A Historical Overview of Russia’s Architectural Structures

A Historical Overview of Russia’s Unique Architectural Structures

Russian architecture contains various and unique architectural structures. Even though the overall appearance is cold and serious, it is obvious that each building is attractive in its own unique and stylish way. History of the Russian architecture is directly linked to the history of the towns. Today, we will take a look at Russia’s most iconic buildings. 

Wooden Houses

The most traditional Russian architecture consisted of wooden houses.  As wood was not a required resource in the city, they (overly) utilized wood in house frameworks. They used wood in house construction as the main material or as a colorful decorative touch. You must definitely take a tour inside these wooden houses if you ever have the chance.

Russian Orthodox Church 

It is the largest autonomous Orthodox Church in Moscow and is one of the best architectural examples from the Byzantine Empire. The building is mostly associated with Russian Architecture, especially Kyiv and Veliky Novgorod Architecture, old Russian, and Byzantine Architecture.

Ivan The Great Bell Tower

No new churches were built between 1200 and 1530 because the Mongols raided the city center, but many medieval churches were renovated during that time. Patios and bell towers were added to the churches and exhibitions were placed on the exteriors. 

Terem Palace                                                   

With the 16th Century, brick tent roofs became more popular. Resembling the shape of a tent, this roof style was invented to prevent any snow pileup on the roofs, especially in northern Russia. These roofs can be seen almost on every architectural structure in Russia.

Moscow City University

Architecture during Stalin’s era focused on preserving the monumentality. The main goal as of 1945 was to renovate and preserve the structures after WWII. With that goal in mind, some new buildings like Moscow City University were also built. 

Moscow International Business Center

When we look at modern Russia, we see that many projects were cancelled after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But as the country started to get back on its feet financially, they started constructing plazas and skyscrapers. As a result, they opened Moscow International Business Center and built Triumph Palace. 

However, many places in Russia still stay loyal to classic architecture as proposed by Saint Petersburg.