The Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Vitebsk is an architectural monument of the ancient Polotsk principality of the 12th century, which is located in the city center, on the banks of the Western Dvina River. The church has a rich and interesting history. About this temple, the history of its construction and unusual facts concerning it will be discussed in this article.
History
The Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk, according to the chronicles of the 16th-17th centuries (the chronicle of Bykhovets, the chronicle of Stryikovsky), was built around the 14th century. The construction of the church, according to these chronicles, is associated with Prince Olgerd, presumably it was he who ordered the construction.
In another legend, which is recorded in the city chronicle dating back to the 17th century, it is said that the temple was erected by order of Princess Olga in 974, simultaneously with the founding of Vitebsk. However, it should be noted that the exact date, which has documentary evidence of the construction of the Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk, is notinstalled.
Temple Research
The well-known Russian historian of architecture, archaeologist and restorer A. M. Pavlinov first explored the church at the end of the 19th century. After a thorough study of the Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk, he suggested that the temple could have been built in the period from the 10th to the 12th century, and he considered the 11th century to be the most likely date of construction.
At the beginning of the 20th century, based on the results of research and examinations, the doctor of art history and architectural historian N. I. Brunov concluded that the temple was built in the 12th century. By the way, this hypothesis has not been challenged by any scientist to date.
In the period from 1960 to 1990, various studies were carried out, led by a number of prominent scientists: P. Rappoport, O. Trusov, T. Bubenko and G. Shtykhov. They studied the previous results of the examinations, as well as analyzed the architectural techniques and forms, fragments of frescoes and construction techniques of ancient architects. As a result, all scientists agreed that the Vitebsk Annunciation Church was built around the 12th century, presumably by Byzantine craftsmen, using Byzantine architectural techniques.
Church Description
Unlike the ancient Polotsk buildings of that time, built from plinth (baked thin brick) using the technique of “melting” neighboring bricks, the Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk was built not only with the help of plinth, but also with stone. The use of stone was uncharacteristic for the architects of those places. Stone blocks after careful polishing herestacked in one or two rows, then comes a layer of two or three rows of plinths, and again stone blocks.
This masonry technique speaks of a non-native building tradition. The temple is a modified cubic six-pillar type of building, but with a small width of the side aisles and apses. Also, the church has a large elongation compared to other temples of that time. Unusual is the fact that the front and back are made of three naves, and the side ones - of four.
Today the temple has only one large dome, but scientists say that originally there was a second, but much smaller.
Interior decoration and murals
The Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk has an unusual interior decoration. The walls and ceilings of the temple inside are painted with numerous frescoes from the life of saints, as well as the Mother of God and Christ. Arches and corners are decorated with floral patterns. But along with these skillfully executed frescoes, the bottom of the building does not even have plaster. This was done on purpose, the fact is that, according to the plan of the restorers, the lower part of the structure remained in its original form.
Thanks to this, you can see exactly how the stone blocks and plinths are laid out. In general, such a solution looks very original, and most importantly, you will not see anything like this anywhere else.
Also in the upper parts of the facade naves and in their center you can see skillfully made mosaic panels. They depict the Mother of God and the Annunciation. They are made in iconographic Byzantine style. On the pictureChurch of the Annunciation in Vitebsk, you can see and appreciate the beauty of the frescoes and mosaic panels.
Temple from the 17th to the 20th century
The church has been repeatedly rebuilt and restored. In 1619, by decree of Sigismund III, the temple was transferred to the Greek Catholics (Uniates). During the Northern War, the church was significantly damaged, and in 1714 a large-scale repair was carried out. After 45 years, the temple is being reconstructed, and late baroque is clearly manifested in its architectural style.
In 1832, the Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk was returned to Orthodox Christians, and 20 years later it was rebuilt again.
During the Great Patriotic War, the church received significant damage, but after it ended, the temple was restored, and in 1953 it was given the status of a monument of history and architecture. Despite this, eight years later it is almost completely destroyed by an explosion during the laying of tram tracks. Only six-meter walls remain.
In 1968, archaeological work was carried out, and nine years later - the conservation of the ruins. And only in the period from 1993 to 1998 the temple was restored, preserving fragments of the original masonry.
Church currently
Today, the temple has been completely restored, and the surrounding area has also been put in order. A belfry and a wooden temple in the name of St. Alexander Nevsky were built next to the church. A beautiful park has been laid out, in which various trees and shrubs are planted.
Besidesnumerous tourists, here you can meet pilgrims and local residents. There are many historical and architectural monuments nearby.
Once in Vitebsk and visiting its many interesting sights, you should definitely go to the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This unique building, which has survived to this day, has not only majestic beauty, but also an extraordinary aura.
