Epiphany Cathedral, Irkutsk

A true adornment of Irkutsk is the Epiphany Cathedral. This church looks quite unusually. It is colorful and ornate and does not resemble classic orthodox churches. The matter concerns its decoration: the church’s façade and its tholobate are decorated with pictures of the saints in whole-length. Besides, the church is fancy decorated with ornamented tiles, and brightly painted like Russian popular prints. The influence of old-Russian motives and baroque style which are usual for Russian North architecture is noticeable in the architecture of cathedral. This church’s beauty impresses city guests. Its history started almost from the very foundation of the city. The first wooden Epiphany Cathedral was built by citizens of Irkutsk stockaded town in 1693. After he was destroyed by fire in 1716, on his place have begun the building of stone church. In1815 a belfry in classicism style was built near the cathedral. On the top of it the biggest bell in Irkutsk- its’ weight is 12 tons - was placed. In1990’s the Epiphany Cathedral was returned to Russian Orthodox Church.