Moscow's Simonov Monastery is being prepared for restoration. As part of the preparatory work, specialists investigated eight buildings in the ensemble and discovered new authentic architectural and decorative elements.
"The current ensemble is formed by refectories, three fortress towers, part of the monastery wall with gates and other buildings. They date back to the XVI-XVII centuries. During the research work the restorers made the first discoveries. They found fragments of paintings and facade decorations, historical room layouts, individual architectural elements," said Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.
All this will complete the subject of protection of the monument, which is an object of cultural heritage of federal significance - a document to be used by specialists when carrying out restoration and any other works.
In the building of the new refectory, for example, the fence of the external staircase with figurative decorative turrets, the design of internal openings with portals with paired carved columns on pedestals, brick paving, white stone flooring, fragments of interior painting, doors and much more will be preserved.
The subject of protection of the old refectory will include the compositional solution and architectural and decorative design of the XVII century facades with columned platbands and triangular gables, the layout of the chambers and the decor of the 17th century interiors, including wall stoves and cupboards, floors of the first and second floors.
The three fortress towers were previously little studied. Recent research revealed a tent, a battle ground with awning loopholes, white stone water cannons and other objects.
In the chambers of the Simonov Monastery they found fragments of an older wall and a white stone slab with an inscription of the XVII century. The subject of protection of a part of the monastery wall included an open bypass gallery, various loopholes, the character and pattern of brickwork, as well as the south gate, which was laid in the XIX century.
It is believed that the monastery was founded in 1370. In the second half of the XV century the monastery was part of the system of watch monasteries guarding Moscow from nomads. In 1620-1640s brick walls with four gates and five combat towers were erected: Salt, Forge, Dulo, Taynitskaya and Watchtower. From 1677 to 1680s on the territory of Simonov Monastery large-scale construction works were carried out. A new three-story building with a warm refectory and a church in honor of St. Sergius of Radonezh was erected here, the Assumption Cathedral, other churches and household buildings were rebuilt.
In 1788 the monastery was abolished, but seven years later, by decree of Catherine II, it was restored to its former status and all the property transferred earlier Epiphany Monastery. During the Patriotic War of 1812 the monastery was captured and destroyed by Napoleon Bonaparte's troops, after which the complex was restored. Significant changes in the appearance of the ensemble took place in 1830-1850s, when almost all the buildings were rebuilt, and the facades were remodeled in eclectic style.
In 1920 the monastery was abolished again, and a decade later most of it together with the Assumption Cathedral was dismantled. The ZIL Palace of Culture was erected on this place. One church out of six (the Church of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God) and three out of five towers were preserved. The restoration of the buildings of Simonov Monastery will be the first in its history.
Official portal of the Mayor and Government of Moscow/Patriarchy.ru
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