Interesting facts about the wooden church of Kizhi. Kizhi - amazing facts about the fabulous island. This church is interesting

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In Karelia, on the wonderful Lake Onega, there is an incredibly beautiful, fabulous island called Kizhi. The island is considered an invaluable museum of architecture, the scale of which is simply amazing. Kizhi is an unusual place, which has been famous for its craft for many centuries, because many artists, as well as poets, lived and worked here. If anyone remembers the famous epics about Ilya Muromets or Vladimir the Red Sun, then it is worth saying that they were created precisely on the territory of this wonderful island.

Having visited the island for the first time, just stepping onto its amazing territory, you can feel a significant surge of energy, touch something bright and beautiful, breathe in clean air deeply and find out what real freedom is.

If you move into the recent past and study a little the history of the island, you can find out that there were as many as 14 villages here. Unfortunately, only two have survived to this day, which bear the names Vasilyevo and Yamka. One of the surviving villages, conveniently located on east coast famous Lake Onega. The second village is located on the western bank of this wonderful reservoir. Each village has only a couple of houses, but this did not become an obstacle for curious adventurers, so the indicated place is always full of tourists. Here all year round tourists come from all over globe, because such landscapes as on this island are not often found. In addition, this place is full of interesting monuments, and relaxation here seems simply divine.

Excursions are regularly held in the city of Kizhi to introduce tourists to this interesting and unusual place. River cruises on Meteora they take place from Petrozavodsk, but their time is not enough to fully explore the unique nature of this place. To fully explore the island, see all the interesting natural places and attractions, you need to plan your travel route yourself.

The most popular attractions of Kizhi

Among the main attractions of Kizhi it is worth noting the Church of the Transfiguration. It was erected back in 1714, and not a single nail was used for its construction. The church has as many as 22 domes, which with their gilding complement the brightness of the sun. From a bird's eye view, the view of this temple will allow you to distinguish it from others, because there are no analogues to this unique monument. The temple is designed in such an interesting and original way that if you take into account the cuts, the appearance of a cross is formed on all four sides. The altar of this majestic temple faces the western side, but in east side The refectory with a porch was well located. The view from this porch is simply amazing and it simply mesmerizes tourists. By visiting this architectural monument, you can enjoy not only its beauty, but also fully embrace the settlements, villages and straits.

Inside, the temple radiates unearthly beauty. Everyone who comes here will feel complete peace. The altar in this majestic temple has 4 tiers, it is lined with a huge amount icons, the exact number of which is 102 pieces. The space inside is evenly filled with calm and peaceful light.

Such an architectural monument as the Church of the Intercession also deserves special attention. The temple was built back in 1764, it is wooden and has 9 domes, the shape of which is quite unusual, making the structure lighter and more original. The outside of the building is decorated with wooden pillars, but inside the temple looks very modest. If you compare it with the previous version. Unfortunately, in the course of history, the very first iconostasis of this building was not preserved, and the current one was completed during the restoration of the church in 1950.

The Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus can be included in the top three attractions of the island. History says that this landmark was built back in 1391. Overeating suggests that the church began to be built after Saint Basil appeared to Lazarus. It is this temple that is considered the first building belonging to the Murom Monastery. The construction of this monastery was dedicated precisely Biblical history which talks about the resurrection of Lazarus. Local residents say that the temple has the power to heal from various ailments and it is because of this that this place has become a great center of pilgrimage.

What architectural monuments of Kizhi are still worth seeing?

There is also a Chapel of the Archangel Michael on the island, which is characterized as follows:

was transported to Kizhi from Lelikozero in 1961;

has a very picturesque appearance;

consists of 3 parts, which together form a rectangle;

the walls are built on the north side, and the window faces west;

the bell tower on top is successfully completed with a lush tent;

outside, the architectural monument is decorated with towels with circles and diamonds;

inside, in the center of the ceiling there is a large icon of Christ, and the evangelists are depicted in the corners.

In addition to this monument, there is also a Tent Bell Tower on the island. It was built back in 1863, but it was completely completed in 1874. The belfry tent is supported by 9 columns and ends with a dome with a cross. In total, the structure looks very interesting and harmonious. To illuminate the interior of the bell tower, there are 4 windows, which are made in the form of beautiful arches.

Continuing to travel around the island, tourists will be able to see a tall wooden palisade. Its original has not survived, but the reconstruction was able to accurately convey it. A copy was made already in 1959; in addition to these attractions, you can see ancient mills and barns on the island. All these attractions are collected throughout the region and delivered to the island, which has turned into a huge museum.

Oshevnev’s house can also be considered a popular place among tourists. It looks like Karelian houses that were built before the revolution. The building has two floors and is richly decorated with carvings. There is also an ancient windmill on the island, the likes of which can no longer be found.

What else is new and interesting on the island

Monuments and churches are, of course, good, but we must not forget about the amazing nature of this place. The island has a beautiful topography, a sparse forest stretches not far from the shore, meadows and the sun can be seen from afar, reflecting its glare in the lake. Many villages of the island went under water, but thanks to this, it was possible to create a unique museum here, which collected more than 50 thousand original, interesting and fascinating items. All these objects accurately tell about the life of the indigenous inhabitants of the region and it is thanks to them that history can be studied. On the island you can get closer to the following objects:

vintage women's jewelry;

original embroidery;

handmade toys;

household items and tools.

But the interesting aspects of Kizhi do not end there, because rare, original and interesting things still continue to be brought here. New exhibitions are constantly being developed, and tourists are invited to take part in master classes that introduce ancient crafts. Guests of the island who come here for the holidays can watch interesting performances and become active participants. You can get out here for a few days, choosing an accommodation option without any problems.

There are no hotels on the island, but it is quite possible to stay with local residents. Kizhi is unique place, which is worth a visit and you need to stay here for several days. To see all the monuments and enjoy the unforgettable nature, you can come here with the whole family, receiving an incredible charge of energy and vivacity. In general, tourists who want to visit Kizhi will definitely not regret it; it is simply a wonderful place that is definitely worth visiting. The island fascinates and attracts attention, allowing you to completely disconnect from city everyday life, delve into history, look at beautiful monuments and just have a great time. It’s worth coming here for great impressions and positive emotions.

Since ancient times, wood and clay were the main things for Russian architects. building materials. That is why wooden architecture became the basis of a unique style of Russian architecture, the distinctive feature of which was the optimal combination of functionality and beauty of buildings. One of these amazing masterpieces of Russian architecture is the ancient churchyard on the island of Kizhi.

Kizhi Pogost is a world-famous architectural ensemble, which is located on the Kizhi island of Lake Onega.

The architectural ensemble of the ancient Kizhi churchyard consists of three buildings:

Church of the Transfiguration;
Church of the Intercession;
tented bell tower with belfry.

It is unknown in what year the churches in Kizhi were built. It is generally accepted that their construction was completed before 1583. However, there is a mention of them in the Scribe Book of 1563, which contains references to a description of the churches of 1496, which, unfortunately, has not survived to this day. Thus, it can be assumed that churches on the island of Kizhi have existed since the end of the 15th century.

The Transfiguration (summer) Church is considered the pinnacle of Russian wooden architecture, the huge pyramidal volume of which is crowned with a very complex system of twenty-two scaly domes arranged in four tiers. The basis of the composition of the Church of the Transfiguration is the “octagon” - an octagonal frame with four two-stage cuts located at the cardinal points.

The Intercession (Winter) Church complements the Transfiguration Church, echoing it with a kind of architectural echo. The corners of the large octagon of the Intercession Church are crowned by eight small domes, and the composition is completed by a large ninth dome, located in the center of the structure. All together the domes form a light and openwork crown, permeated with air and light, but at the same time quite modest and absolutely not competing with the grandeur of the Church of the Transfiguration.

The outwardly dissimilar churches have quite a lot in common. Thus, the log houses of the churches were cut in the traditions of Russian carpentry - without a single nail, with the exception of the domes, both monumental log buildings are a kind of pedestal for the magnificent multi-domed structure.

The unified architectural ensemble of churches of the Kizhi Pogost is harmoniously complemented by a hipped bell tower with a belfry 30 meters high. The composition of the bell tower is designed in accordance with the traditional scheme characteristic of architectural ensemble in Kizhi, - eight on four.

It took 160 years from the moment the construction of structures in Kizhi began until they were united into a single architectural ensemble. However, the creative searches of Russian architects were not crowned with success, so further changes in the appearance of the architectural ensemble in Kizhi, associated with restoration work, are taking place in modern times.

Thus, in 1945, the object received the status of an architectural reserve, and the government decided to restore the Kizhi churches, the main tasks of which were to strengthen the monuments and restore their original artistic appearance. In the process of restoration work, the churches were freed from the later awkward stucco molding, thanks to which they were restored to their original appearance: iron was removed from the domes of the Church of the Transfiguration, plank cladding was removed, some of the crowns of the log houses were replaced and weakened structures were strengthened.

Today in Kizhi there is a museum of wooden architecture “Russian Zaonezhye”. Here you can see a large number of ancient intricately decorated huts that created an entire village. Thus, the Kizhi Pogost ensemble is an illustration that conveys the former way of life.

The protected island of Kizhi is a real museum under open air, located in Karelia on Lake Onega. Numerous attractions, including wooden churches built in classical Russian style, attract thousands of tourists every year. A trip to Kizhi will allow you not only to see with your own eyes all the beauty of the architecture of the north, but also to admire the untouched nature, which has been preserved here in its original form.

Description of the island

The convenient location of Kizhi in the northern part of Lake Onega, not far from the Zanevsky Peninsula, makes it easy to organize excursions here in the warm season. total area The island is 5 square kilometers, so you can take a walking tour and see all the local attractions in just a few hours. This open-air museum is located 68 kilometers from Petrozavodsk, in summer time years from regional center people come here every day river boats with a travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

In winter, Kizhi can only be reached by helicopter or hovercraft, and excursions are difficult at this time of year. Therefore, from October to March, the Great Kizhi Bay, where this island is located, is inaccessible to tourists.

Extremely interesting thematic tours from Moscow are organized, which include visits to various ancient cities Russian north. Tours to Karelia and Finland are popular, which allows you to see other countries and get to know the culture of your neighbors better.

The history of this island dates back to the X-XI centuries. ekah, when small Finnish and Baltic settlements on Kizhi became part of the Novgorod principality. Orthodox Christians appeared here in the 15th century; the first buildings of churches, which have been preserved in their original form to this day, date back to the same period.

In the 16th century, the creation of the Spassky graveyard began in Kizhi, considered one of the main attractions of the reserve and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From time immemorial, artisans, poets and artists lived here, passing on their skills, preserving the original Old Russian style.

Today, Kizhi Island is the largest open-air museum-reserve in Russia. There are 89 monuments of wooden traditional architecture, numerous ancient chapels, barns and houses of local residents. The real pearls are the Transfiguration Church and the Kizhi Pogost, built in the 16th-18th centuries. ekakh in the style of Karelian architecture. Extremely interesting thematic excursions, which allow you to get closer to the traditional way of life of the Russian north.

Main attractions

Numerous wooden churches, chapels and graveyards in the ancient Russian style have been preserved in Kizhi in their original form. Armed with various tourist brochures and guidebooks, you can either explore all the beauties of this island on your own, or take advantage of the offer of local guides, who immediately upon arrival of tourists on River Station form small excursion groups. Organized tours They allow you not only to get a closer look at numerous local attractions, but also to listen to fascinating stories from professionals about the history of these places and its inhabitants.

Church of the Transfiguration

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord on the island of Kizhi is clearly visible from anywhere on the island. The building is 11-storey high and is made in the traditional Russian style of architecture with wooden domes. A special feature of this building are 20 beautiful domes made of aspen and located at different heights. The frame of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord was made by hand, without iron nails, tow or moss.

This church is interesting:

unusual architecture;
interior decoration;
original construction technology.

Currently, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord is a functioning temple, where services are held every weekend. Inspection of the interior, preserved in its original form, is possible only on certain days and hours, so tourists need to check when the church is open to the public. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord is business card Kizhi Island and one of the most famous local attractions.

Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A small wooden church built in the original style with domes. Unlike the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the entrance to the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin is always open; in the entrance hall there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the Kizhi parish and ancient Russian icon painting. The exhibition includes ancient paintings painted by both local artists and famous Russian masters.

The Church of the Intercession was built as a winter church, so services were held here only in severe frosts. The temple was built in traditional style northern culture architecture, with a winter road and a high bell tower. Construction took place over almost 50 years in the 16th-17th centuries. ekah. Not long ago the reconstruction of the church was completed. During the restoration of the structure, ancient technologies were used, and the work was carried out by local craftsmen who preserved the ancient methods of cutting logs. The church was built without a single nail and in full accordance with its previous appearance.

Eight-wing windmill

The wooden eight-wing windmill is one of the few monuments of industrial architecture that have reached us. Such buildings are typical exclusively for the north of Russia and Karelia. Due to their special shape, air mills were efficient, allowing them to grind grain or other grains quickly. In the sixties and eighties of the last century, when a museum was created on the island of Kizhi, this wooden building was practically destroyed and was subsequently restored by local architects using a few drawings and photographs.

The structure of the mill is extremely interesting, the building of which is located on movable wooden piles-supports. The internal frame is made axial, which allows it to cope with significant wind loads that are typical for Kizhi in autumn and winter. The structure itself can easily rotate, aligning its blades with the blowing breeze from the lake. Today, the mechanism is in good working order, so the mill is often used for its intended purpose.

The water mill, which was built in 1875, is also of great interest. She was brought to the island from the village of Berezovaya Selga. It was used in ancient times local residents and worked on the basis of a completely wooden unique mechanism, which is still working today. The water mill is open to the public, and inside a small museum collection contains exhibits related to rural life of the 18th-19th centuries. Ekov.

Tent bell tower

The tented bell tower is another iconic landmark of Kizhi island, built in the original style, with high arched windows, an elongated and narrow silhouette. The single dome creates a feeling of lightness, reminiscent of the Gothic kirks of the Baltic states. This is one of the youngest buildings in Kizhi, erected on the site of an old dilapidated bell tower.

Every year, competitions of bell ringers are held in Kizhi, who come here from all over Russia. In the summer, numerous concerts of ancient music take place here, and getting to them is considered a great success for every lover of Russian folklore.

In total, there are 14 bells on the island, the heaviest of which was cast in St. Petersburg in the 19th century and weighs about 800 kilograms.

Wooden churchyard

The architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost is the most famous and significant exhibition site on the island. It includes the Churches of the Transfiguration and the Intercession, the Tent Bell Tower and a preserved old cemetery with a wooden palisade. The ensemble is located in the southern part of the island and is the center of the entire Kizhi Museum-Reserve. At the end of the 20th century, this attraction was included in the UNESCO Heritage List and today is protected by the state.

A special feature of this ensemble is the unique ancient Russian architectural style, preserved only in the far north in the Onega region. In the 50s of the last century, all three structures were surrounded by a powerful wall, the base of which was huge stone boulders. Such a three-meter fence makes a strong impression, organically complementing the ensemble of the three main attractions on the island of Kizhi.

Houses of peasants Oshevnev and Sergeev

The houses of the northerners who lived on the island in the 18th-19th centuries are of great interest to tourists. ekah. The most famous such attraction is the house of the peasant Oshevnev. This is a massive structure, built in the traditional style of Karelian architecture, skillfully decorated with carvings. The roof of the house covers both the main building and outbuildings with a barnyard. Oshevnev could do business and care for animals without leaving home.

Today, the house of the peasant Oshevnev has been turned into a small museum, the exhibits of which allow you to get acquainted with the traditional life of the Russian north in the 17th-18th centuries. ekah. The building itself is authentic, including carved columns, window frames and interior decor. The interior has been completely recreated late XIX and the beginning of the 20th century. The exhibition includes various cradles, kitchen utensils, household and household items.

In Kizhi you can also see:

numerous ancient baths;
ancient pier;
old cemetery.

Sergeev’s house, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century, is also perfectly preserved. The building has a square shape, is richly decorated with carvings, and the facades are painted in the traditional northern style. Inside you can see a small exhibition of folklore of Zaonezhye and applied art of Karelia. Items for the exhibition were collected not only from the island of Kizhi, but also from the entire northern region of Russia.

In total, there are six chapels on the island, revealing the richness and originality of the northern school of architecture. The unique buildings that have been completely preserved to this day are modest in size, similar to each other, but each is unique and original.

The following chapels are located on the island:

Savior Not Made by Hands.
Peter and Paul from the village of Volkoostrov.
Signs of the Mother of God.
Our Lady of Joy to All Who Sorrow.
Kirik and Ulita.
Bell tower of Varlaam Khutynsky.

The chapels are located not only on Kizhi, but also on nearby islands, so you can get to them by hiring a small boat with a guide. Such excursions are popular among tourists because they allow them to enjoy the beauty of the local northern nature and see the original original buildings.

The amazing Kizhi Museum-Reserve is rightfully considered a symbol of Russian architecture and a calling card of the Russian North. This mysterious open-air museum attracts more and more visitors from all over the world every day.

Kizhi Island is located in the north of Lake Onega, not far from Petrozavodsk. The most comfortable and fastest way to get to the island from the capital of Karelia is the meteor on Kizhi, which will take tourists to the reserve in less than an hour and a half.
The most memorable objects of the island are the Transfiguration and Intercession churches, a bell tower with a hipped dome, and a windmill. Tourists will also be interested in the chapel and the Oshevnev House, and, of course, the ancient huts and buildings brought here from different parts Karelia.
Church of the Transfiguration
The most recognizable monument on the island of Kizhi, without a doubt, is the Church of the Transfiguration, or Church of the Transfiguration. The unique wooden building, 38 meters high, is topped with 22 domes. The temple was erected in 1714. Services are held here only in the summer.

Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary

Together with the Transfiguration Church and the tented bell tower, the Intercession Church forms a fabulous composition of the island of Kizhi. Strict but beautiful, the church is decorated with nine domes. Its facade is complemented by an ornate wooden pediment and decorated with a high porch. The object was rebuilt many times. The pearl of the church is the high iconostasis. The Church of the Intercession is considered a winter church.
Oshevnev's House
This large building belonged to the wealthy peasant Nestor Oshevnev, who lived here in the second half of XIX century with my family. In this building, characteristic of that time, it was decided to open a museum of the life of peasants in Zaonezhye.

Mill

The mill, like many of the huts and houses on the island, was brought here from a Karelian village. This building from the 20s of the last century clearly illustrates the life of Russian peasants. The eight-wing mill includes two floors, where you can see flour chests, grinding millstones and other household items.
Bell tower
The legendary tented bell tower is located between two churches. Erected much later than the temples, the building fits perfectly into the ensemble of the Kizhi churchyard. Previously, on the site of the bell tower there was a dilapidated belfry.

Chapel of Michael the Archangel

The chapel was brought to Kizhi many years ago from a village called Lelikozero. This interesting building with a vestibule and a hipped bell tower, decorated with a high wooden dome with a cross on a double roof. The iconostasis inside the chapel practically merges with its heavenly ceiling and gives a feeling of boundless freedom of spirit.
We have not named all the sights of the reserve; for example, the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus and the fence of the Kizhi Pogost also deserve attention. The unique flavor of Kizhi and the beautiful landscapes of the island will amaze even the most sophisticated tourists at any time of the year.

Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve Kizhi– a place that should be visited by people interested in history, lovers of Russian architecture and simply those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle big city. On Kizhi Island you can see the architecture of the 18th-19th centuries, as well as get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of Karelia at that time. You will also be pleasantly surprised by a boat ride along Lake Onega and its picturesque shores.

Where is it located: contact information

What is the best way to get to Petrozavodsk

by plane– 1 hour 40 minutes by direct flight;
by train– 12 hours (minimum travel time);
by car– 1050 km in or about 1000 km in .

by plane– 4 hours 15 minutes;
by train– 7-8 hours;
by car– 435-526 km.

Before you can get there by bus. Travel time will be the longest among all possible modes of transport, but you will be able to admire the picturesque surroundings.
From Petrozavodsk Hydrofoil boats ply to Kizhi Island in the summer and hovercraft in the winter. You will also be offered options such as an all-terrain vehicle, a snowmobile, and even skis and dog sleds.

Visiting the Kizhi Nature Reserve: opening hours, ticket prices, promotions and discounts

Operating mode:

May-August: 08.00-20.00;
September-October: 09.00-16.00;

November-February: 10.00-16.00;
March-April: 09.00-17.00.

No days off or lunch break.

Prices for visiting:

Prices for excursions (per person):

group up to 5 people– 1000 rubles (in a foreign language – 2500 rubles);
group of 5 people– 100 rubles (in a foreign language – 500 rubles).

The reserve also has a lot of additional excursions and programs, theatrical performances are held, audio guides are provided. Choose the one you like additional service available on the reserve's website , by phone or at the excursion center.

On which lake is the Kizhi Museum-Reserve located?

Kizhi Island, on which the reserve is located, is located in the northern part Lake Onega. At the end of the 18th century, the island was a separate Kizhi volost, which included 9 villages. In addition to traditional crafts, the inhabitants of the island were engaged in fishing and farming, which was facilitated by the fish-rich waters of Lake Onega and the fertile soil of the island.

Sights of the Kizhi Nature Reserve

Historical reserve, founded in 1966 with the aim of preserving the architecture of Karelia from the 18th – early 20th centuries, it includes more than 70 objects, such as churches, bell towers, huts, barns, baths, mills and forges. Among the most interesting architectural objects are the following:

Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This is undoubtedly the main attraction of the reserve. The 37-meter temple was erected in 1714. This is one of the brightest representatives of the eight-fold churches. The architectural composition is based on an octagonal frame, with four two-stage sections located at the cardinal points. The roofs of the octagons and prirubs are crowned with domes. The 22 domes are arranged in such a way that the overall composition has a pyramidal shape. The basis of the interior of the temple is the majestic iconostasis of 102 icons arranged in four tiers. In 1949-1959, a large-scale restoration of the church was carried out, affecting mainly the interior and iconostasis. IN this moment The temple building itself is being reconstructed, replacing dilapidated logs with new ones.
Church of the Intercession of the Virgin. This is one of the few multi-domed churches that have survived to this day. It was built in 1694 and rebuilt 70 years later. Tourists are attracted here not only by the facade, but also by the interior with a rich iconostasis, part of which, unfortunately, was irretrievably lost.
The bell tower of the Kizhi Pogost. The 30-meter bell tower was erected in 1862. Opens from the bell tower scenic view to the island and Lake Onega.
Windmill in the village of Volkostrov. A 10-meter tall pillar windmill, built in 1928.

Interesting facts about the Kizhi Museum-Reserve

During the restoration of the Transfiguration Church in 2014 year, when it was necessary to replace about 30% of the logs, the structure was raised using a vag– levers used 400 years ago.
4 architectural objects Kizhi Nature Reserve included in the list monuments World Heritage UNESCO.

Photo of the Kizhi Museum-Reserve

Church of the Transfiguration– the main attraction of the historical reserve.

Most of original icons in the iconostasis of the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary has been preserved to this day.

Winter landscapes in the Kizhi Nature Reserve are no less picturesque.

Mill in the village of Volkostrov has a height of about 10 meters.

Displayed in the Kizhi Nature Reserve traditional life of the inhabitants of Karelia.

Kizhi Reserve Museum - video

There's even more in this video interesting facts about the Kizhi Nature Reserve Museum. Enjoy watching!

Visit the Kizhi Historical Reserve often included in the visiting program. Tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world visited this unique cultural and historical site in the open air and discovered the traditional architecture and peculiarities of people’s way of life. The popularity of the reserve among tourists is evidenced by the fact that tourist services here are carried out at eight foreign languages.

Therefore, we should also pay more attention to our history and cultural heritage. Moreover, there are really interesting excursions and tasting of Karelian dishes prepared according to ancient folk recipes. Yes and boat trip along Lake Onega will not leave anyone indifferent.