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The President resolved to approve the Russian Federation Government’s proposal to celebrate the Tula Kremlin’s 500^th anniversary in 2020. The Tula Kremlin’s construction marked the start of work to build a series of defence lines and fortifications known as Bolshaya Zasechnaya Cherta (the Great Abatis Line).

Regional and local authorities have received the recommendation to take part in preparing and organising the 500^th anniversary celebrations.

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The Bolshaya Zasechnaya Cherta fortification line was part of the Russian state’s overall defence system and consisted of a series of fortified towns (more than 40 by 1630). The Tula Kremlin is one of the few Russian mediaeval fortresses to have retained its original appearance. It defended the country’s southern approaches for several centuries and was never once taken by enemies.