Church of the Savior on Blood

The Church of the Resurrection, also known as Blood Church, Church of the Redeemer and Savior Blood Church (Russian Спас на крови ), is a cathedral in Saint Petersburg. The church is modeled on the Moscow St. Basil's Cathedral in the "New Style " (corresponds to Art Nouveau ) and, according to striking the only building of the St. Petersburg city center, which is not based on the Italian and Western classical styles. It was built from 1883 to 1912 on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated one. It was opened to mark the centenary of the victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the " Patriotic War " and the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty.

The church stands near the Nevsky Prospect at Griboyedov Canal. Taking cues from the old Russian models design of the building covers an area of about 7000 square meters; the inner -coverage configuration in icon style and exterior decoration consists mainly of mosaics.

The church was built according to the plans Parlands Alfred (1842-1919), a significant time in Russia architect who also built in Moscow, Vladimir and other towns. He was a member of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and was born into a German - Baltic- Scottish family that stood since 1800 in the service of the Tsar at Peterhof.

Vaulted ceiling

Vaulted ceiling

" Blood Church " in Saint Petersburg ( Video 2008)

The history of the Church was very changeable. Once conceived as a monument and less than a house of God, they never served sacred purposes. Initially as a concert hall and museum, later used as a theater, they should be torn down several times in the history of Russia and the Soviet Union and for decades was closed to the public. It was only in August 1997, the 27 -year-long renovation was completed and reopened the building with great interest of the population as a museum.