November 2, 2016

2850 RUSSIA (Moscow Oblast) - Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Kolomna

2850 Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Kolomna
at the beginning of the 20th century

Founded in 1140-1160 at the confluence of the Moskva and Oka Rivers, tying upstream and lowstream waters of these two important river routes of Central Russia, Kolomna emerged as a place for trades and crafts. As a frontier town, it served as a protective shield for Ryazan against Prince Vladimir's invasions, and then for Moscow against Crimean and Kazan Tatars. Therefore in the 16th century was built a kremlin, similar to the more famous one in Moscow and also built of red brick.

In 18th century, when state borders were moved southwards, the Kolomna lost its strategic significance and slowly turned to a rich commercial town. When a railway connected Moscow and Saratov, and machine works were built in 1863, it transformed from commercial to industrial town. Kolomna's population of the 19th-20th centuries was merchant and bourgeois, with many working people dwelling in suburbs. The city's buildings reflect all these changes sustained.

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and its belfry were built between 1792 and 1799 in Neoclassical style. In the years 1808-1815 was built the refectory, which united the temple and the belfry. At the end of 19th - early 20th centuries, the church was re-painted, and in 1907 a temple was built around the chapel. The religious service ceased in 1930, but resumed in 1996.

About the stamps
The last stamp is part of a series dedicated to Russian Kremlins, about which I wrote here.

References
Kolomna - Marys Russia Guide
Kolomna - Russia Info Center

Sender: Iulia / Tommy-Ray (postcrossing) RU-5141439
Sent from Kolomna (Moscow Oblast / Russia), on 21.10.2016

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