Did you know that instead of domes there is a crown on the temple? Or an angel? Gothic Orthodox church? Easily! Though not very often.

It is amazing how many samples of interesting architecture can be found in the Russian province. These are palaces, and Gothic castles, and medieval fortresses.

But in this selection, I decided to collect temples that impressed me with their unexpected architecture.

Dubrovitsy

Perhaps one of the most famous and unusual temples is the Temple of the Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubrovitsy near Moscow. Unlike traditional domes, there is a real crown on top. The temple was built at the end of the 17th century, and it is believed that Prince Golitsyn attracted Polish, Swedish, German, Dutch and Italian masters for the construction.

It is noteworthy that after the construction of the temple, the patriarch refused to consecrate it just because of the unconventional appearance. But after the death of the patriarch, the temple was consecrated, and Peter I was present at the ceremony
📍Moscow region, Dubrovitsy village (55.441270, 37.494649)

Podmoklovo

Another unusual round temple is located in the village of Podmoklovo in Serpukhov district. Several years ago, he was in a dilapidated state, thanks to enthusiasts, he was restored. And now in the suburbs there is one of the most striking examples of Italian baroque in Russia. And on the territory nearby several times a year music festivals are organized by the rector of the temple and his family.

📍Moscow region. Podmoklovo (54.866893, 37.347064)

Aksinino

You have already seen the temple with the crown on top. But at a small church in the village of Aksinino, Tula region, instead of a dome, there is an angel figure on the roof. There used to be a cross in the hands of an angel, but now there is only one vertical pole left. And even earlier there was the estate of the Danilov landowners, but now only the entrance obelisk in the bushes remains from it. And this unusual temple.

If you find yourself in these places, be sure to look inside. There was preserved a very beautiful wooden round rotunda instead of the iconostasis.
📍Aksinino, Tula Region (54.505329, 38.350032)

Yaropolets.

Another Orthodox church, which seems to be teleported to us from Europe. In addition to its unusual appearance, the Kazan temple also has a couple of mystical stories in its arsenal.

For example, it was built as the tomb of Prince Chernyshev at his estate (now abandoned), but was never painted from the inside. Count Chernyshev died before the temple was completed, his remains were not transferred to the tomb. A little later, part of the unfinished temple collapsed. Moreover, for unknown reasons, a fire occurred several times during construction.

📍Moscow region. Yaropolets (56.136730, 35.835989)

Kalyazin

Unlike other places in my collection, the Bell Tower from Kalyazin impresses not with its architecture (although it is rather concise), but with its very location. The fact is that during the construction of the Uglich Reservoir, part of the city was flooded. The cathedral, located on a hill, was dismantled. And the bell tower was left as a lighthouse. And now it attracts tourists with its appearance.

📍Kalyazin, Tver region. 57.243328, 37.856875

So traveling in Russia is interesting and informative. And you can find examples of architecture that are not inferior to European sights. Although sometimes they are not in full view of the general public.

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All photos made by me