Stone ancient cathedrals began to be built after the proclamation of Christianity state religion Rus'. They were first erected in largest cities- Kyiv, Vladimir, and also Novgorod. Most of the cathedrals have survived to this day and are the most important architectural monuments.
Historical reference
The Old Russian state reached the peak of its development during the reign of Vladimir the Great and his son Yaroslav the Wise. In 988, Christianity was proclaimed the state religion. This was of great importance for the further development of feudal relations, strengthening the unity of the country, flourishing cultural life, expanding ties with Byzantium and other European powers. After approval, they began to build ancient cathedrals of stone. The best masters of their time were invited to work, the artistic and technical achievements of the era were used.
The first stone church - Tithes - was erected in the center of Kyiv under Vladimir the Great. During its construction, the prince managed to significantly strengthen the city and expand its territory.
in architecture
The ancient cathedrals of Rus' very often resembled Byzantine churches in their design. But soon this artistic model began to acquire national characteristics.
It was a cross-domed temple. The Chernigov Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, St. Sophia of Kiev and others had the same form.
Consider the characteristic features of Byzantine temples:
- Cross-domed cathedrals were a building crowned with a dome, which was strengthened by four columns. They were sometimes joined by two more (to increase the size).
- Ancient cathedrals outwardly resembled a pyramid.
- For the construction of temples, special bricks of a certain shape were used - plinths, which were connected with the help of opulence.
- Windows, as a rule, had a pair of openings and an arch.
- The main attention was concentrated on the interior decoration of the temple. There were no rich compositions outside.
Characteristic features of ancient Russian architecture
The ancient cathedrals of Rus' were built according to the Byzantine model. However, over time, architecture acquired its own national features.
- The temples were much larger than the Byzantine ones. For this, additional galleries were built around the main building.
- Instead of central columns, large cruciform pillars were used.
- Sometimes the plinth was replaced by a stone.
- The picturesque design style eventually gave way to the graphic.
- From the 12th century towers and galleries were not used and the side naves were not illuminated.
Saint Sophia Cathedral
The ancient cathedral was erected during the highest period. In the annals, the foundation of St. Sophia of Kyiv dates back to 1017 or 1037.
The cathedral was dedicated to the wisdom of Christian teaching and was called to affirm the greatness new religion. During the times of Rus', the cultural and social center of the capital was located here. The cathedral was surrounded by other stone temples, palaces and simple city buildings.
Initially, it was a five-nave cross-domed structure. Outside were galleries. The walls of the building were built of red brick and plinth. Sophia of Kiev, like other ancient Russian cathedrals, was decorated with various spans and arches. The interior decoration abounded with picturesque frescoes and gilded mosaics. All this created an impression of extraordinary splendor and splendor. The cathedral was painted by some of the most famous Byzantine masters.
Sophia of Kiev is the only monument of architecture in Ukraine that survived after the invasion of the Mongols in 1240.
Church of the Intercession of the Virgin
The church, located on the shore, is one of the most famous architectural monuments in Suzdal. The temple was erected by Andrei Bogolyubsky in the 12th century. in honor of a new holiday in Rus' - the Intercession of the Virgin. Like many others in Russia, this church is a cross-domed building on four columns. The building is very light and light. The frescoes of the temple have not survived to this day, as they were destroyed during the reconstruction at the end of the 19th century.
Kremlin in Moscow
The Moscow Kremlin is the most famous and oldest architectural monument in the capital of Russia. According to legend, the first wooden fortress was erected under Yuri Dolgoruky at the beginning of the 12th century. The ancient cathedrals of the Kremlin are the most famous in Russia and still attract tourists with their beauty.
Assumption Cathedral
First stone cathedral in Moscow - Uspensky. It was erected by an Italian architect during the reign of Ivan III on the very high point Kremlin hill. IN in general terms the building is similar to other ancient cathedrals in Russia: a cross-domed model, six pillars and five domes. The Assumption Church in Vladimir was taken as the basis for the construction and decoration. The walls were erected from iron ties (instead of traditional oak), which was an innovation for Russia.
The Assumption Cathedral was intended to emphasize the greatness of the Muscovite state and demonstrate its power. Church councils were held here, metropolitans were elected, Russian rulers were married to reign.
Blagoveshchensky cathedral
At a time when Moscow was still a small principality, an ancient cathedral was located on the site of the Annunciation Church. In 1484, the construction of a new building began. Russian architects from Pskov were invited to build it. In August 1489, a snow-white three-domed church grew, surrounded by a large gallery on three sides.
If the Assumption Cathedral was the religious center of the principality, where important spiritual and political ceremonies were held, then the Annunciation Cathedral was the royal house church. In addition, the state treasury of the great rulers was kept here.
Cathedral of the Archangel
This ancient monument is a temple-tomb, which stores the ashes of prominent figures of Russia. Ivan Kalita, Dmitry Donskoy, Ivan the Terrible, Vasily the Dark, Vasily Shuisky and others are buried here.
The Archangel Cathedral was built in 1508 by the Italian architect Aleviz. The master arrived in Moscow at the invitation of Ivan III.
It should be noted that the Archangel Church is not like other ancient cathedrals located on Red Square. It resembles a secular building, in the design of which there are antique motifs. The Archangel Cathedral is a cross-domed five-domed building with six columns. During its construction, for the first time in the history of Russian architecture, a two-tier order was used to decorate the facade.
Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye
The church was erected in 1532 in honor of the birthday of Ivan the Terrible. There is a beautiful building on the banks of the Moskva River.
The Church of the Ascension is fundamentally different from other Russian cathedrals. In its form, it represents an equal cross and is the first example of tent architecture in Russia.
Despite the progress in our time and the constantly ongoing discoveries, very few facts have come down to us about the architecture of the ancient Slavs. All this is because in those days, basically, all buildings were built of wood, and since this material is short-lived, the main historical monuments have not been preserved.
The ancient Slavs had good building skills. And with the establishment of Christianity in Rus', many stone structures such as temples and churches. The construction of cross-domed cathedrals was then very developed. All this is due to the fact that Christianity came to us from Byzantium, and, accordingly, the construction of temples was carried out on the basis of the schemes of Byzantine structures.
Story architecture Ancient Rus' began with the creation of the Kievan state and ended this stage only with the advent of the Russian Empire. The first temples are Novgorod, Kyiv and Vladimir. The heyday of architectural architecture is considered the period of the reign of Yaroslav the Wise (XII century). In the thirteenth century the development church architecture in Rus' slows down, this is due to the emergence of the Tatar-Mongol yoke. And in the XV century, already during the reign of Ivan III, the rapid development of architectural architecture again begins.
Hagia Sophia in Novgorod
The history of this cathedral is very interesting. It was built in honor of the Novgorodians, who once helped Yaroslav the Wise to sit on the throne of the Grand Duke. It was built for seven years and the temple was consecrated already in 1052. IN Kyiv church Hagia Sophia is buried the son of the Grand Duke Yaroslav - Vladimir, who died on October 4, 1052.
It is worth noting that the cathedral was built of mixed material - stone and brick. Its design is strictly symmetrical, and it also has no galleries. Initially, the walls of this cathedral were not whitewashed. This is due to the fact that Slavic architects primarily focused on Byzantine structures, in which mosaic and marble cladding was preferred. A little later, the mosaics were replaced with frescoes, and marble with limestone.
The frame of the composition looks like a cross-domed temple with five naves. This type of construction is inherent only in temples built in the 11th century.
The first cathedral painting was made in 1109, but most of the frescoes have not been preserved to our time, with the exception of Konstantin and Elena. Many frescoes were lost during the Great Patriotic War.
In the Hagia Sophia, several iconostases were constructed, or rather, there were three of them. The main icons in the cathedral are: the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign", Euthymius the Great, Anthony the Great, Savva the Sanctified, the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. It was possible to save the remains of the holy books, of which the most surviving are six books: Princess Irina, Prince Vladimir, Princes Mstislav and Fedor, Archbishops Nikita and John.
The figure in the form of a dove is decorated with a cross of the central dome, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Hagia Sophia in Kyiv
The history of this cathedral begins in 1037, when it was founded by Kyiv Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Sophia of Kiev has been very well preserved to this day, even picturesque decorations, such as frescoes and mosaics, have survived. These are two types of painting, combined not only in the Hagia Sophia, but also in almost all architectural monuments of Ancient Rus'. Now the church has 260 square meters of mosaics and almost three thousand square meters of frescoes.
The temple has a huge number of mosaics with images of the main saints. Such works are made on a golden background, which helps to emphasize the richness of these masterpieces. Mosaics include more than 177 shades. But the names of the creative masters who created such beauty remain unknown to this day.
The main cathedral mosaics: the Mother of God "Indestructible Wall", the Annunciation, John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great.
In addition to fresco and mosaic paintings, a large number of graphic images (graffiti) have been preserved. There are more than seven thousand graffiti on the walls of the cathedral.
Five princes are buried in the Sophia Church: Yaroslav the Wise, Vsevolod, Rostislav Vsevolodovich, Vladimir Monomakh, Vyacheslav Vladimirovich.
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
One of the outstanding architectural monuments of Ancient Rus'. The church is entirely made of stone and is considered the pinnacle of white stone architecture. It was built in 1165, by order of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, in honor of his dead son, who was killed by the Bulgars. The temple was erected in the Vladimir region, on the interfluve of the Nerl and Klyazma rivers.
This is the first monument in the history of architecture of Ancient Rus', which is dedicated to the Feast of the Intercession. Holy Mother of God.
The structure of the church is quite simple. It consists of four pillars, a cruciform dome and three apses. This is a one-domed church with exquisite proportions, due to which from afar it seems as if the temple is floating in the air.
The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Demetrius Cathedral in Vladimir
The date of foundation of the cathedral is considered to be 1197. This temple is famous among other architectural monuments of Ancient Rus' for its technique of execution - white stone carving.
The temple was erected personally for Prince Vsevolod the Big Nest and his family. The church was later dedicated to heavenly patron- Dmitry Solunsky.
The composition is based on typical structures of Byzantine temples (four pillars and three apses). The dome of the church is gilded and crowned with a neat cross, the weather vane of which is depicted in the form of a dove. The construction of the temple was carried out exclusively by Russian architects, but the decoration was carried out by Greek craftsmen, which is why in the cathedral you can find features characteristic of Western basilicas. Elements of Romanesque architecture are clearly expressed in the masonry technique, as well as in the decoration.
The walls of the cathedral are decorated with various mythical images, horsemen, psalmists and saints. In the temple there is a sculpture of David the Musician. His miniature symbolizes the idea of a god of a protected state. Also in the church there is an image of Vsevolod the Big Nest and his sons.
Although Dmitrievsky Cathedral does not have external beauty, inside its interior is quite rich. Unfortunately, of the frescoes, only the Last Judgment has survived to this day.
Golden gates of the city of Vladimir
The composition was erected in Vladimir, the basis for the construction of which was the order of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1164. In total, 5 gates were built, of which only the Golden ones have survived to this day. They served as the entrance to the princely city part, which was considered the richest. The construction of the gate was carried out by Vladimir craftsmen.
There are rumors that at the end of the construction work, they fell on the twelve people involved in the construction. The townspeople thought that the masters had died, and then Bogolyubsky decided to turn to the icon with prayers. Mother of God. When the collapse was cleared, the people littered with the remains of the gate were pulled out safe and sound. After this incident, a white-stone chapel was built over the gate.
The height of the triumphal arch of the Golden Gate reaches fourteen meters. The main task of the building was to protect the city of Vladimir from raids. The design was based on a combat platform from which enemies were fired. The remains of the site are still in the gate. It was possible to enter and leave the site with the help of a stone staircase adjoining it.
The Golden Gate is a symbolic image of princely power and greatness.
During the Mongol-Tatar invasion, many monuments from the Golden Gate were hidden by the townspeople. Most of them are included in the UNESCO list and recognized as destroyed monuments. In 1970, a group of Japanese archaeologists came to the Soviet Union to clear the bottom of the Klyazma River. At the end of the expedition, many items that archaeologists considered lost were found. Among them were precious doors taken out of the Golden Gates of Vladimir. Although this version is still more perceived as a legend. Because historical facts they say that the inhabitants of Vladimir did not have enough time to hide the relics, much less take them out of the city. If the sashes were found, then the location of the gold plates is unknown to this day.
tithe church
This is the first Russian church that was built of stone; it was consecrated in 996. The church is lit with the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its name is due to the fact that Grand Duke Vladimir allocated a tithe of the state budget, that is, a tenth, for the construction of the church.
The history of the church is directly connected with the baptism of Rus'. The fact is that it was erected on the site where a skirmish between pagans and Christians took place. The building itself is a kind of symbol of religious discord.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
Another unique architectural monument of Ancient Rus' is the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. This monastery is included in the list of the first ancient Russian monasteries. Its construction was carried out in 1051, during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise. Its founder is considered to be the monk Anthony, whose roots came from Lyubech.
The location of the monastery is the city of Kyiv (Ukraine). Located on the coast of the Dnieper, on two hills. At first, there was an ordinary cave on the site of the monastery, to which the clergyman Hilarion came, but when he was appointed Metropolitan of Kyiv, the cave was abandoned. Around the same time, the monk Anthony arrived in Kyiv, he found the cave of Hilarion and stayed in it. A little later, a church was erected over the cave, and already in 1073 it was finished with stone. In 1089 it was consecrated.
The frescoes and mosaics decorating the church were made by Byzantine masters.
St. Cyril's Church
It is considered the oldest monument in the history of architecture of Ancient Rus'. The date of its foundation is considered to be 1139. The name of the church is associated with the names of Saints Athanasius and Cyril. The church is one of the main components of the composition of the St. Cyril Monastery, which is located near Chernigov, in the village of Dorohozhychi. St. Cyril's Church was built under Prince Vsevolod Olgovich and later became the tomb of the Olgovich family. Vsevolod's wife, Maria, who was the daughter of Mstislav the Great, was buried there. Also in this church, Prince Svyatoslav was buried in 1194.
In 1786, the lands were confiscated from the church in favor of the state, and this was the end of the history of the St. Cyril Monastery. The church was converted into a hospital temple.
Church of the Savior on the River Nereditsa
The cathedral was built in the city of Novgorod and the date of its construction is 1198. The building style stands out for its unusually simple construction and strict motifs; it is worth noting that all Novgorod buildings are made in this style. The church is in perfect harmony with the landscape due to the simplicity of the composition. The Cathedral of the Savior on the Nereditsa River, like most buildings of that time, is made of white stone. The interior of the church is fully consistent with the external style.
The execution of the paintings is of a strictly strict nature, the predominance of clear forms. In the images of saints, open views can be traced, it seems that the images are not simply depicted on the walls of the temple, but, as it were, boarded up in them. In general, the cathedral is a symbol of power and strength.
Novgorod Kremlin
The basis of each ancient Russian city was considered a strong Kremlin, which could protect the townspeople and survive during the defense against enemies. The Novgorod Kremlin is one of the oldest. For the tenth century now, he has been decorating and protecting his city. It is worth noting that, despite the fact that the Kremlin of the city of Novgorod is an old building, it still retains its original appearance. The Kremlin is made of red brick. Novgorodsky is located on the territory of the Kremlin Saint Sophia Cathedral, which is also included in the list of architectural masterpieces of Ancient Rus'. His appearance and the interior is made in a sophisticated style. The floor is decorated with mosaics, on which the best masters of that time worked.
The Novgorod Kremlin is an ensemble of the best architectural monuments, which the inhabitants of the city can be proud of today.
Russian art from the tenth to the end of the seventeenth century is inextricably linked with the church and Christian faith, which the Russian people, following their Byzantine teachers, called Orthodox. (Before that, paganism was practiced in Rus').
The first city in Rus' to be baptized was Kyiv.
Start new history and new art on Russian soil was laid at the end of the 10th century under the Grand Duke Vladimir Svyatoslavich.
The princely ambassadors attended the divine service in the great Orthodox church Byzantium - the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. They were amazed by what they saw: "We don't know whether we were in heaven or on earth, for there is no such kind and such beauty on earth."
It's amazing how many magnificent churches, decorated with mosaics, frescoes, icons, were erected in the 11th century in a country that had just been baptized. At that time, the masters - the Byzantines came to Rus' with whole artels.
tithe church.
Near the princely court in 991-996. the many-domed church of the Assumption of the Mother of God rose, nicknamed the tithe, because the prince ordered a tenth of his income to be given to the construction of this temple.
 |
| Tithe Church. Layout |
Before the construction of the Church of Hagia Sophia in Kyiv, the Church of the Tithes was the main revered Orthodox church.
In 1240, in the black year of Batu's invasion, the Church of the Tithes was destroyed.
Savior - Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernigov.
The oldest of the temples of Kievan Rus that have survived to this day in its former appearance.
It is located not in Kyiv, but in Chernigov. Laid down by order of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich (son of Prince Vladimir) in the 11th century.
At its core, it was a five-domed temple of the type of an inscribed cross with a developed altar part.
 |
| Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Chernihiv. Modern look |
At that time, the temples were not plastered, so the plinth brick ornament, fastened with pink mortar, in addition to elegance, gave the temple lightness. Byzantine craftsmen built it, so Greek patterns - meanders - are clearly visible.
 |
| Cathedral interiors today |
 |
| Cathedral interiors today |
 |
| Cathedral interiors today |
Hagia Sophia in Kyiv.
A new stage of architecture is associated with the construction of Yaroslav the Wise in Kyiv. In the late 30s - early 50s of the 11th century. at the direction of the Grand Duke of Kyiv, the most majestic and famous of all Russian churches, the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (that is, the Wisdom of God), was erected. It is also the most grandiose of all known temples of the Byzantine artistic tradition.
 |
| Model of Hagia Sophia in Kyiv |
In the XIV. Sophia Cathedral was thirteen-domed, but later underwent a major restructuring and the number of domes decreased.
 |
| Modern view of Hagia Sophia in Kyiv |
If the ancient frescoes barely appear on the walls of the cathedral, then the mosaics made of smalt are as bright as they were many centuries ago. They decorate the main parts of the temple.
Christ the Almighty is located in the dome.
And in the altar, on the wall of the central apse, there is a strict figure of the Mother of God. Her hands are lifted up in unceasing supplication.
Nowhere else on Russian soil will churches be preserved, decorated with mosaics of smalt and natural stone. It will remain only on Kievan soil, as a reflection of the Byzantine Empire, which gave Rus' the ability to build temples and paint icons.
Novogorodskaya architecture.
The 11th century in ancient Russian architecture is the era of the "three Sofias": Kiev, Novgorod and Polotsk.
The farther from South Rus' the temple was built, the more features of the original Russian architecture it has, the more local masters brought their own finds into the building practice. Therefore, Sophia of Novogorodskaya and Polotsk, erected in the image of Sophia of Kyiv, were very different from it.
For several centuries, Novgorod the Great was the "second capital" of Rus'.
This city was famous for its population and wealth.
In 1045-1050s. by order of Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich, one of the most famous cathedrals Ancient Rus' - Sophia of Novgorod.
The cathedral was built of plinth (flat brick) and stone. Despite the fact that the main architectural elements of St. Sophia of Kyiv and St. Sophia of Novgorod largely coincide, they produce a completely different impression.
The Novgorod temple looks more severe, more monumental and more compact. Its five powerful domes are raised high above the monolithic cubic building, strictly separated from it. The sixth chapter crowns the stair tower located in the western gallery south of the entrance. Poppy domes are made in the form of ancient Russian helmets.
 |
| Cathedral of St. Sophia in Novgorod. |
The frescoes and mosaics of the temple were partially destroyed during the Great Patriotic War.
 |
| Interiors of St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod |
 |
| Icon of the Mother of God. The Sign. |
Georgievsky Cathedral of the Yuriev Monastery. Novgorod.
The construction of the cathedral, which became the main temple of the Yuriev Monastery, began in 1119. The initiator of the construction was the Grand Duke Mstislav I Vladimirovich. Since at that time he was in Kyiv, the construction of the cathedral was entrusted to the hegumen of the Yuriev monastery Kyriakos and the son of Mstislav, Novgorod prince Vsevolod. From the Novgorod chronicle, the name of the builder of the cathedral is known - master Peter. This is the first of the famous names of ancient Russian master builders.
The construction of the cathedral lasted 11 years, before the end of its walls were covered with frescoes, destroyed in the XIX century.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin at the Market. Novgorod.
Construction 1135-1144
The Assumption Church is the last major princely building in Novgorod. According to chronicles, it was repeatedly subjected to major rebuilding due to fires that occurred (for example, in 1541, 1606, 1745).
In 1409, the chapels of Alexei, the man of God and the martyr Catherine, were added to it from the north and from the south. As a result of multiple reconstructions, the church has retained only its original plan. Especially serious changes in its appearance were made in 1458. The chronicle reports that it was placed on the old basis, and "the old stone was destroyed."
Vladimir architecture.
Vladimir-Suzdal temples were made of white stone. The most ancient of them were distinguished by modest decor: an arched belt on the apses and a horizontal shelf-shine in the middle of the walls. The windows were narrow, reminiscent of slits in battlements. From the 12th century, temples began to be decorated with white-stone carvings: sometimes these are folklore plots, sometimes the Scythian "animal style", and in some cases Romanesque influences are visible.
The rise of Vladimir was associated with the reign of Andrei Bogolyubsky, the son of Yuri Dolgoruky, who built temples not only for pious reasons, but also for political ones - to show that his land was under special protection. heavenly powers, turn it into the Holy Land. In fact, he created a new Kyiv in Vladimir.
In the years 1158 - 1164 laid Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady. It was supposed to become a stronghold of the future Vladimir Metropolis, independent of the Kyiv spiritual authorities.
This is a large one-domed six-pillar temple with narthexes adjoining it on three sides. White stone blocks and tuff were used as the material. Andrei granted the cathedral a tenth of the princely income, which compared it to the Kyiv Tithes (also Assumption) Church. At the end of the 12th century, the outer design of the cathedral was redesigned: it was built with additional galleries, the walls were hewn and connected to the side parts. It turns from one-headed to five-headed, the heads are located far from each other.
In 1164 were erected Golden Gate with a gate tower surmounted by the Church of Reese's Provision; Their purpose was twofold: ceremonial and decorative. They are located at the entrance from the southwest to the main part of Vladimir, leading to the palace and temple ensemble. Such an organization of urban space went back to theological ideas about the ideal Heavenly City and was hallmark two capitals claiming to be the New Jerusalem: Constantinople and Kyiv. Thus, Andrei Bogolyubsky, putting his city in the same row, in the language of architecture, declared that Vladimir should take the place of "the mother of Russian cities."
Connected with the military campaigns of the princes Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. The temple stands on an artificial hill 4 m high, once lined and lined with white stone slabs. The height of its walls, equal to the length, was complemented by a light dome placed on a tetrahedral pedestal. From the west, north and south, the church was surrounded by galleries. Successfully found proportions, thin multi-stage profiling of the shoulder blades protruding from the thickness of the walls with columns almost detached from them, their carved images on the vaults of the zakomara made the church elegant. For the first time, figured consoles in the form of lions, leopards, griffins, animal and female masks appeared in the arcuate-columnar belt.
 |
| Scenery |
| Scenery |
Moscow architecture.
Despite the policy of the Tatar khans, who sought to exhaust the strength of the Russian people by inciting princely civil strife, already at the beginning of the 14th century, a new center for the unification of Russian lands, the Moscow principality, was put forward on the historical arena. An important role in this is played by the location of Moscow at the intersection of trade and river routes that connected Russian lands. The old cultural and political center of Rus' - Vladimir - after the capture of the trade route from the East by the Golden Horde, gradually gives way to Moscow.
Early Moscow architecture, inspired by this idea, developed under the influence of brilliant examples of Vladimir-Suzdal architecture of the 12th-13th centuries, which survived the Tatar pogrom. The first attempts at monumental construction date back to the time of Ivan Kalita. Chronicles mention four stone churches and the construction of the oak walls of the Kremlin in Moscow (1329). Under Dmitry Donskoy Moscow Kremlin was first surrounded by stone walls (1367).
At the end of the 15th century, under Ivan III, work began on the reconstruction of cathedrals, palaces and fortifications of the Kremlin. Along with Russian architects, masters from Italy were also involved, where at that time the art and architecture of the Renaissance reached their peak.
 |
| Moscow white stone Kremlin |
 |
In 1505-1509, the Italian architect Aleviz Novy built the Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin, close in plan to the Assumption Cathedral, in which the features of Italian architecture were reflected more strongly than in the first. At the same time, a new princely palace was built in the Kremlin (1481-1508), which consisted of a number of interconnected buildings - chambers, among which the famous single-pillar "Chamber of Facets" (1487-1496) stood out.
__________________________________________________
All cathedrals are arranged in composition cross-domed church.
The main dome was built over the building, which could be adjacent to 4 to 12 smaller domes. This central dome was supported by a drum with windows of light, supported by 4 main pillars located inside the temple. Thus, the church building, rectangular in plan, was, as it were, divided by a cross, the crosshairs of which fell exactly on the center of the temple - the domed space between the four main pillars.
The main and other pillars divided the temple into naves - galleries going from the entrance to the altar. There were 3 or 5 naves. east side The temple had an altar where an important part of the worship took place. In the area of the altar, the wall stood out as semicircular ledges - apses. The semicircular coverings of church vaults were called zakomaras. The entrance to the church is always from the western side. And above it they built a choir - an upper open gallery, a balcony for the nobility.
Content:
The role of architectural monuments, which the planet Earth is rich in, is incredibly huge. Thanks to the ancient buildings, it is possible to penetrate, to feel the spirit of an era that has long since passed. After all, there is nothing more weighty than to walk along the ancient streets, laid out of stone, which was worn out from the touch of the feet of generations that stepped here a long time ago.
The Russian land is also rich in architectural monuments. This is evidence of the prosperity of cities and ordinary settlements millennia ago. Here lived the ancestors of today's generations, who fought for freedom, for the prosperity of their homes. Often they argue about the patriotism of a Russian, that is, a Russian, Ukrainian, Tatar, Belarusian, representatives of other nationalities who lived and now live on this earth.
Those who argue cannot understand what makes a Russian sacrifice himself for the sake of freedom and the lives of others. Where does patriotism begin? And it begins with ancient church churches, with half-grown grass of fortresses, with buildings and structures in which Pushkin and Dostoevsky, Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky created their works, where Rublev and his students painted icons, where they gave birth to the first decrees strengthening Russia, Ivan the Terrible and Peter I.
It turns out that patriotism begins where a Russian was born, where he lived, grew bread, built castles and temples, erected fortress walls, where he shed his blood for freedom and independence. Therefore, we have to state with regret the facts of the ugly attitude towards the architectural monuments of Rus', which were erected at the dawn of their statehood. This attitude to architectural monuments kills patriotism.
There are many monuments in Rus'. They are world famous in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kyiv. They are often written about, the attention of the state, the church, and public organizations is drawn to them. But there are architectural monuments that were erected in other cities and even small villages in the distant years. The general public knows almost nothing about them. But their role in fostering love for their homeland among Russians is immeasurably high.
By the decree of Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1165, between the rivers Klyazma and Nerl in the Vladimir region, a church was erected in memory of the son of the prince who died at the hands of the Bulgars. The church is single-domed, but it was built of white stone, which was a novelty at that time. In those days, the main building material was wood. But wooden buildings were often destroyed by fires, were unstable before the attacks of enemies.
Although they built a temple in memory of the son of Andrei Bogolyubsky, it was dedicated to church holiday Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. This is the first such monument and very important, since Orthodoxy in Rus' was just being affirmed.
The design of the temple seems very simple. Its main components are four pillars, three apses, and a cruciform dome. The church has one head. But it was created in such proportions that from a distance it appears to be hovering above the earth. This church is rightfully on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
tithe church
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kyiv, called the Tithes, is connected with the baptism of Rus'. It was the first stone building. The church was built for five years, from 991 to 996, on the site of the battle between Christians and pagans. Although in the Tale of Bygone Years, the year 989 is named as the beginning of the construction of the temple.
Here the earthly path of the first martyrs Theodore, as well as his son John, was completed. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich, by his decree, allocated a tithe from the state treasury, at the present time, from the budget for the construction of the church. That is why the church got its name.
At the time it was the most big temple. In 1240, the troops of the Tatar-Mongol Khanate destroyed the temple. According to other sources, the church collapsed under the weight of the people gathered there in the hope of hiding from the invaders. From this archaeological monument, only the foundation has been preserved.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is considered a symbol of the power and greatness of Ancient Rus'. In 1158, Andrei Bogolyubsky instructed to surround the city of Vladimir with a rampart. After 6 years, he ordered the construction of five entrance gates. So far, only the Golden Gate, which is an architectural monument, has survived.
These gates were made of oak. Subsequently, they were bound with sheets of copper, covered with gilding. But not only for this the gate got its name. The gilded sashes were a real work of art. The inhabitants of the city removed them before the invasion of the Mongol-Tatar army. These sashes are included in the UNESCO register as masterpieces lost by mankind.
True, in 1970 there was a message that the wings were found by Japanese archaeologists who took part in the cleaning of the Klyazma River. It was then that many artifacts were discovered, including sashes. But here is the most valuable thing in them - gold plates have not been found so far.
According to legend, the arches of the gate fell during the completion of construction, crushing 12 builders. Eyewitnesses thought they were all dead. Andrei Bogolyubsky ordered to bring the icon of the Mother of God and began to pray for people in trouble. When the gates were freed from blockages and raised, the workers there were alive. They didn't even get any damage.
It took seven years to build this cathedral. It was erected in honor of the inhabitants of Novgorod, with the help of which Yaroslav the Wise became the Grand Duke. The construction of the cathedral was completed in 1052. For Yaroslav the Wise, this year has become a landmark. He buried his son Vladimir in Kyiv.
The cathedral was built from different materials. The main ones were brick and stone. The walls of the cathedral were faced with marble, mosaic patterns and paintings were built into them. This is a trend of Byzantine masters who sought to adopt Slavic architects. Later, marble was replaced with limestone, and frescoes were inserted instead of mosaics.
The first painting is dated 1109. But the frescoes were also destroyed over time. Especially much was lost during the Great Patriotic War. Only the fresco "Konstantin and Elena" has survived to the 21st century.
There are no galleries in the cathedral; outwardly, it appears as a cross-domed temple with five naves. At that time, this style was inherent in most temples. There are three iconostasis created in the distant past. Among the main icons in the cathedral are the Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God, Euthymius the Great, Savva the Illuminated, Anthony the Great, the icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”.
There are also old books. There are many partially scattered works, although there are survivors. These are the books of Prince Vladimir, Princess Irina, Archbishops John and Nikita, Princes Fedor and Mstislav. The figurine of a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, adorns the cross of the dome, located in the center.
This temple is unique not only because it is made in the style of romanticism. The cathedral impresses with elements reminiscent of Western basilicas. The most important thing is the white stone carving. Everything turned out due to the fact that the construction of the cathedral lay solely on the shoulders of Russian architects. Finishing work was carried out by Greek craftsmen. Everyone tried to do their work in such a way as not to shame their state.
The best masters were gathered here, since the cathedral was built for Prince Vsevolod a large nest. The cathedral subsequently housed his family. The history of the cathedral dates back to 1197. Later, the cathedral was consecrated in memory of Demetrius of Thessalonica, who was considered the heavenly patron.
The compositional construction of the cathedral is based on the design features of Byzantine churches. As a rule, these are 4 pillars and 3 apses. The gilded church dome crowns the cross. The figure of a dove serves as a weather vane. The walls of the temple attract images of a mythical nature, saints, psalmists. The miniature of David the musician is a symbol of the state protected by God.
There could not have been an image of Vsevolod the Big Nest here. He was sculpted together with his sons. Interior decoration the temple is amazing. Despite the fact that many frescoes have been lost, it is still beautiful and solemn here.
The Church of the Savior was built on Mount Nereditsa in just one season in 1198. The temple was erected by decree of Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich, who ruled at that time in Veliky Novgorod. The temple grew on the elevated bank of the Maly Volkhovets riverbed, not far from Rurik's Settlement.
The church was built in memory of the two sons of Yaroslav Vladimirovich who fell in battle. Externally, the church is not distinguished by majestic superstructures. However, it is an architectural monument. The church was built according to the traditional design for that time. One cubic dome, then, as in other projects, a four-pillar and three-apse version.
The interior of the church is amazing. The walls are fully painted and represent a gallery of Russian art, one of the most ancient and unique. These paintings were actively studied by scientists in the first third of the last century. Detailed descriptions of the paintings have been preserved, shedding light on the history of the time when the church was being built, on the way of life of the Novgorodians. The artist N.Martynov in 1862 made watercolor copies of Nereditsa frescoes. They were demonstrated with great success in Paris, at the World Exhibition. The sketches were awarded a bronze medal.
These frescoes are a very valuable example of Novgorod monumental painting. Created in the XII century, they are still of great artistic, especially historical value.
Many consider the Novgorod Kremlin to be the most unique architectural monument. It belongs to one of the oldest monuments. Each city in Rus' erected its own Kremlin. It was a fortress that helped to protect the inhabitants from enemy raids.
Few Kremlin walls survived. The Novgorod Kremlin has been faithfully serving its inhabitants for the tenth century. This building is the oldest. But she retained her original appearance.
That is why this architectural monument is valuable. The Kremlin was laid out of red brick, at that time in Rus' the building material was outlandish and expensive. But it was not in vain that the Novgorod builders used it. The walls of the city did not flinch before the onslaught of many enemy troops.
St. Sophia Cathedral rises on the territory of the Novgorod Kremlin. This is another of the great architectural monuments of Ancient Rus'. The floor of the cathedral is paved with mosaics. The entire interior is an example of the refined craftsmanship of architects. Every detail, the smallest touch, has been worked out.
Residents of the Novgorod land are proud of their Kremlin, believing that it contains an ensemble of architectural monuments that should inspire every Russian.
Trinity-Sergius Lavra is the largest male monastery in Russia, which is located in the city of Sergiev Posad in the Moscow region. The founder of the monastery was Sergei Radonezhsky. From the day it was founded, the monastery became the center of the spiritual life of the Moscow lands. Here the army of Prince Dmitry Donskoy received a blessing for the battle with Mamai.
Moreover, Sergius of Radonezh sent the monks Oslyabya and Peresvet to the army, distinguished by zeal in prayer and heroic strength, who showed themselves heroically during the battle on September 8, 1830. The monastery has been the center of religious education for Russians for centuries, as well as the heart of cultural enlightenment.
Many icons were painted in the monastery. This was done by Andrey Rublev and Daniil Cherny - outstanding icon painters. It was here that the well-known icon "Trinity" was painted. She became integral part monastery iconostasis. Historians call the siege of the monastery by the Polish-Lithuanian invaders a test. It was a troubled time. The siege lasted 16 months. The besieged held out and won.
Not all architectural monuments of Ancient Rus' survived and survived. Many left no trace. But descriptions have been preserved in ancient books. Scientists decipher them, locate them. Patriots find the strength and means and begin to restore the ancient buildings. The more actively this work is carried out, the more the greatness of Russia will increase.
