Church of St. John of the Ladder in Moscow

Church of St. John of the Ladder in the Moscow Kremlin - one of the oldest in the Russian capital, and now our site will tell interesting details of the occurrence of the temple.

The Church is also called the bell tower of Ivan the Great, that is, for it is part of the architectural ensemble consisting of three white buildings:.. The bell tower of the Assumption Belfry and the Filaret outhouse.

holly creations

On whose orders and who built the first part of the ensemble? Ivan Kalita laid the white-stone church in the early 14th century in 1329 in honor of the saint, who lived much earlier. He famously wrote the work "The Ladder," how come the man of God.

The church was located in the lower tier, and was at the top of the belfry, but the author of the original building is unknown. Assumption Belfry was added only in the 16th century by the Italian architect Bon Fryazin.

In the 17th century on the orders of Tsar Boris Godunov on the bell tower have built more tier, and a little later the Reverend Patriarch Filaret makes available to make annexe, which was subsequently named after him. Belfry soared up to 81 meters and has long been considered the highest "on Moscow."

The attempts to construct a building above have not been successful in Moscow. Although Menshikov tower was higher than three meters, but in one of the lightning storms destroyed the upper tier of the tower. Since that time considered that the above "Ivan the Great" can not be built.

Since the 17th century the bell tower was used as a patrol tower of the Kremlin. approaching enemy could be considered for the 30 km. The most significant events were accompanied by the ringing of the bells of the famous church. Such modulations sounded loud that the people began to say "full-Ivanovo" t. E. Very loudly.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the church was looted. It is interesting that when the soldiers shot a gilded cross with the dome they constantly interfere with a flock of crows. In case of fire, hosted by the French, completely burned the church and the annexe, and surviving bell tower stood as "orphan". In the late 19th century architectural ensemble was again restored.

In Soviet times, the temple was used for other purposes, like many holy buildings. Only after Stalin's death, when the Kremlin was opened for visitors in the church were held exhibitions.

The bells

All in the church of St. John of the Ladder 34 bells and although they were transfused, but retained their historical names and melodies.

The largest not only in Moscow, but Russia - Assumption bell, weighing 65 tons and 320 kg. It is decorated with portraits of the imperial family.

Howler - almost 33 tons. With this the second largest giant linked tragic story. During the coronation of Alexander 2, the bell broke, he broke through 5 floors, killing several people. But he was hanged on the spot.