Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Pereslavl-Zalessky): description, features, history and architecture

Among the monuments of ancient Church architecture, witnesses of the history of Russia, Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Pereslavl-Zalessky. Come down to us from those distant times, when Russia had not yet known the horrors of the Mongol invasion, it is the earliest of the white stone churches of North-East Russia.

How to build in the old days

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Pereslavl-Zalessky) of the same age as the city itself was founded in 1152 by one of the sons of Vladimir Monomakh-Grand Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The years have left its mark on him. Studies have shown that, for a period exceeding more than eight and a half centuries, the temple sunk into the earth for ninety centimeters.

As if anticipating future military turmoil, the creators of the Cathedral was laid in its walls a fair margin of safety. Thickness more than a meter, they were laid out in the so-called half-rubble technology involving the stacking dry perfectly hewn white stone blocks. Customized to each other with great precision, they ensure high strength and durability of the whole structure. In its architectural features of the facility refers to a domed four-columned temple with three apses. Quality work has successfully passed the test of time, resulting in built in the XII century, Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Pereslavl-Zalessky) has survived in excellent condition.

Board – the list of troubles

And to experience the temple turned out to be a lot. Inside one of the walls strengthened Board, which lists all the trials and tribulations that befell him in later centuries. Mentioned and countless Tartar hordes that swept through Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, and the hordes of Lithuanian invaders, and the militia of the neighboring princes predators. Doesn't say it only about those who caused the temple's main and irreparable damage-on restorers.

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Destruction of samples of wall paintings

As a result of their callousness and professional incompetence displayed during the restoration work carried out in the temple in the late nineteenth century, was lost forever-the priceless frescoes, Dating from the last quarter of the XII century. On the level at which they were made by ancient masters, you can get an idea only by a single fragment that had miraculously survived and is now kept in the Moscow historical Museum. It depicts the old Testament prophet Simon.

From the records of the Commission, followed the course of restoration, it is known that the frescoes depicting scenes of the last judgment and the virgin sitting on the throne was removed from the walls and Packed in wooden boxes. Since none of the museums did not agree to take them in storage, these specimens of ancient painting was just dumped in the shed was in disarray.

Eventually they came into complete disrepair, and in 1895 the special Archaeological Commission of their further storage was considered inappropriate. Because godliness is not allowed enlightened barbarians to throw away the sacred image, they just drowned in the lake.

History of Russia, part of which was the ancient Cathedral

Over the years its history has been at the heart of the action, amounting to the brightest pages of the history of Ancient Russia, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral has seen a lot in his lifetime. Mounted on its wall a marble plaque indicates that somewhere near him was the Prince's chamber, which in 1220 was born on the future defenders of Russia Holy Prince Alexander, for the defeat of Swedish invaders at the mouth of the Neva river called the Neva. Under the vaults of the same Church he was baptized.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Pereslavl-Zalessky) became the burial place of his son – the Grand Prince of Vladimir Dmitry Alexandrovich and grandson – specific Pereslavl Prince Ivan Dmitrievich. Their graves, protected by time, have survived to the present day. Remember the arches of the temple and of St. Sergius of Radonezh, erected here to the rank of Abbot, before he led founded the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

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Pereslavl Cathedral of the Transfiguration was seen kneeling prayed here many of the great Moscow princes. He also knew Ivan the terrible himself, who came to this wonderful land to beg God's forgiveness for the already committed crimes and to gain strength for new. And when in the midst of the time of Troubles Russia was on the verge of collapse, in front of this temple prayed to the Lord for sending the victory to the Orthodox militia Minin and Pozharsky.

A Lot of "ancient legends" stores in its memory the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Pereslavl-Zalessky). He could tell how near it is lake Pleshcheyevo built your “a funny Navy”, the young Russian Emperor Peter I, who was to receive from posterity the title of Great, and the fleet sailed from the tranquil shores of the lake, destined to conquer all the oceans of the world.

Secret underground labyrinths

Like any self-respecting monument of ancient times, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Pereslavl-Zalessky has a mystery, exciting the minds of researchers and lovers of all that is beyond the gray everyday life. From the chronicle of materials it is known that when the construction of the temple deep beneath its Foundation was dug underground tunnels for the evacuation of residents in case of siege – the times were painfully restless.

Did you have to use them in subsequent periods of history, when Russia attacked the hordes of Tatars and other invaders, – not known. Numerous attempts to find the entrance to these underground labyrinths have been unsuccessful, and they continue to keep their secret, which of course, makes the temple even more attractive for tourists.

Life of the Cathedral in the twentieth century and in our days

After the Bolshevik revolution the Church, which up to that time the Church service was done regularly, was closed, but fortunately, unlike many of the temple buildings, was not destroyed. All that, in the opinion of the new authorities, was of value was taken or simply vandalized. However, a number of the most important items of Church plate were saved. Among them are sent to Moscow chalice (communion Cup) - a gift from the Yuri Dolgoruky and the unique gospel of the deacon Zenobia.

Despite the fact that in our day the Church officially is owned by the monastery of St. Nicholas, services are held in it infrequently, and it remains the status of a Museum of antiquity, in which he is the main exhibit. Nearby stands a memorial monument in honor of Yuri Dolgoruky, whose commandment was built the city and built the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral. In Pereslavl-Zalessky, which became an integral part of Russia's past, annually attracts thousands of tourists wishing to see this extraordinary temple and breathe in this air of bygone centuries.