Gdov Kremlin
| File:Gdov Fortress.jpg Ruins of the Gdov Kremlin | ||
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location | Gdov | |
| Year of construction | ~ 1300 | |
| Towers and gates | ||
| Walls | ||
| Wall height | 7.5 - 8 metres | |
| Wall thickness | 3.5 - 5 metres | |
The Gdov Kremlin (Russian: Гдовский Кремль) is located on a bank of the Gdovka river, overlooking the Russian town of Gdov.
History
Origin
Gdov was established as an outpost of the Pskov Republic A stone kremlin was was constructed in 1431.
Дальнейшая судьба кремля
The kremlin occupuied a strategically important position, being close to Lake Peipus, separating Livonia and Rus. Located on an important road to Pskov, Gdov protected it from the north. The Kremlin had been attacked on numerous occasions, for example in 1323, 1480, and 1613. From 1614 to 1621, it was controlled by the Swedes. During XVII century, the kremlin had been continuously damaged. It sustained major stonework faults; signs of explosions have been identified. The archaeologists have unearthed fragments of 9 iron cannon projectiles and one whole stone projectile. In 1686, the kremlin was severely damaged by fire.
In 1706, Gdov was visited by tsar Peter the Great. He ordered to strengthen the walls by covering them with earth. Presently, the stone towers are covered by earth as well, ever since the construction of the town's park took place in the XIX century. Later in XVIII century, parts of the walls were taken apart. In 1781, by the order of Catherine the Great, the demolition of the kremlin was temporarily stopped
In February 1944, the kremlin was razed almost entirely. The Dmitriyevski Cathedral was destroyed in explosion, however, the fortress' walls have survived. The Cathedral was restored in 1990 –- 1991.
Remaining structures
- Fragments of the South-West, South-East, and North-East walls. Earthen mounds, 4 – 6 metres in height, identify the location of the destroyed towers and gates.
- Dmitriy Solunskiy Cathedral (constructed in 1520 – 1530).