The Church of the Resurrection of Christ, which people have been accustomed to call for centuries Savior on Spilled Blood, stands apart in the architectural ensemble of St. Petersburg. This cathedral, towering over the Griboyedov Canal, is not just a religious building, but also a monument to the Tsar-Liberator Alexander II, who died on this very spot as a result of a terrorist attack. The appearance of the building is radically different from the strict classicism that dominates the northern capital, and is more reminiscent of the colorful towers of ancient Moscow or even the famous St. Basil's Cathedral.
The main visual dominant of the structure is, of course, its dome completions, which amaze the imagination with their variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They are the ones who create that fabulous silhouette that tourists from all over the world recognize. Architects and restorers put into these elements not only an artistic design, but also engineering solutions that were advanced for the 19th century, which made it possible to preserve the splendor of the facades to this day. Studying the history of the creation of these domes reveals the secrets of imperial ambitions and technical innovations of that time.
In this article we will look in detail at how many domes crown the temple, why they have different colors and shapes, and also touch upon the complex processes of their restoration. You will learn about the materials that were used for the cladding and how modern technology has helped to recreate the lost splendor after decades of neglect and destruction. This immersion in detail will allow you to look at the famous monument with completely new eyes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the number of domes with the number of chapters. In temple architecture, these concepts may differ, since small drums are often crowned with miniature domes, creating a complex multi-tiered composition.
Architectural design and number of domes
Temple project developed by the architect A.A. Parland with the participation of the architect N.L. Benoit, envisioned the creation of a structure in the Russian style. The central element of the composition was a high tent topped with a dome, around which four corner towers were symmetrically located. However, if you look more closely, you can count not five, but significantly more elements that form the roof. The total number of domes and domes reaches eleven, which is a symbolic number in the Christian tradition.
Central golden dome rises above the entire structure, symbolizing Jesus Christ. Its height and position set the tone for the entire architecture. Around it, at the corners of the main volume, are four large domes, each of which has its own unique color and design. These colors are not accidental and carry a certain meaning associated with the history of the temple and the memory of the deceased emperor. Between the large domes and the central tent there are four small domes, and two more are located above the entrance and the altar, completing the ensemble.
Each of the domes rests on a faceted or round drum, decorated with kokoshniks and tiled inserts. Such a complex structure required engineers to accurately calculate the load on the foundation and load-bearing walls. The use of metal and ceramics instead of traditional heavy tiles made it possible to reduce the weight of the structure, which was critical for construction on the marshy soil of St. Petersburg. The architectural decision was bold and risky, but it fully justified itself.
Color palette and symbolism of cladding
One of the most remarkable features of the Savior on Spilled Blood is the variety of colors of the dome coverings. Unlike many Orthodox churches, where gold or silver dominates, here we see a rich range of shades. The side domes are lined enamel and polychrome tiles, creating complex geometric patterns. Green, blue, yellow and white colors intertwine, creating the effect of a vibrant coating that shimmers in the sun.
The central dome, as already mentioned, is covered with gilded copper. Gold in Orthodox architecture has always symbolized divine light and eternity. In the context of the temple-monument, this also pointed to the greatness of royal power and the holiness of the feat of self-sacrifice. The remaining domes have more mundane, but no less important symbolism. For example, the color green is often associated with life and rebirth, while blue is associated with heavenly purity. The combination of these colors creates a festive mood, characteristic of Russian architecture of the 17th century.
The technology of applying enamel and creating colored tiles was mastered by Russian craftsmen specifically for this project. Until this moment, such scales of color design for domes had not been used. Each element of the tile or enamel plate was selected individually so that when assembled at a height, they create a single, harmonious picture. It was a colossal work that took years and required the involvement of the best specialists from all over the empire.
Enameling technology
The process of creating the colored coating of the domes involved applying glass chips to a copper base and then firing them at high temperatures. This made the coating resistant to precipitation and temperature changes, which is critical for the climate of St. Petersburg.
Materials and engineering solutions
During the construction of the temple, building materials that were advanced at the end of the 19th century were used. The basis of dome structures is metal - steel and copper. Copper was chosen not only for its ductility and durability, but also for its ability to form a protective patina that protects the metal from corrosion. However, in order for the domes to retain their original appearance, the copper was coated with special compounds and enamels.
The most important design element is wooden frame, on which the metal casing was mounted. Wood treated with antiseptics (by the standards of that time) provided the necessary rigidity and shape. The connection of wooden and metal elements was carried out with high precision to avoid deformation due to changes in humidity and temperature. The interior of the domes was also carefully thought out: there were passages for maintenance and fastening of decorative elements.
For cladding, not only copper was used, but also ceramic tiles produced by M.S. factories. Kuznetsova. Known for their durability and bright glazed surfaces, these tiles were used to create designs on drums and transition pieces. The combination of metal, ceramics and glass (in the form of stained glass and mosaics) makes the temple a unique example of the synthesis of arts and technology.
Pay attention to the joints between the metal sheets of the domes. In high-quality restoration they are practically invisible, which indicates the high skill of the roofers and the use of special seam joints.
Restoration and reconstruction after the war
The history of the Savior on Spilled Blood in the 20th century is full of drama. After the revolution, the temple was closed, looted and turned into a vegetable storehouse, and during the siege of Leningrad it received multiple damage from artillery shelling and bombing. The domes, lacking maintenance, were covered with rust, the enamel was cracked and crumbling. For a long time the building was in disrepair, and its preservation hung in the balance.
Large-scale restoration began only in the second half of the 20th century and continued for decades. Restorers had to recreate the lost elements of the dome cover almost from scratch, using surviving fragments and archival drawings. It was particularly difficult to restore the color scheme of enamel and tiles, since the original recipes and technologies were partially lost. Scientists and craftsmen conducted chemical analyzes of preserved samples to select the exact shades.
During the work, the supporting structures were strengthened, the waterproofing was replaced and the central dome was completely re-gilded. The current state of the temple is the result of the titanic work of many generations of restorers. Today the domes shine as brightly as on the day of the temple’s consecration, reminding us of the greatness of Russian architecture and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
☑️ Stages of restoration of domes
Comparative table of dome characteristics
To better understand the structure and variety of temple completions, it is convenient to consider their main characteristics in a comparative table. It demonstrates how sizes and materials vary depending on the position of the dome in the overall composition.
| Dome type | Location | Coating material | Color/Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | Above the tent | Gold plated copper | Golden, highest |
| Corner (4 pcs.) | At the corners of the temple | Enamel, tiles | Multi-colored patterns |
| Small (4 pcs.) | Between the big ones | Copper, enamel | Green, blue shades |
| Above the entrance and altar | From the east and west | Metal, ceramics | Complement the ensemble |
As can be seen from the table, even small architectural forms are made using the same quality materials as the main elements. This emphasizes the unity of style and attention to detail that characterized architects of the time. Each element, regardless of its size, contributes to the overall harmony of the building.
The uniqueness of the mosaic decoration
Speaking about the domes of the Savior on Spilled Blood, it is impossible not to mention that the mosaic covers not only the internal walls, but also the external surfaces, including the drums of the domes. This is one of the largest mosaic collections in Europe. The area of mosaics is more than 7000 square meters. Mosaic images on the drums of the domes are made using the technique Florentine mosaic and depict saints, biblical scenes and ornaments.
The use of mosaics on facades and dome bases was dictated by the harsh St. Petersburg climate. Fresco painting, traditional for southern churches, would quickly become unusable in conditions of high humidity and temperature changes. Mosaic, made of smalt (colored glass), is highly resistant to external influences. It does not fade in the sun and is not washed away by rain, maintaining the brightness of its colors for centuries.
The mosaic masters who worked on the temple created a unique palette of thousands of shades. To convey the subtlest nuances of the saints' faces and the folds of their robes, microscopic smalt was used. This made it possible to create pictorial effects comparable to the works of great artists. The mosaic decoration of the domes and their bases makes the temple a real open-air museum.
⚠️ Attention: When visiting the temple, do not touch the mosaic panels and dome elements (if they are available). Hand grease stains can cause permanent surface damage and loss of color.
Technical details and interesting facts
At the end of the review, it is worth noting several interesting technical facts. The height of the central dome is 81 meters, which makes the temple one of the dominant features of the historical center of the city. To lift materials and people to such heights in the 19th century, complex systems of pulleys and winches were used, as well as temporary scaffolding surrounding the building.
Interestingly, inside the central dome there is a space that is sometimes called the "chicken's foot" among builders - narrow passages allowing access to the highest points for inspections. Today, access there is closed to ordinary visitors and is open only to restorers and researchers. There you can see the reverse side of the mosaics and the design of the fastenings.
The Savior on Spilled Blood is not just a church, but a monument to engineering and artistic taste. The combination of ancient Russian traditions with new technologies of the late 19th century made it possible to create a structure that will survive for many more generations. Studying its domes gives an understanding of how important a detail is in a larger architectural design.
The domes of the Savior on Spilled Blood are a complex engineering and artistic complex, where every color, material and shape has a deep symbolic meaning and technical justification.
How many domes does the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood have?
In total, the temple is crowned with 11 domes and domes. One central golden one, four large side ones, four small ones and two additional ones above the entrance and altar. This number symbolizes Christ and the 10 apostles (or other biblical interpretations depending on the source).
Why are the domes different colors?
The colorful domes are a reference to the architecture of Yaroslavl and Rostov the Great, as well as St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. Each color has its own symbolic meaning and helps create a festive, solemn image of the temple-monument.
What is the mosaic on the domes made of?
The mosaic is made of smalt - colored opaque glass. Thousands of shades were used to create images, which made it possible to achieve picturesqueness and durability of the coating in the conditions of the St. Petersburg climate.
Is it possible to climb the dome?
The ascent to the domes is closed to ordinary visitors. Only specialists in the restoration and maintenance of the building have access there. However, inside the temple you can see mosaics of drums from below, which is also very impressive.