ASTRAKHAN KREMLIN

The Kremlin is surprisingly quiet although it is right in the city centre. It is located at the top of the Zaïatchy hill. It is very wooded and can give the opportunity for a walk even if you don't feel like visiting the monuments. Its construction began in 1582, on the site of a wooden kremlin built just after the Russian victory over the Tatars.
The entrance is from rue Oktyabrskaya, through the Pretchistenskie Gate. Immediately to the left, the impressive Assumption Cathedral stands against the surrounding wall. It dates from the very beginning of ^{XVIIIe siècle.} Inside, there are the tombs of two Georgian kings, Vakhtang VI and Teimuraz II. At that time, Georgian territory was occupied by Persians and kings in exile in Russia. A little further on, the small Kirillov chapel occupies part of the north wall of the kremlin. It is named after Kirill of Astrakhan, who founded the Trinity Monastery. This chapel brings a feeling of serenity in the shade of some trees. In the centre is the Trinity Cathedral, recently restored, which contains a beautiful iconostasis with some old pieces. However, the most interesting place is the Red Gate Tower (krasnye vorota), located on the west wall, which is not red, but white. You have to go up there to have a panoramic view of the river, the city and the beginning of the delta.
The tower also houses a fascinating photo exhibition on the evolution of the city and the streets of Astrakhan over the centuries.