Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
St-Petersburg


The architectural history of Russia, particularly from the late 17th century through the 19th century, is rich and varied. Let’s explore the key styles you’ve mentioned:

1. Russian Empire Baroque (also known as Naryshkin Baroque)

Time Period: Late 17th century to early 18th century.

Characteristics:


• This style developed during the late reign of Tsar Alexis and continued under his son, Peter the Great.
• It is characterized by a fusion of traditional Russian architectural elements with Western European Baroque influences.
• Notable features include ornate decoration, use of colorful tiles, and the combination of onion domes with Baroque-style columns and pilasters.
• Key examples include the Church of the Intercession at Fili and the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow.


2. Petrine Baroque

Time Period: Early 18th century.

Characteristics:


• Named after Peter the Great, who brought many European influences to Russia.
• Petrine Baroque is more Western in style, reflecting Peter’s admiration for European architecture, particularly Dutch and Swedish.
• Buildings from this period often have simpler, more austere facades compared to the elaborate ornamentation of the Naryshkin Baroque.
• The Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg is a prime example, with its slender spire and restrained decoration.


3. St. Petersburg Late Baroque

Time Period: Mid to late 18th century.

Characteristics:


• – This style evolved as St. Petersburg became the capital of the Russian Empire.
• – It combines Baroque grandeur with a greater emphasis on symmetry and classical forms.
• – The Smolny Cathedral and the Winter Palace are iconic examples, showcasing elaborate facades, grandiose interiors, and an overall emphasis on opulence and power.


4. Neoclassicism

Time Period: Late 18th century to early 19th century.

Characteristics:


• Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassicism emphasized simplicity, proportion, and symmetry.
• In Russia, it coincided with the reign of Catherine the Great, who admired Enlightenment ideals and sought to modernize Russian architecture.
• Key features include grand columns, triangular pediments, and a restrained decorative style.
• The Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow are notable examples.


5. Historicism

Time Period: Mid to late 19th century.

Characteristics:


• This style involves the revival and reinterpretation of earlier architectural styles, often incorporating elements from different periods.
• Historicism in Russia was influenced by the country’s growing interest in its own history and the broader European trend of Romanticism.
• Russian Historicism includes revivals of Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, and Russian traditional styles.
• The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow is an example, reflecting a return to traditional Russian forms with modern construction techniques.


6. Eclecticism

Time Period: Late 19th century to early 20th century.

Characteristics:


• Eclecticism is characterized by the combination of elements from various historical styles in a single building.
• t was popular during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization, allowing architects to experiment with different aesthetic ideas.
• This approach often resulted in highly decorative and varied buildings.
• The State Historical Museum in Moscow is an example, combining Russian Revival and Neo-Gothic elements.

These styles collectively reflect the dynamic and diverse nature of Russian architecture, shaped by cultural, political, and artistic influences from both within Russia and across Europe.


ALexander Nevskii Monastery
St-Petersburg




Winter Palace




Small Hermitage
St-Petersburg




Imperial Academy of Arts




Virgin of Kazan Cathedral
St-Petersburg




Admiralty Building




Peter and Paul Fortress




Peterhof Palace




Konstantic Palace




Catherine Palace
Txarskoye Selo




Pashkov House




Saint Michael’s Castle




Kazan Cathedral




General staff Building




Saint Isaac’s Cathedral




Bolshow Theatre




Cathedral of Christ the Saviour




State Historical Museum




Gum Department Store




Eliseyev Emporium




Tratyakov Gallery




Silver House

The wooden Churches of Romote Kizhi
Pogost


The Muscovite architectural style of the 17th and 18th centuries in Russia is characterized by its unique blend of traditional Russian, Byzantine, and Western European influences. This style emerged during a period of significant cultural and political transformation in Russia, and it is marked by several distinctive features:

Key Characteristics:

1. Onion Domes:
• One of the most iconic features of Muscovite architecture is the onion-shaped dome, often brightly colored and elaborately decorated. These domes are typically found on churches and cathedrals.
2. Tent Roofs (Shatior):
• The tent roof, or “shatior,” is a steeply pitched roof that resembles a pyramid or cone. This style was prevalent in church architecture and was a departure from the traditional Byzantine dome.
3. Kokoshniks:
• These are decorative gables, often semi-circular or scalloped in shape, placed above windows, doors, or at the base of domes. They add a layered, ornate appearance to the structures.
4. Color and Ornamentation:
• Buildings from this period are known for their vibrant colors and intricate decorations, including frescoes, carved stone, and patterned brickwork. The use of bright, contrasting colors helped to create a visually striking aesthetic.
5. Multiple Towers and Asymmetry:
• Many structures feature multiple towers of varying heights, creating an asymmetrical yet harmonious appearance. This was especially common in church complexes and fortified monasteries.
6. Integration with Nature:
• Muscovite architecture often sought to blend with the natural environment, incorporating gardens and surrounding landscapes into the design of religious and secular buildings.

Influence and Evolution:

The Muscovite style eventually gave way to the Petrine Baroque and later Russian neoclassical styles as Western European influences became more pronounced during the reign of Peter the Great and subsequent rulers. However, the distinctive elements of Muscovite architecture remain an important part of Russia’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The blend of traditional Russian elements with Byzantine and Western influences during this period created a unique and enduring architectural style that continues to be celebrated and studied for its historical and artistic significance.


17th Century Romanov Boyar Residence




Novdevichy Convent
Moscow




Kazan Cathedral in Red Square




Trinity Church
Kitay, Gorod




Church of Elijah the Prophen
Varoslavl




Nativity Church
Putinki




Palace of Alexis
Savvino, Storozhevsky




Palace of the Patriarch of Moscow
With the church of the Twelve Apostles




Cathedral of the Resurection New Jerusalem Monastery




Remains of the Averky Kirolovs Palace




St Nicholas Church in Bersenevka




Kolomenskoe Summer Residence of the Tsars




Palace of the Wealthy Merchant Family Pogankin
Pskov




St John the Baptist Church




Church of St Nicholas
Khamovniki




Metropolotan Palace
Yaroslavl

Znamenskaya Church




Krutitsy




Pushkikovs Palace
Nizhny, Novgorod




Menshikov Tower