A small Church, standing in a surprisingly picturesque place, immediately attracts attention with its Gothic slenderness. This is the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky. It is also called the Gothic chapel. It was the home Church of the family of the Russian Emperor Nicholas I.
Despite the fact that the chapel is decorated in the Gothic style, it was an Orthodox Church. Its eight towers with spires are crowned with Orthodox crosses. During the stay at the estate of the Royal family, services were held here, and in honor of favorable events, a prayer service was ordered. The facades are decorated with bronze sculptures of saints. Round Windows with stained glass are decorated with figures of angels.
After the revolution, the Church was closed, and in 1920 the building was given over to a Museum. During the war, German troops caused great damage to the Church. From 1970 to 1999 major repairs and restorations were carried out here, and the Museum began to receive visitors again. In 2003 the Church was restored again.
Today the Chapel is not only a priceless architectural monument, but also a Shrine to all Orthodox Christians. Despite the Gothic style, the interior decoration and composition of images are the same as in other Orthodox churches.
All photos are mine
Camera: Canon EOS 1100D
Best wishes, Natalia
