The Spaso-Andronikov Monastery belongs to the main shrines of Moscow. This ancient building impresses with its majesty. The monastery is famous for the fact that Andrei Rublev created his icons here. That is why the monastery is called the cradle of icon painting in Russia. After death, the relics of the icon painter were preserved on the territory of the monastery. The Museum of Art by Andrei Rublev is also located here.
Saint Andrew Rublev
The exact date of birth of the icon painter is unknown. Presumably this is the year 1360. He was born in an educated family belonging to the highest circle. This is clearly reflected in his work. The master studied painting in Bulgaria and Byzantium. It is even possible that Rev. Andrei was a student of Theophanes the Greek. The icon painter dedicated his life to spiritual creativity. His name is mentioned in the information about the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, where he took monastic tonsure. Andrei spent his whole life in a spiritual atmosphere of holiness. By his example, he inspired all ascetics, as he was a living example of a holy person. For more than 20 years he led the life of an ascetic icon painter.
His work is the image of the Holy Trinity, which to this day is considered an unsurpassed example of icon painting. The hands of Andrei Rublev also painted the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir and Zvenigorod and the Annunciation Cathedral in the Kremlin. He also participated in the painting of the iconostasis in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Savva-Strozhisky monastery.
Events Prior to the Creation of a Modern Monastery
Legend has it that in 1354 Alexy went to Constantinople to meet with the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch. When he returned, in the Black Sea a strong storm overtook his ship. The metropolitan heartily prayed to the icon of Christ, but the storm continued to rage. Then Alexy vowed to Christ that if he survived, he would definitely build a church in Moscow dedicated to the miraculous image of the Savior. The storm stopped immediately. It was a coincidence or God's conduct, but the day the metropolitan arrived at his homeland coincided with the celebration of the Holy Savior.
What was the original temple is almost unknown. There are suggestions that he was made of wood. Later, information began to appear about a stone building in 1360 or in 1390. But archaeological finds suggest that before this time there was a church building in that place.
More reliable facts is that the Spaso-Andronikov monastery was erected in 1410-1427 by the abbot Alexander.
History of construction
In the “Book of the Royal Tsarist Genealogy” by Pachomius Logofet, it says that the painting of the cathedral was not without Andrei Rublev’s hand. Other sources also say that Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny went to Moscow to paint the cathedral. A few years later, upon arrival at the monastery, Andrei Rublev left this world and was buried in the Spaso-Andronievsky monastery. History says that this was the last work of the icon painter. At the end of the 18th century during the restoration, almost all the work of the master was destroyed. Only a few fragments of the mural on the windows have survived.
In 1763–1779, restoration work was underway in the monastery . An extension was made in the form of a covered porch.
In 1812 a catastrophe overtook a disaster. The burning fire flame almost completely destroyed the iconostasis. In 1850, the cathedral substantially changed its original appearance. On the south side, the chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin was attached to it, on the north side, the chapel of St. Andronicus, over which a hipped roof was installed.
After the revolution, the Spaso-Andronovsky monastery became a place for prisoners. Later, the building was transferred to the Hammer and Sickle factory. At that time, workers lived in all the temple buildings. In 1959, the cathedral turned into the Museum of the Art of Ancient Russia by Andrei Rublev.
In 1989, the Cathedral was transferred to the Moscow Patriarchate and the Spaso-Andronovsky monastery again resumed its direct activity.
Life inside the monastery
Today, on the territory of the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, not only services are held. There is a school of famous singing at the monastery. Today it is very rare. There is a choir at the cathedral. There is also an icon painting workshop. Church books are published on the basis of the monastery, telling about the history and traditions of the cathedral.
In 2010, the Spaso-Andronikov monastery was visited by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Cyril, and performed a little supper in it.
Where is the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery? The cathedral is located in a picturesque location on the banks of the Yauza River. This makes it a real gem in the crown of Russia's cultural heritage.
The body of the monastery consists of temple buildings, administrative buildings, a monastery necropolis, monastery walls with towers. Beyond these walls, there are also other buildings related to the monastery.
Temple Architecture
Temple buildings include the Cathedral of the Savior of the Miraculous Image. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Moscow, which is an example of ancient Russian architecture. Not a single temple structure, according to experts, has such perfect proportions. The size of the monastery influenced the parameters of other temple buildings. As a result, the full composition looks very harmonious.
The facades of the Spassky Cathedral are divided into three parts. In the east is an altar, consisting of three parts. In the center of the remaining facades are promising portals.
There are windows on all walls, which allows light to penetrate from all sides. The uniform illumination of the temple gives it a magical look.
The temple was rebuilt several times. But in the 20th century, restorers were still able to restore its original form. But the frescoes painted by Andrei Rublev still have not been preserved. Near the temple on the south side is a well. Tradition says that the water in it is holy, since it was excavated by the Rev. Andronicus.
The building of the Church of the Archangel Michael
Initially, as early as 1506, a bunker refectory chamber was built. The first tier was occupied by household services; the second tier was the refectory. In the center of the huge hall is a pillar on which four arches rest. The chamber of the Moscow Kremlin used to have such a structure.
Later, a church of the Archangel Michael was built near the refectory . The building was made in the Baroque style, but the architects maintained the combination of style with the refectory, combining the two buildings with one cornice.
It is in this place that the Andrei Rublev Museum is now located.
The Spaso-Andronikov Monastery in Moscow is a whole complex of architectural masterpieces. One of them is the Christmas Church. But, unfortunately, today only a wall from the western side is left of it. In 1930, the church was destroyed.
Today, the Holy Gates have been restored, but the premises that used to serve as the church over the gates had to be redesigned. Now at this place is the collection department of the Andrei Rublev Museum funds and the accounting department.
Bell tower
In the late 90s, a belfry was built near the fraternal corps. Earlier on this place there was also a bell tower, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The height of the bell tower reached 80 m. It was the tallest building in Moscow of this type.
In 1803, the second tier of the bell tower was occupied by the church of Simeon, but in 1930 it was destroyed, possibly forever. Unfortunately, such a magnificent monument of classical architecture cannot be restored today.
Administrative facilities
The Spaso-Andronikov Monastery also has buildings in which administrative work is underway, since today it is primarily a Museum of Culture. Initially, administrative buildings were also, but were of a completely different nature. For example, the first floor of the rector’s chambers now serves as a hall for periodic exhibitions, the second floor is occupied by the museum’s administrative body.
There is also a fraternal building, built back in the early 18th century. In 1763 it was expanded, building on the south side. It was originally intended to house monks. Today, here is the depository of the museum.
In 1811, a theological academy was built on the territory of the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. The building was decorated with semicircular windows. Classes for church ministers were held here. About 100 students studied at the school. Today this building is intended for museum departments.
Monastery Buildings
At the place where the museum’s security is now located, there used to be a service building. Near the refectory was an economic building for storing food. Today it is a utility room of the museum.
In 2011, a one-story refectory “Bread House” was built in the northeastern part. This modern building harmoniously fits into the general ensemble. Museum visitors can taste any dishes in a cozy café-refectory. There is even the possibility of organizing weddings and other special occasions.
In 2006, during the reconstruction, the remains were found, which, presumably, are the relics of Andrei Rublev, but have so far failed to prove this.
Other buildings in the monastery
Spaso-Andronikov Monastery (photo above: bird's-eye view) has other structures.
To date, the Trinity Chapel is located, located outside the monastery walls. It was built relatively recently - in 2011. The chapel is richly decorated with painted Florentine mosaics made by master Mario Antonucci.
In honor of Andrei Rublev, a monument dedicated to the icon painter was erected on the territory of the monastery. In 1985, the monument was erected in a park near the Holy Gates.
Every resident and guest of Moscow must visit the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. Other people's reviews of him are very inspiring. To many, this place resembles an old castle. This is a great place for privacy and the opportunity to gather thoughts. The monastery and the entire surrounding area are unusually beautiful. In this place you can really feel the spirit of history.
It is easy to find the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. Address: Moscow, pl. Andronievskaya, 10.