Church of St. Catherine, Chernigov

In the ancient city of Chernigov there is a unique masterpiece of Ukrainian architecture of the late 17th-early 18th centuries - the Church of St. Catherine. This temple attracts the attention of guests even at the entrance to the city. It is located on a hill near Chernigov Val.

The unusual structure of the church admires the views of tourists. It is a rare example of the architecture of the Cossack baroqueera of the Ukrainian Renaissance.

History of St. Catherine's Church

The Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr was built in 1715 by the brothers Semen and Yakov Lizogub in honor of the glorious battle of the Chernigov Cossack army. Under the command of Hetman Yakov Lizogub in 1696, the Cossacks stormed the enemy fortress of Azov. Now the snow-white five-cupola church serves as a reminder of the great exploits and heroism of the Chernigov warriors. St. Catherine's Church is built on the ruins of an ancient building, which was here since the times of Kievan Rus 12-13 centuries.

The history of the church is rich and eventful. In the days of the Cossacks, it was used as a fortified fortification unit, which covered the main fortress of the city. In the following years the church of St. Catherine was often destroyed, she survived two fires and the Patriotic War.

Architecture of the church

In its structure it is similar to traditional wooden churches. Due to the lack of horizontal lines on the facade of the building, St. Catherine's church seems higher. Five golden domes are located in the form of a cross. The central head is at the intersection of the two lines, allegedly held from the side domes. All the windows in the church have the shape of crosses. Later, some of the windows were expanded. The Church of St. Catherine has parades from three sides - east, north and south.

The church was often rebuilt, as a result of which it acquired some asymmetrical form. However, the defect of the temple is well hidden thanks to the successful reconstruction of 2004-2005

St. Catherine's Church today

Not today, the church is active and is in the architectural reserve "Chernigov Ancient". Visiting this church, you will see amazing icons and faces of saints. You will also have the opportunity to visit the exhibition of folk and decorative art, which is held in the temple.