Jan/24

Unique 15-domed Church of St. John the Baptist in Yaroslavl

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Architecture, Religion, Travel

The Church of John the Baptist in Yaroslavl is an inactive Orthodox church, a unique monument of Russian architecture of the 17th century and one of the most famous works of the Yaroslavl school of architecture during its peak period. It is located in the southern part of Yaroslavl, on the right bank of the Kotorosl River.

This church is a monument of history and culture of world importance included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. It was built in 1671-1687. Its 45-meter bell tower was built in the Moscow Baroque style in 1690. This is the only church in Russia with fifteen domes, divided into three groups.

Today, this church is part of the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve and is used as a museum display object. It is open to the public from May to October, closed on Monday, Tuesday and rainy days. Occasionally, prayer services are held in the church.

This church is depicted on the reverse side of the Bank of Russia 1,000 ruble banknote of the 1997 series. Church of St. John the Baptist on Google Maps. Photos by: Kirill Moiseev.

The exterior of the church is striking in its variety of decorative forms. All the basic decorative techniques of Russian architecture of the 17th century are used here.