RUSSIAN ARCHITECTURE

RUSSIAN ARCHITECTURE

Origins of Russian Architecture

• Kievan Rus 988- 1230 a.C. (medieval state of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine)• Influenced by Bizantine architecture• Churches were built afterthe adoption of Christianityin 988.• Cupolas meant the celestial sky. It isthe union between earth and God.• Later on, Onion shaped domes

replaced cupolas. This shape was useful because it preventedaccumulating snow during the winter. These became characteristic of Russian Architecture up until 1700’s.

Interesting facts….

“For most of its history, Russian architecture has been predominantly religious. Churches were for centuries the only buildings to be constructed of stone, and today they are almost the only buildings that remain from its ancient past. The basic elements of Russian church design emerged fairly early, around the eleventh century. The plan is generally that of a Greek cross (all four arms are equal), and the walls are high and relatively free of openings. Sharply-sloped roofs (tent roofs) and a multitude of domes cover the structure. The characteristic onion dome first appeared in Novgorod on the Cathedral of Sancta Sophia, in the eleventh century.”

Text taken from “Russian Art and Architecture” http://www.geographia.com/russia/rusart01.htm

Sancta Sophia

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Saint Basil’s Cathedral “onion shaped domes”

Nilova Monastery

Church of Saint Dimitri

Thon’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Saint Nicholas Church