Rostov, Assumption Cathedral: photo, restoration

A lot of magnificent monuments of architecture are preserved in our country. All of them relate to different styles and times, but still affect both tourists and local residents. Many objects have long been restored and look more modern, but they retain their individuality and have unique features. Being close to ancient architectural objects, people enjoy a unique atmosphere and always learn something new about history and culture.

Must also visit Rostov. The Assumption Cathedral, which is located here, is of special interest. The article will deal with him, his history and many other things.

Rostov, Assumption Cathedral. General information

To begin with it is worth to learn more about this architectural object. It is a remarkable cultural monument, which has a rich history. The date of its construction is unknown, but there is evidence that in the XII century it already existed. During this time, many changes took place in his appearance, several times he was completely destroyed and rebuilt.

There is a cathedral not far from the Rostov Kremlin. It is interesting that these two objects constitute a single architectural complex, to which remarkable views are opened. It is best to look at these objects from the side where Lake Nero is located . In general, it is the central architectural ensemble in the city, which always attracts a large number of tourists and visitors.

In addition, the Assumption Cathedral in Rostov-Veliky includes another object, which is a belfry, located separately from the cathedral. This is a very unusual building, which has a lot of features. About it will be told a little later.

History of the Cathedral

Now we should talk about the history of this remarkable architectural monument. He, as we have already said, is in the heart of the city. Unfortunately, there is no precise data on the time of its construction.

It was originally made of wood. In 1160, the temple was destroyed as a result of a fire. However, a year later his recovery began. This decision was taken by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Then they began to erect a temple building from stone. Nevertheless, in this form it did not last long. In 1204 on this place again there was a fire, which destroyed the structure.

But the temple again began to rebuild. This process took more than 15 years. After that, in the beginning of the XV century, another fire occurred. He was so strong that the temple completely collapsed, since even the cathedral's vaults and its head were burnt. Despite this, he was restored again in a white stone, and he again began to adorn the city of Rostov with his appearance. Assumption Cathedral in the version in which you can see it now, was built in 1512. The process of construction was 4 years.

In the XVII century also there were some changes in the appearance of the temple. A porch was attached to it and chapters were slightly changed. Some restoration work was carried out in the XIX century.

Cathedral in the Soviet era and its restoration

It is worthwhile to talk about the future of the temple. As a result of the revolution, significant changes have affected the city of Rostov itself, the Assumption Cathedral and many other objects. First the temple was handed over to the community. After some time it was decided to close it. Despite this, the cathedral was preserved and not destroyed.

In 1953 in the city there was a powerful hurricane, it tore roofs from many buildings of the city. Then the Assumption Cathedral suffered. Rostov recovered for a while after such a spree of elements. The process of reconstruction affected the temple. His roof was completely replaced with a new one, and received a completely different cover. The form of the heads of the church decided to leave the former. At first they wanted to make them helmet-shaped, but it was decided not to change the onion shape, so that the temple looked in the same style as the Kremlin.

In addition to repair work, at that time excavations were also carried out in these places. As a result, the original masonry of the church was found, which, according to scientists, belonged to the XII century. In the early 90-ies of the XX century, the temple was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Features of the architecture of the cathedral

It is necessary to note the external appearance of the temple. As already mentioned above, the buildings of the cathedral and its belfries are located on the territory adjacent to the main building of the city - the Kremlin. The temple has 5 chapters, a brick building was built. However, some of its parts are made of stone - it is a socle and several other elements. The cathedral is decorated with various decorative details. Its height is really amazing - it is 60 meters.

The architecture of this object, for the most part, resembles the traditional Vladimir-Suzdal architecture. In the building of the temple, narrow window openings are made, which look like loopholes. The heads of the cathedral are on light drums of great height.

Thus, we got acquainted with the external appearance of the cathedral, and also examined in detail how it looks and what architectural style it refers to.

What is inside the temple?

Of course, it is worthwhile to tell in more detail about what is located in the premises of the cathedral, as well as about its interior decoration. It is believed that until the end of the XVI century, this object was adorned with various murals. Such data are contained in some annals. However, as early as the end of the 17th century, large-scale works began to create new paintings, which later decorated the walls of the church.

This process has been going on for quite a long time, it was dealt with by famous masters - I. Vladimirov and S. Dmitriev. After a while, other specialists were invited. Unfortunately, these works have not reached our time. They were destroyed by a fire that occurred in 1671. After this, the paintings were periodically updated.

However, much later, in the 50-ies of the XX century, there were found ancient frescoes, which date back to the 16th-17th century. In addition to the paintings, there is one more remarkable object - the iconostasis. It is made in the Baroque style and dates back to the middle of the 18th century.

To see these objects, you need to visit Rostov-the-Great, the Assumption Cathedral. Photos of the temple can be seen in many guidebooks, as well as in other travel materials.

Belfry of the Cathedral

Another interesting object, which should be talked about separately, is a belfry. It refers to the complex of the Kremlin and the cathedral. This is one of the important elements of the whole ensemble. It is in close proximity to the temple building. Two of these buildings are remarkably combined in style, despite the fact that they relate to absolutely different times. Their age is more than 100 years old.

The belfry itself consists of two floors. On the first of these are the premises used for economic purposes. The second floor is a large area, on which there are 4 spans. There is a chapter above each of them. To get here, you need to climb a narrow staircase that passes inside the wall. Of particular interest is the fact that there are many voids in the structure that enhance the sound.

History of the Belfry

Now we should talk about how this wonderful object appeared. It is an important part, which includes the Assumption Cathedral. Rostov-the-Great boasts many sights, but the belfry is a special structure that deserves special attention.

The construction of the belfry began in 1682. Then it consisted of 3 spans. After 7 years, all construction work was completed. There were 13 different bells. In the XIX century it was decided to hang 2 more bells.

In the XX century, this facility was under threat of destruction. However, in 1919 the director of the Rostov Museum stood up for the protection of the belfry. A. Lunacharsky, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, arrived in the city, as well as several scientists. After that, it was decided to preserve this unique cultural monument.

Bells of the belfry

It is also necessary to note the features of the belfry. As already mentioned, it has many different bells. All of them differ in both weight and sound. Some of them have unusual names. The heaviest of them is Sysoy, it weighs about 32 tons. Significantly, the bell "Polieleiniy" (about 16 tons) and "Swan" (8 tons) are lighter. The smallest of them weighs 24 kilograms and is called "Yasak".

Probably, the story of how it passed as the restoration of the Assumption Cathedral in Rostov, its description, as well as an interesting history of the belfry, will prompt you to see this unique architectural monument.

Where is the cathedral?

Probably, many are already interested in the question, where is the described object. Annually many people come to see the sights of Rostov-the-Great. The Assumption Cathedral is not an exception, it is often possible to see visitors here. To reach it is not at all difficult, because it is located right in the historic center of the city. The building of the temple is located on the Cathedral Square of Rostov. Belfry is next to the cathedral.