Since ancient times, Crimea has been home to various peoples. Until now, a large number of religious buildings have been preserved here, including the unique shrines of Orthodoxy. The addresses of temples in Simferopol are known to many pilgrims and connoisseurs of architectural and religious historical monuments.
Peter and Paul Cathedral
The Peter and Paul Church in Simferopol was built in 1866 on the site of a dilapidated wooden church. Raised at the expense of local residents. To this day, the temple is in its original form, because although it was closed in Soviet times, it was not subjected to great damage.
The temple is made in a mixed architectural style. The receptions of ancient Russian architecture are harmoniously intertwined here with classical elements. Tall windows are framed by white stone platbands. The upper part of the walls is decorated with a stepped cornice. There are 12 window openings on the high drum. The temple is crowned with a black onion dome.
At the entrance is a porch. An elegant bell tower rises above the stone staircase. The entrance is bordered by half-columns, and on the facades a mosaic with the image of Christ and Saints Peter and Paul is visible.
In 2003, the temple acquired the status of a cathedral. Now it is an active temple, which is a cult landmark of Crimea.
Address in Simferopol: st. Proletarskaya, house 5.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Another oldest temple in Simferopol. Initially, the Greek church and gymnasium were located here. In 1868, the old buildings were demolished, and a stone temple was consecrated in this place, consecrated in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Another name for the church is the Church of St. Luke. In Simferopol, this is perhaps the most famous religious building. Here lie the relics of Archbishop Luke, who served in the church and, after his death, was counted among the holy new martyrs and confessors. There is also the main shrine - the icon of the Mother of God "Sorrowful".
The cathedral building was erected in the classical style according to the design of I. Kolodin and is a cross-shaped building with a high octagonal light drum and a small bell tower near the entrance.
The facade is decorated with mosaic patterns and stucco ornaments. Blue domes complete openwork crosses. The interior of the temple is no less magnificent.
Under Soviet rule, the cathedral was closed, but for a short time. Due to the fact that the majority of the parishioners were Greek subjects, the Communists had to show respect for the faith of citizens of another country and open a church for worship.
In 2003, the Luke temple in Simferopol was included in the Holy Trinity Monastery for women, and the status of the cathedral was transferred to the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
The monastery also includes a baptismal church, a chapel and the museum of St. Luke. Also to the left of the temple is the refectory, workshops and sister's cells.
Temple address: st. Odessa, house 12.
Church of Constantine and Helena
This small church was built in 1785, the year after the founding of Simferopol. The temple is the first Orthodox building in the city. In 1787, he was visited by Catherine II, because of what the people called the church Catherine.
In 1785, the commander of the Russian regiment B. Tishchev bought a Tatar hut in Simferopol for 50 rubles, the owner of which was about to emigrate to Turkey. There he built a regimental church, consecrated in the name of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena.
After the military garrison left the city, the temple was empty for some time. Then he became the property of Major General V. Popov and received the status of a house church. At the initiative of the new owner, the architectural appearance of the shrine was changed.
In 1924, the Communists closed the church. An aeroclub was placed in its premises. The temple property was transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the building was rebuilt. From the original appearance, only the shape of the building and some decor elements remained.
Church of the Crimean Diocese of Constantine and Helena was returned in 1991. The first service in it was held in 2001, after a ten-year restoration.
Currently, it is a small active temple, combining elements of Vladimir-Suzdal architecture and Russian Baroque. According to old drawings and photographs, it was possible to restore wall paintings, arched openings, stucco molding and bulbous domes as accurately as possible.
Church address: st. Petropavlovskaya, house 8a.
Church of All Saints
Another of the oldest and most significant temples of Simferopol. Built in 1864 at the expense of the merchant V. Maslennikov in the city cemetery. For a long time it was the main place for the funeral of Orthodox residents.
Initially consecrated in the name of the Assumption of St. Anne. It is the only religious building in Simferopol, which never closed and continued to perform divine services after the revolution and during the war. The church was not subjected to destruction and perestroika, therefore it has been preserved in its original form.
The temple is a rectangular, elongated building in a classical style. It differs from other city churches in simplicity and rigor. The hipped bell tower is the only decoration of the shrine.
Now the churchyard is closed for burial, but the All Saints Church (Simferopol) is active, and the tradition of holding the funeral service is still preserved.
A unique relic is stored here: the image of Christ the Savior imprinted in the form of a negative on glass, which was recognized as miraculous by a special commission. After the solemn liturgies, the parishioners carefully take it out for viewing.
Address: Educational Lane, Building 5.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The decree on the construction of this temple was given by Catherine herself in 1789. But due to various circumstances, its construction was completed only in 1829. Until 1917, the building was rebuilt and expanded several times.
In the days of the October Revolution there was the headquarters of the Bolsheviks. In 1930, with a large crowd of people, the cathedral was blown up by the Communists and completely destroyed. A park was laid out at this place, and in 1944 a monument in the form of a tank dedicated to the liberators of Simferopol was erected.
Since 2003, work has been underway to restore the cathedral, which has not yet been completed. The appearance of the modern religious building is significantly different from the original. Due to the great Orthodox significance of the church of Alexander Nevsky in the history of Simferopol, it is simply impossible not to mention it among the shrines of the city.
Address: st. Alexander Nevsky, d.6.
Temple of the Three Saints
Built in 1903 at the Theological Seminary. It is a basilica according to the type of ancient Christian churches. Five-domed rectangular temple, standing on a high basement. Four small domes are installed in the corners on small turrets. The main dome with a cross is made in the form of a tent.
The painting of the temple was made by the artist D. Pravednikov. The oak iconostasis was made by craftsmen from St. Petersburg. The entire interior was destroyed at the closing of the temple by the Bolsheviks in 1924.
Divine services in the church were resumed after its restoration in 1903. Now it is an active religious building, and its doors are open daily for everyone.
Temple address: st. Gogol, house 16.