50 Most Famous Monasteries and Temples of Russia

This book presents 50 of the most famous monasteries and temples of Russia — sanctuaries that have become national treasures and centers of attraction for believers, pilgrims, and tourists from all corners of the country. The white-stone monuments of pre-Mongolian architecture, majestic witnesses of the Time of Troubles and the subsequent flourishing of Russia, participants in the most tragic and heroic pages of domestic history — they themselves are living history. Their domes and crosses, gates and walls, icons and precious relics, imbued with the energy of faith and prayer, are permeated with divine light and crowned with unearthly glory. It is impossible in one publication to cover all the spiritually significant and architecturally outstanding monasteries and temples of Russia. In this great multinational country, there are over 30,000 religious organizations, each with at least one temple. These structures differ from various eras of creation — from the 11th century to the present day. Cathedrals and churches, monasteries and sketes have a remarkable, often dramatic history, and they are a source of pride for local residents. Some religious buildings have become famous museums, entered the lists of cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation and even UNESCO World Heritage. But most importantly — each of the masterpieces of temple architecture in Russia, regardless of its confessional affiliation, deserves attention and reverence as a beacon of faith, a stronghold of spirituality, and a symbolic place of power. Here God lives, His saints live, and the indomitable spirit of Russia lives