The Church of the Resurrection of Christ (also known as the Holy Resurrection Church or the Resurrection Church) is a prominent monument of 17th-century Russian Orthodox architecture located in the town of Gorokhovets in the Vladimir Region of Russia, at the foot of Puzhalova Mountain, on Sovetskaya Street. The church is part of the historic center of Gorokhovets, a federally designated cultural heritage site, and represents a striking example of the transition from Old Russian architecture to the Moscow Baroque style. The church, which is active and belongs to the Vladimir Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, attracts tourists with its compact yet distinctive form, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding Klyazma River landscape and the cityscape. It is one of seven stone churches in Gorokhovets that have survived from the 17th and 18th centuries and is often visited as part of Golden Ring tours or local historical routes.
The first mention of the church dates back to 1628 in the Gorokhovets land register, where it is described as a wooden structure erected by "Gorokhovets tradesmen." At the time, Gorokhovets was a thriving trade center on the route from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod, and the church served as a spiritual center for local residents. By the end of the 17th century, during the city's economic boom thanks to merchant dynasties (such as the Yershovs and Semenychevs), the wooden church was replaced by a stone one. Construction of the stone church took place approximately between 1675 and 1700 (other estimates place it in the 1680s and 1690s), making it one of the earliest examples of stone architecture in the region. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the church was repeatedly renovated and expanded. Between 1710 and 1716, a stone church of St. John Climacus (now part of the complex) was built nearby, and a bell tower was added in the 19th century. During Soviet times, the church was closed in the 1930s and used as a warehouse, which resulted in the loss of part of the interior and icons. Its revival began in the 1990s: in 1992, the church was returned to the faithful, and in the 2000s, restoration work was completed, including the restoration of the domes and frescoes. Today, the church is actively used for religious services and is part of pilgrimage routes related to the history of Orthodoxy in the Vladimir region.
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ is a two-story pillarless
church in the Moscow Baroque style with elements of Old Russian
architecture, typical of the transitional period of the 17th century.
The building has a compact, almost square shape (approximately 15 x 15
m) and rises 25–30 meters, creating an impression of slenderness and
monumentality. The main structure is a tall quadrangle crowned with five
domes with onion-shaped cupolas on drums covered in black metal and
adorned with golden crosses. The facades are white, plastered, with
decorative elements: kokoshniks (semicircular arches) under the cornice,
Baroque window frames, and pilasters.
Lower Floor (Winter
Church): Squat, dedicated to the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
into the Temple. It housed a heated church for winter services, with low
vaults and small windows. This level served as the foundation and had
economic significance.
Upper Floor (Summer Church): The main
structure is dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. This is a spacious
hall with high vaults supported without pillars, creating a feeling of
light. The windows are large, with Baroque frames that let in plenty of
light. The altar is semicircular, with an apse.
Bell Tower and Annex:
Adjoining the church is an 18th-century tented bell tower with tiered
bells, topped with a spire. To the west is a refectory and porch, added
later. The overall ensemble includes a fence and gates.
The
interior is modest, but retains fragments of 17th-century murals
depicting biblical scenes, a Baroque iconostasis, and ancient icons
(including an image of the Resurrection of Christ). The façade
decoration is rich: dentil cornices, false windows, and ornaments
reflect the influence of the Yaroslavl and Kostroma architectural
schools.
Five Domes: Unusual for small churches of that period, the five domes
symbolize Christ and the four evangelists, emphasizing the Easter theme.
Location: At the foot of Puzhalova Mountain, from which the church
dominates the landscape. Legend associates the mountain with the
apparition of Andrei Bogolyubsky in the 12th century.
Connection to
the merchant class: Built with funds from local merchants, reflecting
the economic prosperity of Gorokhovets in the 17th century.
State of
preservation: One of the few churches that has escaped significant
reconstruction, retaining authentic elements.
The church is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (services are
scheduled: morning at 8:00 AM, evening at 5:00 PM). Admission is free,
but a donation is recommended. Getting there: From the center of
Gorokhovets, walk from the square (200 meters up Sovetskaya Street) or
by car (parking nearby). The tour takes 30-60 minutes; tours are
organized by the local museum (cost 200-500 rubles). The best time to
visit is summer, when you can climb Puzhalova Hill for a photo. Combine
this with a visit to other churches in Gorokhovets, such as the
Znamensky Cathedral or the Trinity Monastery.
The Church of the
Resurrection of Christ is a living embodiment of Russian history and
spirituality, an ideal destination for those interested in the
architecture and cultural heritage of the Golden Ring.