Zaraysk

Russia, Russia

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Zaraysk is a historic town in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located about 162 km southeast of Moscow on the Osyotr River, serving as the administrative center of Zaraysky District with around 24,000 residents. Originally known as Novogorodok-upon-the-Osyotr since the 12th century under Ryazan Principality control, it became part of Muscovy after 1521 and was renamed Zaraysk, featuring the smallest fully preserved Kremlin in Russia built 1528-1531 by order of Vasily III from brick and white stone as a rectangular fortress with seven towers and three gates to defend against Crimean Tatar raids. This key outpost on the Great Abatis Border endured attacks in 1533, 1541, 1570, and 1673, was briefly held by Poles during the Time of Troubles until liberated by Dmitry Pozharsky in 1609, later thriving as a grain trade hub before fading into provincial status amid Paleolithic sites nearby.