White stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, Vladimir region: description, history, list and interesting facts

You can often hear stories of historians and architects about Russian stone architecture. Especially among all directions is allocated Vladimir-Suzdal architecture. This is not surprising, because many of the cultural monuments that can be seen in our time have survived in these places. The white-stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal are impressive and amaze the imagination of many generations of people. The article will deal with many objects of this architectural direction, we will get acquainted with their history, appearance and many others.

What is related to this direction?

To begin with it is necessary to tell about the term "White stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal". Strange as it may seem, this is not just a designation of all the architectural objects of these places. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This term refers to just 8 ancient monuments of architecture. All of them are located in the Vladimir region. In order to understand how this particular style of architecture was formed, one should turn to history.

The Vladimir-Suzdal princedom was for some time an important political and cultural center of Russia. This was in the XII-XIII centuries. It is believed that the direction of architecture, which developed here at that time, is unique. This is really so, because it connects the best traditions of Russian and Byzantine architecture, uniting them in many remarkable objects.

Famous monuments of this direction

Thus, it becomes clear what the white stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal are. The full list of attractions includes eight objects, among them the following:

• Assumption Cathedral.
• Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.
• The Church of Boris and Gleb.
• Ancient Suzdal Kremlin.
• Dmitrievsky Cathedral.
• Golden Gate.
• Monastery of Saint Euthymius.
• The Palace of Andrew Bogolyubsky.

Each of the listed architectural monuments has its own peculiarities. All of them are important objects of cultural heritage and are protected by the state. Now it is worth considering some of them in more detail.

The Church of Boris and Gleb

So, first let's talk about this wonderful object. It is an architectural building that perfectly illustrates the features of such a direction as the white-stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal. The Vladimir region boasts many interesting objects, but it is worthwhile to dwell on this in more detail.

The Church of Boris and Gleb is the earliest white-stone building in these places, which dates back to 1152. It was created in those times when the great Russian prince Yury Dolgoruky ruled. All its lines are very simple, it has various decor elements that look very reserved. According to many sources, the church was badly damaged by the Mongol invasion, but later it was rebuilt in 1239. Throughout its existence, the church was destroyed more than once, once again it happened in the 16th-17th centuries. Many of its components were dismantled and folded again. Interestingly, there were many archeological excavations here. As a result, scientists managed to find a large number of objects, including a white stone sarcophagus, details of the decor that had previously adorned the walls of the church, and much more.

Assumption Cathedral

Another remarkable example of this direction is the Assumption Cathedral. Like other white stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, it refers to the times of the pre-Mongol invasion. The cathedral still impresses visitors with its grandeur and at the same time, its simplicity. According to many sources, for a long time the cathedral was the central place for worship in these places. Also, many important historical events took place here, for example, many Moscow and Vladimir princes crowned the reign of the church. Of particular interest is the fact that the frescoes of Andrei Rublev are in the cathedral, their fragments have survived to this day. The temple dates back to 1158, and in 1161 its walls were already adorned with unique paintings. The Assumption Cathedral was significantly expanded after the fire in the late 12th century.

Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

It is necessary to tell about this pearl of white stone architecture. About it you can hear in many sources, it is always extremely popular among tourists. Of course, all the white stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal have a special charm, but this place is striking with its silence and tranquility. So, let's proceed to the description of the object. The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, as well as other architectural structures under consideration, is located in the Vladimir region. More precisely, in the village of Bogolyubovo. There are several reasons why a cultural monument is unique. For example, its location is really unusual. Previously, the church was right in the place where the river Nerl ran into Klyazma. Thus, it was perfectly visible from the water. However, later the riverbeds changed markedly. The temple was built in 1165 under Prince Andrew Bogolyubsky, who decided to build it to perpetuate the memory of his dead son.

The Suzdal Kremlin

Not only is this region famous for its temples. The white-stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, whose description can be read in this article, also include such a wonderful object as the Suzdal Kremlin. It is another classic example of this direction. The Kremlin is the oldest part of the city, which, according to many scientists, appeared back in the 10th century. It immediately becomes clear that the object has a rich history, which should be discussed in more detail. Originally, a fortress was erected here, earthen ramparts were located around it. On them, in turn, were the walls, as well as the towers. Since the XV century, the construction began to strengthen much better. At that time, there was a new massive wall made of wood with a gate and 15 towers. However, most buildings did not reach our time, they were destroyed by a fire that occurred in the XVIII century. Preserved earth fortifications and some churches that are part of the architectural ensemble.

This place has always been very popular with tourists. Every day here you can see visitors, as many are interested to see such an ancient object of cultural heritage. Thus, we examined the white-stone monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal. Russia has many different attractions, but these places will impress everyone.