The Rostov Kremlin is a majestic stone fortress in the old city of Rostov Veliky. The area of the Kremlin is located in the historical centre, on a small hill, not far from the northwestern corner of Lake Nero. It is very beautiful and has long been the trademark of the old Russian city. The white stone towers, powerful walls, and domes of the churches blend perfectly into the surrounding landscape.

In earlier times, the architectural complex served as the residence of the Archbishop (or Metropolitan), meaning it was the home of the highest dignitaries of the Rostov-Yaroslavl Diocese. Later, it was called the "Kremlin." This designation is quite controversial, as the walls and towers that have survived to this day were originally not intended for defence. This is evidenced by the overly wide gates and the framed windows located on the towers. Nevertheless, the Archbishop's court was built according to the traditions of Russian defensive architecture.

The area of the Rostov Kremlin has the status of a museum reserve and is divided into three parts. In the centre is the Archbishop's court, to the north is the Cathedral Square, and to the south is the picturesque Metropolitan Garden. The oldest building of the Rostov Kremlin is the Assumption Cathedral, which was built here at the beginning of the 16th century. Most of the other buildings date from the second half of the 17th century.

The construction of fortresses on the banks of Lake Nero began when Finno-Ugric tribes lived along its shores. In the 10th and 11th centuries, these lands were settled by Slavs coming from the northwest. The centre of their settlement was where the Assumption Cathedral now stands.

The new inhabitants brought Christianity with them, and in 991 the first wooden church was built in the city. By the beginning of the 13th century, the centre of Rostov represented a wooden town fortified by earthen ramparts and ditches. Within this town stood the Assumption Cathedral and the monastery "Grigorjewskij Satwor," founded here in the early 13th century.

For a long time, the Rostov fortifications remained made of earth and wood. They could not provide adequate protection against enemy troops, but the city was far from the borders, and neither the Crimean Tatars nor the Swedes or Lithuanians reached it, which is why the construction of a stone fortress was not necessary.

When Russia experienced the difficult time of turmoil, the city was captured by the troops of the false Dmitri. The Rostov Metropolitan Filaret was taken prisoner, and the old Assumption Cathedral was devastated. By the mid-17th century, the fortifications were in poor condition, which is why it was decided to build a large stone residence for the Rostov Metropolia in their place.

The inspirer and organiser of the large-scale construction project was Metropolitan Jonas Syssojewitsch, who came to Rostov in 1664. The beautiful architectural ensemble was built over about 30 years. All temples, palaces, and towers were connected by covered walkways and galleries.

In 1787, the Metropolia moved to Yaroslavl, and the area of the Rostov Kremlin became overgrown. Without proper care, the buildings and churches fell into disrepair, services were no longer held here, and by the beginning of the 19th century, the question of demolishing the Archbishop's court arose.

However, these plans were not to be realised. The Rostov merchants raised the necessary funds, restored the architectural monument, and opened a museum of church antiquities in 1883. At the beginning of the last century, funds from the Russian state treasury were allocated for the maintenance of the Kremlin by decision of the State Duma.