Ancient stone cathedrals began to be built after the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion of Russia. For the first time they were erected in the largest cities - Kiev, Vladimir, as well as Novgorod. Most of the cathedrals have survived to this day and are the most important architectural monuments.
History reference
The Old Russian state reached its peak 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, the heyday of cultural life, expanding ties with Byzantium and other European powers. After the adoption of Christianity in Russia 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 - Tithe - was erected in the center of Kiev under Vladimir the Great. During its construction, the prince was able to significantly strengthen the city and expand its territory.
Byzantine style in architecture
The ancient cathedrals of Russia very often resembled Byzantine temples in their design. But soon this artistic model began to acquire national characteristics.
The Church of the Tithes was a cross-domed church. The Chernigov Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, the Sophia of Kiev and others had the same form.
Consider the characteristic features of Byzantine temples:
- The cross-domed cathedrals were a building crowned by a dome, which was strengthened by four columns. They were sometimes joined by two more (to increase size).
- Ancient cathedrals looked like a pyramid.
- For the construction of temples, special bricks of a certain shape were used - plinths, which were connected using cement.
- The windows, as a rule, had a pair of openings and an arch.
- The main focus was on the interior of the temple. Rich compositions were absent from the outside.
Characteristic Features of Old Russian Architecture
The ancient cathedrals of Russia 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 a plinth was replaced by a stone.
- The picturesque style of design over time gave way to graphic.
- From the 12th century towers and galleries were not used and side aisles were not lit.
Sophia Cathedral
The ancient cathedral was erected during the heyday of Kievan Rus. In the annals, the foundation of Sophia of Kiev dates back to 1017 or 1037.
The cathedral was dedicated to the wisdom of Christian teaching and was called to affirm the greatness of the new religion. In the time 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 there were galleries. The walls of the building were erected from red bricks and plinths. Sophia of Kiev, like other ancient Russian cathedrals, was decorated with a variety of spans and arches. The interior was replete with picturesque frescoes and gilded mosaics. This all created the impression of extraordinary pomp and grandeur. The cathedral was painted by some of the most famous Byzantine masters.
Sofia Kievskaya is the only architectural monument of Ukraine preserved after the Mongol invasion in 1240.
Church of the Intercession of the Virgin
The church, located on the banks of the Nerl River, is one of the most famous architectural monuments in Suzdal. The temple was erected by Andrei Bogolyubsky in the XII century. in honor of the new holiday in Russia - the Protection of the Virgin. Like many other ancient cathedrals of 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 our days, as they were destroyed during reconstruction at the end of the XIX 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 even under Yuri Dolgoruky at the beginning of the XII century. The ancient cathedrals of the Kremlin are the most famous in Russia and still attract tourists with their beauty.
Assumption Cathedral
The first stone cathedral in Moscow is the Assumption. It was erected by an Italian architect during the reign of Ivan III at the highest point of the Kremlin hill. In general terms, the building is similar to other ancient cathedrals of Russia: a cross-domed model, six pillars and five chapters. The Assumption Church in Vladimir was taken as the basis for the construction and design. The walls were built of iron ties (instead of traditional oak), which was an innovation for Russia.
The Assumption Cathedral was designed to emphasize the greatness of the Moscow state and demonstrate its power. Church cathedrals were held here, metropolitans were elected, Russian rulers were married to the reign.
Blagoveshchensky cathedral
At the time when Moscow was still a small principality, an ancient cathedral was located on the site of the Annunciation Church. In 1484, construction began on a new building. For its construction, Russian architects from Pskov were invited. In August 1489, a snow-white three-domed church grew, surrounded by large galleries on three sides.
If the Assumption Cathedral was the religious center of the principality, where important spiritual and political ceremonies were held, the Annunciation 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 tomb temple, 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 according to the project of the Italian architect Aleviz. The master arrived in Moscow at the invitation of Ivan III.
It should be noted that the Arkhangelsk temple 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. A beautiful building is located on the banks of the Moscow River.
The Church of the Ascension is fundamentally different from other Russian cathedrals. In its form, it represents an equilateral cross and is the first example of tent architecture in Russia.