The ancient town «Bogolubovo»
The ancient town «Bogolubovo», and now the village, is located at a distance of 10 km from Vladimir. The creation of this town connected with old legend about appearance of the Blessed Virgin to prince Andrey. This town was built in1158 year by order of prince Andrey. Firstly, the town was a residence of Andrey, and was divided on two into parts by inner wall. On south part was the castle being built in XII century, where lived a court. And northern part belonged to servants and craftspeople. After century the castle began to belong Bogolubsky monastery. Now one can to visit this monastery through the gates, having raised in 1841 year.
The town was placed between two other towns, strategic important: between Vladimir and Suzdal, in that way,having been a protector from the direction of Oka and Volga. At the centre of the town was placed the cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Christmas. Having been ruled tsars, could enter to this cathedral through white – stone crossing with stair towers, which were rebuilt to the ring later.
To present day was kept the northern crossing, through that one can come to the cathedral. On the other hand was the similar crossing, leading to castle wall. That's why in the invasions time, tsar can to reach the fortifications. All buildings were joined in one style, which was characterized the having of arches and narrow windows.
On the princely part of the town was placed «medusha» - the wine – cellar, arsenal, stables, and tsars confidants. On the central square was «kevoriy» - not big arbour on four column, where was placed the stone cup with holy water. A descent to the river came to landing, on which a lot of ships were arrived. Unfortunately, the main construction – the cathedral of the Blessed Virgin was not kept for present days. The building is known to be erect by Andrey Bogolubsky, in XVII century was crashed down. From this old building were left only three lion masks on the west front.
There is a white – stone cross in the cathedral with carving inscription, the unique monument of written language of XII century. Before this cross was placed on the bank of Nerl, giving notice of sand – banks and rifts of two rivers. The second floor is interested in the place, where died the prince Andrey Bogolubsky. On the walls of this second floor there is a portray of the Blessed Virgin, in the face of hers bowed the prince and the bishop from Rostov. Later this place was decorated by frescos with killing scene of Andrey Bogolubsky. But the the Blessed Virgin Christmas monastery lost his significance. At the same time, the cathedral of Bogolubskya icon was become the main cathedral in Russia, having been built in 1866 year by plan of K. A. Ton, which was a warehouse after revolution. Now this this is a work temple, which was reconstructed and returned to eparchy: every day the divine services are carried out here. There are two cloisters on the territory of the cathedral: the monastery and the convent.
At a distance of 1,5 km on the way to Vladimir, there is a famous temple of Pokrova on Nerl. This templed was placed on the bank of river and considered the monument of dead soldiers. According to legend, from this place people took leave of the ship, which was sailing away to the war with bulgars. The son of Andrey Bogolubsky was known to perish at this battle, in his memory was built this church.
There is a face of David on three fronts. Two pigeons and one eagle listen his music, they are the symbols of peace and protection. Under them there are painted lions, allegorical opening the idea of beaten evil.
There is one feature in the temple: in the course of archaeological researches was discovered some interesting artificial construction, which helps to remain standing much during the flood of the rivers Nerl and Klyazma. This construction consists of massive foundation, which was laid on the depth of 5,3 m. Above it was covered by artificial hill, faced by white – stone slabs with gutter. Nevertheless, during the flood the water still continues to knock against church walls.
The temple of Pokrova on Nerl is an usual temple for old russia architecture, with one head of cross – domical and four – column temple. With a help of right chosen proportion, forms and details, architects tried to soften the stones. The architects could to master the whole weight of stones and created an effect of weightlessness with a lot of light. The walls of this temple are decorated with a traditional for Vladimir -Suzdal architecture white stoned carving.
Especially picturesque this temple looks in the Spring, when waters of flooding Nerl and Klyazma join one lake, the white – stone temple is raised above the lake glassy.
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