Church of the Intercession

The Church of the Intercession is a wooden structure on Kizhi Island featuring nine roofed sections and built entirely without metal nails using traditional methods. The building reaches approximately 32 meters (105 feet) in height and stands alongside other wooden churches within the Pogost complex.

The structure was first built in 1694 as a simple chapel and later underwent changes to harmonize with the neighboring Transfiguration Church in the same complex. These modifications show how religious buildings evolved to serve the community's needs over centuries.

The church displays religious images that mark the shift from earlier beliefs to Orthodox Christianity in the region. Visitors can see how these sacred forms appear throughout the wooden carvings and interior decorations.

Hydrofoil boats depart from Petrozavodsk to the island during warm months, and snowmobiles provide access across the frozen lake in winter. Plan your visit around seasonal conditions since access changes significantly with the weather and time of year.

This building serves as a winter church, operating for services from October through Easter thanks to its heated interior system. This arrangement allows the community to gather during the coldest months while a neighboring church takes over during summer.

Location: Kizhi

Inception: 1694

Part of: Kizhi Pogost

Website: https://kizhi.karelia.ru/architecture/russkie-zaonezhya/tserkov-pokrova-bogoroditsyi

GPS coordinates: 62.06736,35.22387

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03