The real gem of Russian churches is Vladimirskaya Church. Bykovo, a farmstead in the Ramenskoye district, located nearby, is a great addition to the tour. The article reveals the most interesting aspects of this attraction, so that you can decide exactly whether it is worth going to it for you.
What the Vladimir Church looks like
The famous architect Vasily Bazhenov put a lot of effort into creating not just a temple, but a whole work of art, and he succeeded to the fullest. It is enough just to look at the photos to be convinced of this. The bright temple, high spiers stretching into the sky in crosses, and a spectacular entrance staircase no worse than in European castles will impress any tourist, even those far from religiosity.
The church has 2 symmetrical bell towers, which are located on the sides of the building, and the facades are decorated with double airy porticos.
The church consists of two temples. The lower one, the Nativity Church, accepts everyone who wants to join the services. Upperthe temple is named after the famous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, and there is no access to it, since the staircase is in disrepair. If we talk about architecture, then the first temple is an oval room, to which bell towers and a rectangular refectory between them are attached.
Also, the ensemble of the church includes a small but rather high chapel, made in the general style, which was supposedly developed by the architect I. I. Tamansky. Unfortunately, the exact author of this creation has not been identified.
The beautiful exterior is complemented by the beautifully manicured garden around which is cared for by the attendants. Various flowers bloom here all summer. Moreover, there is also a small garden nearby, where vegetables and fruits are grown.
What is the Vladimir Church famous for
Vladimirskaya Church is interesting primarily for its unusual style, which is also called Russian Gothic. It differs in that it looks more like a building from a good fairy tale than like gloomy European temples. And if the latter are decorated with evil gargoyles, then the Vladimir Church shows us the faces of the saints.
You can hardly find something similar in all of Russia. A very spectacular building is the Vladimirskaya Church. Bykovo, unfortunately, cannot boast of such beauty today. The fact is that the estate is gradually falling into disrepair, while the temple looks much more well-groomed.
The attractions also include a summer-blooming park and large ponds.
Church History
The church has existed on the site of the modern one since ancient times. Initially, it was only a wooden building, but then, at the beginning of the 17th century, it was rebuilt with a stone temple.
The modern church was built later. It was designed by one of the most famous Russian architects at that time. Vasily Bazhenov was able to create a real masterpiece of architecture that inspires people to gain faith. The building was completed in 1789, and almost a century later, a separate chapel appeared next to it.
Icons
The most famous icon in the church, without a doubt, is the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. It is located directly behind the altar, to the left of it. It is believed that the icon helps believers, and indeed it seems that this is the case, because it is hung with rings, chains and crosses of people who received long-awaited help.
Servants of the temple are proud of another masterpiece - the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is notable for the fact that Emperor Nicholas I himself gave it to the owner's family. Both icons can be seen today in the church.
The inside of the temple is beautifully painted, and many paintings are painted directly on the ceiling and walls. All this splendor has been carefully restored, and today it causes genuine delight among church visitors.
Surprisingly, despite all the hardships that the church endured, the creations of famous Russian artists - the Vasnetsov brothers, are still preserved in it.
Vladimir Church today
Survived all the hardships and became even more beautiful forpast years Vladimirskaya church. Bykovo, the estate of M. M. Izmailov, unfortunately, is gradually falling into decay. However, the flow of tourists here does not stop, which is especially noticeable in summer, in hot weather. In autumn, the church is also often visited, because at this time of the year the gothic features of the temple are especially clearly visible.
In the Bykovo estate there is actually something to admire. Vladimirskaya Church, Bykovo - both attractions are located in a picturesque area. They are surrounded by tall trees, and in summer you can enjoy a walk through a flowering park.
Bykovo Estate, Ramensky District
The estate of M. M. Izmailov, a favorite of Catherine II and the Governor-General of Moscow, is another interesting place. It is located in Bykovo, Ramensky district. However, not the Izmailov house has survived to this day, but a later version, built at the end of the 18th century by new owners under the leadership of the Vorontsov-Dashkovs. The house had to be rebuilt, only the foundation remained from the old building.
After the Vorontsov-Dashkovs, the house was sold by Ilyin, and in Soviet times it was privatized. At one time it was used as a shelter for homeless children, and then as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Over the years, the interior of the once luxurious estate has changed beyond recognition.
Now it is not recommended to go inside the building, but there is definitely something to see from the outside. So, the main element that attracts the attention of visitors isserve as magnificent caryatids, located at the very top of the columns supporting the balcony.
Today you cannot see the former splendor around the estate, but even just walking along the shady alleys is a great pleasure. Tourists especially like to visit the old gazebo, which has survived since the time of Izmailov.
How to get there
Those interested in visiting the church will probably want to know the detailed route to such sights as Vladimirskaya Church, Bykovo. How to get there is actually quite a common question. Fortunately, the temple is located not far from the capital, just a couple of kilometers, so there should be no problems with transport.
You can get there by train to Usadba station, and then by buses No. 23 and No. 39. You can also just take a bus from Moscow at number 424 to the stop "Temple".
You can also use the services of a taxi to get to the monuments of Vladimirskaya Church, Bykovo. The address is probably known to the driver who will drive you, so it is not necessary to know the exact route.
Opening hours
Be careful when visiting attractions. Outside, at any time of the day, you can see what Vladimirskaya Church (Bykovo) looks like. Opening hours must be specified in order to enjoy the interior of the temple. Since this is a church, we advise you to dress appropriately, it is advisable to have modest closed clothes and a headscarf for women.
Services are held daily in Vladimirskaya Church. Every day theystart at 9.00, and on holidays daytime, evening or night time can be added to them. The exact start time can be found on the church website.
If you want to take part in the service, just come. Vladimir's Church is a place where there are no excursions, it is intended for private visits. However, this will not prevent you from coming here in a group - the number of visitors is not limited.
