The image of the Foros Church is firmly etched in the memory at first sight. This is one of the most beautiful Crimean temples, a real landmark in Crimea, located at the Baydar Gate pass on the edge of the sheer Red Rock, 412 meters above sea level. The church has a rich and very complicated history, which you will get acquainted with in this article.
Foros Church
The Resurrection Church in Foros, also known as the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection of Christ, is one of the most recognizable and expressive architectural monuments of Crimea. The church was built in the Byzantine style of a cross-domed church and is an excellent example of Russian architecture of the 19th century.
A special feature of the temple is its location on a rock remote from the main mountain range at an altitude of 412 m above sea level . Thanks to this location, the landmark attracts the attention of everyone who drives along the Sevastopol-Yalta highway, from where the church seems to be floating in the air. In addition, the church is not turned towards the sea, and not to the east, like all Orthodox buildings.
Interesting! Since the church is clearly visible from the sea, it was included on nautical charts as a landmark.
History of the Resurrection Church in Foros and its legends
People often devote romantic legends to unusual places, which are passed down from generation to generation. There are also some near the church, which seems to be floating above the sea near the village of Foros. Tour guides often talk about how horses and a carriage, in which sat the daughter of a wealthy merchant and philanthropist Alexander Kuznetsov, suddenly rushed straight into the abyss in an incomprehensible fright. They stopped only at the last moment, as if the path to death was blocked by an invisible wall.
Other versions featured the merchant’s beloved and even Kuznetsov himself. In gratitude for the extraordinary salvation, the merchant vowed to build a temple here. They also talk about the love of a merchant’s daughter and a simple worker, who, after their father’s refusal to marry, rushed down from the heights of the Red Rock. None of the legends have anything to do with real life, although it was salvation that became the motivating factor for the construction of the temple. But this applies to completely different people.
In October 1888, the imperial train crashed. There were more than 20 dead, over 40 wounded. Alexander III and his relatives survived, although they were in the carriage that suffered the most. To protect his relatives, Alexander held the torn off ceiling of the carriage for several hours. The imperial couple did not leave the scene of the disaster and helped the victims until all the survivors were rescued.
Deeply impressed by the event A.G. Kuznetsov decided to found a new church in Foros.
A little history
The temple was erected by a major tea magnate A. Kuznetsov in honor of the miraculous salvation of the family of Tsar Alexander II in a 1988 train accident at Borki station. A train traveling from Crimea to St. Petersburg derailed, but none of the members of the royal family traveling on it were injured.
The architect N. Chagin worked on the creation of the temple , the walls were decorated by talented painters K.E. Makovsky and A.I. Korzukhin, and the mosaic was made under the guidance of master A. Salviati. It took 4 years to build the church.
The temple was consecrated in early October 1982 by Bishop Matrinian of Tauride and Simferopol, and Pavel Undolsky . A.P. was a frequent visitor to the temple. Chekhov, who was friends with P. Undolsky.
After the events of 1917, the church experienced difficult times . With the creation of the Crimean Revolutionary Committee in early November 1920, the “Red Terror” began on the peninsula, the goal of which was the destruction of all “class enemies” of the Soviet state. In 1924, the temple was closed, precious utensils were confiscated, the crosses on the church towers and dome were thrown down, the bells were melted down, and the icons disappeared without a trace.
Interesting! In 1927, a strong earthquake occurred on the peninsula, as a result of which many architectural monuments were severely damaged, but the Church of the Resurrection remained safe and sound .
In the post-war years, a restaurant was opened in the temple, and later, until a fire in 1969, which destroyed the remaining frescoes, the building was used as a warehouse .
Only in 1980 was the temple registered as an architectural monument of the 19th century. , in 1987 its large-scale restoration began, and already in 1990 the temple was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church and from the same year services began to be held in it. Thus, for its 105th anniversary (in 1997), the Resurrection Church was completely transformed.
What is noteworthy is that the restoration work took a lot of time. Three initial works were considered unsuccessful. The restoration carried out in 2004 was crowned with success, during which the mosaic on the facade and external paintings .
The background to the emergence of the Church of the Holy Archangel
Two thousand years ago, the Alans and Goths, tired of nomadic life and captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of the mountainous terrain, mixed with the indigenous inhabitants of Oreanda.
At that time, the nomads were pagans, but already in the 3rd century from the Nativity of Christ they accepted the Christian faith and, together with the local population, became part of the ancient Orthodox diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
It was probably during this period of Christianization that an ancient monastery was built in the mountains, which marked the beginning of the construction of the modern temple of the Archangel Michael.
This fact was discovered quite by accident when archaeologists carried out excavations at the foot of Mount Ai-Nikola and discovered the ruins of a monastery destroyed in the Middle Ages, because it was then that Oreanda, called Uryanda, became the colonial possession of the Genoese, and then became part of the Ottoman Empire - the country , who professed Islam and had an extremely negative attitude towards Christianity.
Oreanda, with its Orthodox religion, joined the Russian Empire as part of the Crimean Khanate only in 1783. Ultimately, the ancient monastery was lost without a trace, but for centuries the place of worship in the mountains above the village where it was located retained a special grace that only happens in holy places.
It was this grace, apparently, that the local businessman and philanthropist Mikhail Karashkevich felt when he decided to buy the land on which the ancient monastery was once located in order to build here a luxurious snow-white temple in honor of his beloved heavenly patron, Archangel Michael.
How to get there?
You can get to the temple by bus following the route "Yalta - Foros". Travel time from the Yalta bus station is about an hour. You need to get off on the highway, at the descent to the village. After this, it’s a little over an hour to climb the slope to the temple itself on foot, because... There is no public transport to the top of Red Rock.
The most convenient way to go to the shrine is with one of the many excursions around Crimea that involve visiting this site.
We recommend exciting excursions for vacationers and travelers in 609 cities around the world: Tripster.ru is a service of unusual excursions from local residents and guides who can tell you about the most interesting things in their cities.
Thus, you can get acquainted with the Foros Church as part of a 10-hour excursion from Yalta, which includes a visit to Bakhchisarai, the Assumption Cave Monastery of the 9th century. and a walk through the cave city of Chufut-Kale.
The cost of the excursion in 2022 is 1300 rubles. for children, 1400 rub. for adults.
Other suitable tours: “The Pearls of Foros” (455 rubles for children, 650 rubles for adults), “Little Switzerland” (525 rubles for children, 750 rubles for adults), “Crimean Scandinavia” (700 rubles for children , 1000 rubles for adults).
Many tourists prefer to travel around Crimea by private car . The path from the central part of the village of Foros to the church takes about 15 minutes.
To get to the church from Sevastopol, you need to follow the H19 highway in the direction of Yalta (about 50 km), the travel time is 1 hour. Departing by car from the direction of Sevastopol , experienced tourists recommend driving through the picturesque Baydar Valley, looking at the temple from the observation deck of the Baydar Gate, from where it looks most impressive in the morning, and then visiting the temple itself.
Reference! The Baydra Gate is the name given to the pass between the Chelbi and Chhu-Bair ridges.
What to take with you to the Sun Temple
- Water or tea at the rate of 0.5-1 liter per person (at the beginning of the path there is a spring);
- Sandwiches or chocolate bars such as Snickers for snacking;
- Comfortable shoes and hat (required);
- Trekking poles (for convenience);
- A good camera or video camera (optional);
- Little things that can be left as an offering.
Friends! It depends on you and me what Yalta and its individual corners look like. Don’t litter yourself and, if possible, pick up trash left by uncultured tourists
Description - what will you find on the territory?
The small area surrounding the church is a tourist area. From the observation deck in front of the Church of the Resurrection there is a picturesque view of the Black Sea coast, the village of Foros and the Baidaro-Kastropol ridge.
On the observation deck there is a small memorial sign to its founder - merchant A.G. Kuznetsov.
The external and internal decoration of the Church of the Resurrection can impress every visitor . The church was built in two tiers and has nine gilded domes of different sizes, built in the tradition of Russian wooden churches. The largest is the central dome.
The walls are made of baked bricks (plinths). Window sills, columns and other decorative elements are made of Carrara marble . The mosaic pattern on the floor is stylized to resemble antique patterns.
One of the main decorations of the church can rightfully be called a carved iconostasis . The temple is famous for such icons and images as the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Resurrection of Christ; Saint Alexis and Martyr Tatiana. In 2004, the walls of the Foros Church were painted by talented icon painters from St. Petersburg. The complex ornate ornament is reminiscent of the Byzantine style.
Features of the attraction
The main feature of the popular object is its location. The church is located on the edge of Red Rock, offering fabulous views. This reason is one of the most important reasons to visit this amazing attraction. From an altitude of more than 400 m above sea level you can enjoy the view of the southern coast of Crimea, mountains, and the sea coast.
Also, the Foros Church often becomes the choice of newlyweds for a wedding. People from all over the country come here, even celebrities have gotten married. Baptism ceremonies are often held here, which are also quite popular in this temple. Newlyweds often come here for spectacular photo sessions. Since the church is active, people come here for services and on various church holidays.
From the point of view of architectural design, the temple is also quite interesting and beautiful. Here you can see a harmonious mixture of neo-Byzantine style with colorful pseudo-Russian style. The interior decoration of the church was restored as accurately as possible; the former paintings and mosaics were preserved. In addition, ancient icons are kept within the walls of the building, some of which are miraculous. They attract not only tourists, but also pilgrims from all over the country. Travelers often combine visiting the church with exploring other nearby sites.
Reviews from tourists
- Travelers recommend this place as a must-see for everyone who vacations at the resorts of the Southern Coast of Crimea. The unique Foros Church, attractive for its beauty and unusual location on a steep cliff, is very popular among guests of the peninsula .
- This is not only a symbol of spirituality, but also one of the significant monuments of Russian architecture of the 19th century, from which, according to tourists, only pleasant impressions . Those who have visited here note the beautiful architecture, the external and internal decoration of the church, the well-groomed territory and, of course, the breathtaking views from the observation deck, for which it is definitely worth visiting here.
- In many reviews of their visit, travelers point out that during major Christian holidays, it is very difficult to park , and there is not enough space inside for everyone.
Reviews of visiting the church on the mountain
- Tourists call the area where the Foros Church is located very picturesque, and the view from the observation deck is breathtaking .
- The beauty of the temple, combined with amazing nature and seascapes, make this place “fabulously divine .
- Inside the temple, according to visitors, it is “peaceful and calm .
- Travelers who have been here recommend the Church of the Resurrection of Christ as a must-visit, noting that it is unlikely that anyone (be it a believer or an atheist) will remain indifferent to this place.
What is the schedule of services at the Foros Church in Crimea? Liturgies take place every Sunday at 9-00.
Troubled times
For a long time, the Church of the Ascension in Foros remained a quiet corner of the Christian world. However, times of godlessness came when even the angels were powerless. In 1924, the temple was closed, crosses and bells were barbarically torn down, and church valuables: vessels for worship, golden candlesticks, tabernacle, chandelier, precious vestments, icons made by famous masters, were looted. Unique frescoes painted by Russian artists were covered with lime, and propaganda posters were hung in place of the icons.
During the Great Patriotic War, the Foros Church became a defensive point for a border post detachment. The temple takes on enemy attacks, protecting the soldiers who took refuge in it. In the last decisive battle, no one survived; commander A. Terletsky also suffered martyrdom. The Nazis crucified him on a tree growing next to the church.
After the end of the crazy war, the trials for the temple did not end. Picturesque Foros was chosen by the party elite leading the new atheistic country. In the most beautiful villages of the South Coast, the construction of sanatoriums and boarding houses for high-ranking officials is underway. The Foros dacha “Zarya”, where Mikhail Gorbachev’s career ended so ingloriously, became especially famous. The elegant church, located on a cliff, attracted the attention of party bosses. But instead of restoring the temple, they decided to open a restaurant in it. In the vestibule, where parishioners offered prayers to the Lord, tables were placed, and in place of the altar, a buffet counter was built.
In the 60s, a new highway was built connecting Yalta with Sevastopol. The Foros Church found itself on the sidelines. The temple fell into disrepair and became ownerless. For some time the premises are used as a warehouse, and then completely abandoned to the mercy of fate. The so-called savage tourists begin to use it for overnight stays. Well, what would an overnight stay be without a fire! As a result of the barbaric attitude, the miraculously preserved part of the mosaic was destroyed by fire. It got to the point that at some point the church was going to be demolished. She was too distracting for drivers passing by. Fortunately this did not happen.
