Rostov’s impressive Kremlin was built in the 17th century under the orders of the powerful Metropolitan Iona of Rostov. He wanted the town (which in those days still wielded some power in the region) to have one of the most beautiful Kremlins in the country and to that end he dug deep into the church's coffers to build this imposing fortress.
Nowadays within the Kremlin walls there are numerous museums, although unfortunately most of them are of little interest to foreign visitors. It is however well worth climbing up the Kremlin walls and the bell tower, taking a look in the cathedral and checking out the regular art exhibitions.
In front of the Kremlin is the huge 12th century Dormition of Mary Cathedral, which is in essence a working church - although it should be noted that inside it is undergoing a complete renovation. For a small extra fee you can also climb up the adjacent bell tower for a view over the surrounding area.
References:Château de Niort is a medieval castle in the French town of Niort. It consists of two square towers, linked by a 15th-century building and dominates the Sèvre Niortaise valley.
The two donjons are the only remaining part of the castle. The castle was started by Henry II Plantagenet in the 12th century and completed by Richard the Lionheart. It was defended by a rectangular curtain wall and was damaged during the Wars of Religion. In the 18th century, the castle served as a prison.
The present keeps were the central point of a massive fortress. The southern keep is 28m tall, reinforced with turrets. The northern tower is slightly shorter at 23m. Both are flanked with circular turrets at the corners as well as semicircular buttresses. Each of the towers has a spiral staircase serving the upper floors. The Romanesque architecture is of a high quality with the dressed stones closely jointed.