Rostov Kremlin

The Rostov Kremlin (Russian Ростовский кремль) is an architectural ensemble of four complexes, built during the 16th and 17th centuries in Rostov, Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia. The Kremlin is located in the center of Rostov. According to its original purpose, the ensemble of the Rostov Kremlin was the residence of the Metropolitans, Metropolitan Bishop, of the Rostov diocese. According to experts it is one of the most significant and original architectural monuments in Russia. The ensemble of the Kremlin consists of four special complexes: the Metropolitan's Court; the Cathedral Court; the Metropolitan Garden and the Stable Yard. The oldest building of the ensemble is the Rostov Assumption Cathedral (1508–1512). The architecture of all the churches of the Kremlin was determined by this monument. The Kremlin buildings, with a few exceptions, were built in the second half of the 17th century. It is important that the main part of the ensemble is built according to a single plan — a rare phenomenon in Russia at that time. This is what determined the exceptional architectural and artistic integrity of the Kremlin. Also because of the efforts of the museum specialists, the Kremlin has preserved outstanding monuments of Russian monumental painting of the 17th century. Since 1998, the Rostov Kremlin has been included in the Tentative list of UNESCO World heritage objects.