Russian Gzhel: the city of porcelain

Gzhel (a city, but sometimes it is also called a village) is one of the most significant centers of Russia for the production of ceramics. Spacious land, which includes 27 villages, united in the so-called Gzhel bush. It is located 60 kilometers from the capital of the Federation and is part of the Ramensky district of the Moscow region.

Gzhel temples

Gzhel is an amazing city, and it is impossible to describe it without telling about its temples. They create a unique and special atmosphere of the province belonging to the Moscow region. All the churches were erected in just 50 years, but they are a perfect demonstration of different periods of the architecture of Russia in the mid-19th century and the beginning of the last century.

In this area, before the arrival of the century before last, churches of stone or brick were not built. The exception is the Assumption Church in Gzhel village. Neighborhoods are unusually rich in forests, and local architects preferred to erect religious buildings from wood. But they, unfortunately, have not survived to this day. However, there are brick churches dating from 1859-1910-m years. They are a peculiar feature of the immediate vicinity of Gzhel and herself.

From the middle of the twentieth century, churches of red brick in most of the Russian corners began to imitate known samples of ancient Russia. Gzhel (city) was no exception. The temples with five chapters became very popular. Religious buildings of this time adopted the complexity of the decorative decoration of the XVII century. The creators of the church of St. George in the village. Ignatievo tried to work in accordance with the above principle. Naturally, the decor is much inferior to the chosen prototypes, but the local architects did everything in their power so that the temple acquired the elegance.

Church of the Assumption

The city of Gzhel, whose attractions are not so old, is famous for the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, located in the village of Rechitsa. The first mention of this village dates back to 1744. Then the settlement entered the Gzhel palace volost. And since the XIX century Rechitsa has become part of the Specific Office.

The church was erected in 1859, thanks to funds donated by merchants, ordinary citizens and industrialists. The building is built according to the usual project of architect Ton. According to the idea, the main dome should have been surrounded by four corners with small domes placed on them. But the money for the embodiment of such an idea was not enough, and the church acquired its modern look.

"Kunai-well"

This is another unsurpassed place of Gzhel land. If you go to Gzhel (city) by train and stop on a platform called "55 km", and then a little bit back in the direction of the capital, then on the left side of the railway one can consider one of the many sources of spring water. Here the water comes regularly from the summer residents.

Today little is known about the "Kunai-well". Before the revolution in its place was organized a bathhouse. Many people suffering from various diseases tried to heal in it. But the greatest number were children, as the waters of the spring had a particularly favorable effect on children's health.

Gzhel ceramics

Gzhel - a city (what to see in it, the reader already knows), famous for its potters. Since the XIV century, the unique white clay of this region served as the raw material for pottery production throughout the country. Since ancient times in Gzhel, ceramics have been made for various household needs. Gzhel tiles were used as decoration for Russian stoves.

Since the fifties of the XVIII century majolica gzhel cookware has become the decoration of the ceremonial premises of the rich Russian people. Traditions of Gzhel masters are passed from one generation to another. Well, you can see the true beauty of ceramics only in this city.