beginning of the 20th century, after the October Revolution, access to the Territory of Kremlin was closed. Instead, it was transformed into a military post, where groups of Red Guards were formed the Military Revolutionary Committee was placed.

In January 1918, Astrakhan Kremlin was once again in the middle of fateful events, when supporters of Soviet power fought with Astrakhan Cossacks. They attacked The Red Army which was entrenched in the Kremlin, from the roofs of nearby buildings. Serious destruction was caused to the Kremlin after this battle. Miraculously the temples of Kremlin have survived. In 1919 the Army was reorganized under the leadership of Kirov to protect the outfall of Volga and to defeat the White Guard troops and foreign interventionists. Thus, in the early 20th century the Kremlin remained a military target. It was popularly named as “The Town of Trotsky” (in 1992-1926). Only after the end of World War II did the town open access to the Kremlin. At the same time, the Kremlin ceased to be subject to military purposes. In the middle of the 20th century, significant restoration works were held, due to which many buildings, requiring urgent repairs were saved.

In 1974, the Astrakhan Kremlin became a museum and in 1980 became part of the Astrakhan State United Historical-Architectural Museum-Reserve. Nowadays citizens and tourists of Astrakhan have access to museum exhibits of the lifestyle of the Astrakhan Garrison. Moreover, they can see Casual Suits archers and scorers, elements of their weapons and ammunition, and the exhibition dedicated to the history of popular uprisings and corporal punishment. In 2011, after the restoration of the Kremlin, the Guardhouse exposition was opened, which tells visitors about the life of the Astrakhan military garrison of the 19th century.