Wonderful Staircase Leading to the Heights

Detail of the gothic style of architecture of the Church of Vladimir Icon Mother of God in Bykovo, a project built by prominent Russian architect Vasiliy Bazhenov in 1789. The church was part of the grand estate of a powerful nobleman, Mikhail Izmailov, governor of Moscow. The church is entered by a wonderful staircase that fans out on two sides and approached through the long trapeza (refectory) supporting twin bell towers. Pictured here is the staircase at the left side of the building leading to Vladimirskaya Church, the pointed windows of the refectory, and the rounded bell tower with spire at the right side of the building. On the ground level, under the staircase, is an entrance to a winter (heated) church of the Nativity.

Photo #110 taken on May 13, 2006 during Moscow countryside tour discovering church architecture with my dear clients from Canada, Annie Budz.