Church of the Intercession on the Nerl: an amazing combination of natural and man-made

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In the Vladimir region, less than two kilometers from Bogolyubov, there is a unique white-stone temple, which is a monument of architecture. This is the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, located on a water meadow, in the place where the Nerl connects with the Klyazma. In spring, water covers almost the entire surrounding area, so you can only get here by helicopter or boat. However, the place for the construction of this temple was not chosen by chance: in those distant times it was at the crossroads of trade routes and was a kind of gate to the Vladimir land.

This creation was built in 1165 (according to some sources in 1158) in total

in a few months.

The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl was built in honor of the sacred Russian holiday - the Intercession of the Virgin. This holiday was celebrated by the Vladimir clergy as evidence of the special patronage of the Mother of God to the land of Vladimir. ByAccording to the legend, which found its reflection in the Life of Andrey Bogolyubsky, a white stone for construction work was brought by Andrey Bogolyubsky from the conquered Bulgar kingdom. By design, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is a fairly simple structure, which is a single-domed four-pillar cross-domed temple. However, what distinguishes it from other places of worship is the artistic image added by the builders.

The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is surrounded by mystery. Her very appearance is considered perfect. The perfect combination of man-made and nature-introduced is reflected in the elegance of the buildings, as well as in the surrounding nature. The walls of the temple are decorated with stone carvings. So, for example, on one of the planes you can see the figure of King David with a ps altery (this is the oldest musical instrument). He is surrounded by all sorts of

birds and animals, spellbound by divine music. From the walls of the building look at us girlish faces. This motif is one of the most valuable in church decor. According to research, it took three and a half years to create this creation.

The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is located on a low hill that was erected

artificially. This was done in order to protect the structure from spring waters. During archaeological work, the secret of the hill was discovered. First, the foundation was laid with cobblestones using lime mortar. Walls were erected on the foundation, whichwere covered with clay soil. Thus, the underground part of the building has a height of 5.30 m.

Temple of the Intercession is open only in summer. Then he hospitably opens his doors, including tourists.

So much time has passed since the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin was erected on the Nerl… They tried to disassemble it several times, it was flooded during floods, it was repaired… However, it stands to this day and looks silently at natural changes and passing by generations, remaining the same as it was eight centuries ago.