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St. Andrew's Church. Kyiv. Ukraine.
The St. Andrew's Church is one of the most famous Orthodox temples in the Ukrainian capital. It is currently one of four architectural landmarks of Ukraine, which were put down on the List of Mankind Treasures of Five Continents by the world society. It is sometimes referred to as a cathedral. The church is part of the National Sanctuary "Sophia of Kiev" as a landmark of cultural heritage.
The church was constructed in 1747–1754, to a design by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Famous architect designed this five-domed church with one cupola in baroque style. It is still called Rastelli’s "swan song." The temple is in the form of a cross, and its edges are decorated with fancy ornamental towers.
As any baroque object, the St. Andrew's Church is notable for its unusual elegance, luxurious decor, exquisite refinement, and airiness of form. But even more impressive is the church’s interior – suited for a luxurious palace – which was also designed by the great Rastrelli. Its key decoration is the original bright-red iconostasis, made of linden wood and covered with gold.
Today, the St. Andrew's Church is a working temple, and services are conducted here. It also houses a museum, whose collection tells the difficult history of this architectural masterpiece.
St. Andrew's Church. Kyiv. Ukraine.
The St. Andrew's Church is one of the most famous Orthodox temples in the Ukrainian capital. It is currently one of four architectural landmarks of Ukraine, which were put down on the List of Mankind Treasures of Five Continents by the world society. It is sometimes referred to as a cathedral. The church is part of the National Sanctuary "Sophia of Kiev" as a landmark of cultural heritage.
The church was constructed in 1747–1754, to a design by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Famous architect designed this five-domed church with one cupola in baroque style. It is still called Rastelli’s "swan song." The temple is in the form of a cross, and its edges are decorated with fancy ornamental towers.
As any baroque object, the St. Andrew's Church is notable for its unusual elegance, luxurious decor, exquisite refinement, and airiness of form. But even more impressive is the church’s interior – suited for a luxurious palace – which was also designed by the great Rastrelli. Its key decoration is the original bright-red iconostasis, made of linden wood and covered with gold.
Today, the St. Andrew's Church is a working temple, and services are conducted here. It also houses a museum, whose collection tells the difficult history of this architectural masterpiece.