Probably on all white light not to find such a light and light temple, like the Church of Pokrov-on-Nerley, located 7 kilometers from the old Russian city of Vladimir. It is possible to say with full confidence that this white-mounted temple is a real masterpiece of old-Russian architecture and a model of architecture of ancient Vladimir-Suzdal school.
Perhaps the secret of his grace is not only in harmonious proportions, but also in the excellent combination of the building with the Russian plain surrounding his scenery. This temple is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Russia, and entered into the list of objects protected by UNESCO. But this is not all - even the wonderful Bogolyubovsky meadow around him is also a historical landscape complex.
From the chronicle of life of the Russian prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, it is possible to know that this temple was built in 1165 in memory of the son of Prince Iaslav, heroically died in the battle with Volga Bulgarians. A somewhat later prince Andrey Bogolyubsky was installed in Russia the holiday of the Pokrov Virgin Mary. It was him actually devoted to the Church of the Intercession-on-Nerley. And from this very legend it is known that white stones that were used for the construction of this church were brought from the conquered Bulgarian Khanate.
The temple is built in a truly unique place - in the radiation of the Nerlin River on the Bully Bogolyubskoye meadow on the man-made hill. Here immediately feels extraordinary spirituality, cleanliness and real inspiration. It is not by chance that you can always see working artists near the church. At the first look at the temple, it can be noted that the white-name wall carving, and even in combination with vertical lines and a very small slope of the walls add the building of extraordinary lightness and airiness.
When the period of flooding occurs, it seems that the church is as if the White Swedax is floating on the water. It should be noted that only the square cassetting of the Dome Building remains for the size of the Cross-Dome Building, and even the chapter. Well, all other parts of the church, unfortunately, were destroyed by time. Only in the nineteenth century in the temple, a complete restoration was carried out.
We can say about the inner decoration of the church that it is more than modest, all the frescoes during the restoration were shot down, and only the icons were left for a small iconostasis. But outside the temple is perfectly preserved carved reliefs with images of biblical figures, birds, animals and masks. In the center you can see the image of the king of David, reading Psalms, his hand raised for the blessing, and next to him is a lion who symbolizes the princely power, and another dove that is always considered the sign of spirit and meekness.
You can get from the church from Vladimir by bus or by train passing to the station "Bogolyubovo". Then you can go two kilometers on foot, or take advantage of the horse crew. It is impossible to drive up by car to the church, so near the station railway station there is a paid parking lot. You can take advantage of the excursion from Vladimir, Moscow and other major nearby cities. Please note that in the spring period to get to the church because of the river spill, you can only on the boat. But there are no problems with this - helpful locals with pleasure will bring you for a small fee.