Architecture, Culture of Russia

The high white walls of ancient temples, crowned by gilt domes and bell towers, became the symbol image of Russian cities. Initially, Russian architecture absorbed the best traditions of Greek urban planning. Its development was inextricably linked to the spread of Christianity. Prior to the adoption of Orthodoxy, all houses in ancient cities were built of wood. Along with the new religion the stone architecture came to Russia. The so-called cross-domed church type became popular. The model came to Russia from Byzantium. Cross-dome churches of such type were called so because the central vaults of the temple crossed each other forming a cross crowned by a dome. From the inside the vaults and dome were supported by four columns.

Kiev strived to imitate Constantinople in terms of architecture. Under the rule of Yaroslav the Wise the entire Russia is swiped with city construction. The best builders from Constantinople were invited. The magnificent St. Sophia Cathedral was erected in Kiev in 1037. Russian masters constructed the beautiful building, decorated with mosaic and murals, with the guidance from Greek architects. The distinctive feature of Russian temples was the presence of several domes. For instance, Kiev-based St. Sophia Cathedral had 13 domes. Starting from the late 11th century the temples appeared all over Russia. The 12th century saw the emergence of «Russian style» in temple architrcture and painting. Independent architecture schools began to be established in Kiev, Novgorod, Chernigov etc. The first monumental buildings were built in Moscow unde Ivan Kalita's rule. The main concern of Moscow dukes was the decoration of the Kremlin. In 1367 Dmitry Donskoy replaced the old wooden walls around the city with the stone ones – white-stone Kremlin. The contemporary complex of Moscow Kremlin was mainly completed under the rule of Ivan III. Italian architects were responsible for the erection of the temples, palaces and new fortifications.

Peter the Great started constriction of St. Petersburg. The new capital was cardinally different from traditional ancient Russian cities. It had straight wide streets crossed at right angles, typical houses, and European-type architecture. The middle part of the 18th century was the time of Russian baroque style formation: the palaces and temples acquired pompous and intricate look, rich floral ornamentation, complex architectural volumes, abundance of smooth curves in decor elements.

Pompous baroque style was replaced with classicism in the second half of the century.

Austerity of shapes, porticos and colonnades, reserved color palette were the characteristic features of that style. Modern was another milestone in architecture of the early 20th century. Industrial development, erection of factory buildings, required complete new approach from the architects. Their work was greatly influenced by the opportunity of technical innovations: metal structures and reinforced concrete.