Church of the icon of Theotokos of Kazan ensemble

The Church of the Kazan Icon is an Orthodox religious complex in Ustyuzhna situated on elevated terrain beside the Vorozha River, with a dual-domed main structure, two flanking chapels, and a tent-roofed bell tower in Stroganov Baroque style. Its exterior displays white stone decorations around window openings and stepped drums, while the interior contains wall paintings from the mid-1700s.

Construction began in 1694, funded by merchant Grigory Stroganov who credited his recovery to prayers before the Kazan icon of the Mother of God. Completion and artistic decoration extended through the 1750s as craftspeople from surrounding regions contributed their work.

The ensemble is named for the Kazan icon, reflecting how this image's veneration shaped local piety during the 17th century. Today visitors see how the church functions within the community as a place where Orthodox worship continues.

The complex sits on elevated ground with open views toward the river, allowing visitors easy access from all sides to view the architecture from different angles. The site remains open to the public, and those interested can observe or participate in the regular Orthodox services held there.

The interior wall paintings were executed between 1756 and 1757 by twelve craftspeople from Yaroslavl led by brothers Ivan and Afanasy Shustov. These works represent one of the final significant applications of the traditional Yaroslavl fresco technique using water-based paints on wet plaster.

Location: Ustyuzhna

Inception: 1694

Founders: Grigory Stroganov

Architectural style: Stroganov Baroque

Address: 7, Gagarina street

GPS coordinates: 58.83906,36.45688

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21