For centuries, these majestic fortifications protected the country from enemies. Today, they’re open-air museums, reminding everyone of their past glory.
1. Sviyazhsk, Tatarstan
The fortified city on an island of the same name was built by order of Ivan the Terrible in 1551 in just 24 days, with 75,000 people taking part in the construction. This was the first Orthodox city in Tatarstan, which was supposed to become a Russian outpost against the Kazan Khanate. Initially, Sviyazhsk stood on top of a Mountain called Kruglaya (“Round”). The lake only appeared in 1957 due to the construction of a state district power station.
The wooden Assumption Church from the 16th century is preserved on the island - the only building remaining from the time of Ivan the Terrible - as well as several ancient stone churches. In 2017, UNESCO included Sviyazhsk on its World Heritage List.
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