In the IX century, the Slavic people gathered under a single princely rule, which led to the formation of a young and strong state - Kievan Rus. Historians attribute this event to the year 862. This heyday of Kievan Rus was also called “the country of cities” in another way; it began in the middle of the 9th and lasted until the beginning of the 12th century.
The architecture of Kievan Rus, as well as literature, was formed during this period under the influence of the new Christian faith, however, an ancient pagan heritage stretched across its history. This is confirmed by the numerous masterpieces of architecture. The memorable Old Russian architecture includes ancient, original frescoes, sculptural facades and amazing ornaments of golden-headed churches and cathedrals. Many of them have survived to the present day.
The unique architecture of Kievan Rus is a symbiosis of the best in the culture of the East Slavic tribes, the great Byzantium, the nomadic tribes, as well as their own. The architects of Ancient Russia formed their own style, which still delights the imagination of descendants. The most fully preserved architecture of Kievan Rus was preserved in modern Kiev. It seems that in this place all the significant masterpieces of that time are collected, for example, the Tithe Church, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Golden Gate with the Church of the Annunciation and many others.
The great baptist of Kievan Rus, Prince Vladimir, in 996, built the majestic Tithe Church with his money. He allocated a tenth of his income for its maintenance, earlier it was called tithe, the church got its name from this word. In history, she was assigned a great purpose. Old Russian architecture in this building was manifested in all its splendor.
It is very large, cross-domed, six-tiered. Built for centuries of stone, inside it was decorated with amazingly beautiful frescoes, mosaics and decorated with marble. Initially, a princely tomb was built in the Church of the Tithes. Here was buried the wife of Vladimir, the Byzantine princess Anna and he himself, who died in 1015. Then, the remains of the legendary Princess Olga were transported here. The interior of this church also includes an iconostasis, crosses and other church utensils, which were the best at that time.
The art of Kievan Rus was striking in its sophistication and skill of the ancient local craftsmen. The fate of the church was tragic and at the beginning of the XI century it suffered from a fire, and then was subjected to repeated destruction. In 1240, Batu Khan took Kiev, did not spare the shrine and completely destroyed the Church of the Tithes.
In the center of Ancient Kiev , St. Sophia Cathedral still flaunts. It is visible from afar, and its domes covered with gold evoke admiration and pride that the monument of such marvelous beauty has survived to the present day. It is a place of pilgrimage for believers and one of the main historical sights of the capital. Its history is not simple, it was also plundered several times during the wars, including in 1240 by the soldiers of Batu, but each time it rose from the ruins. In 1740, it was finally rebuilt, and its present appearance still pleases with its beautiful old look. Not far from St. Sophia Cathedral are the Golden Gate. This is a symbolic ancient monument, which reflected the architecture of Kievan Rus.
The gates were the face of the city and served for ceremonial, solemn entry into ancient Kiev. They were built in the southern part of the city by the Kiev prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1037. As an additional protection, a moat of 15 meters wide and 8 meters deep was dug in front of the gate. Golden Gate is a real fortress tower with a passage of up to 7.5 meters. Powerful pilasters, ancient walls 9.5 meters high have survived to our days. The Gate Church of the Annunciation at the Gate is noteworthy. She was a symbol of Christian city. Archaeological research of the Golden Gate surprised scientists with the remains of its decoration: fresco paintings, cubes of bright transparent smalt, fragments of mosaics. Smalta was very often used in the decoration of ancient Slavic temples. Ancient architects loved it for its longevity and unusually beautiful overflows of color, which in finished form produced the effect of lively flicker.
Undoubtedly, during this period of history, the art of Kievan Rus reached its greatest prosperity, and amazing architectural monuments of that time are evidence of this.