Fence with gate of Kizhi Pogost, Wooden fence and gate at Kizhi Pogost, Russia.
The fence of Kizhi Pogost is a roughly 300-meter-long wooden structure built on a stone foundation that encloses the religious complex. The main entrance gate spans about 14 meters wide and 2 meters tall, while smaller wicket gates on the eastern and northern sides provide additional access points to the grounds.
The fence was built in the 17th century as a defensive structure that defined the physical boundaries of the sacred site. It underwent major restoration work in the 1950s under architect Aleksandr Opolovnikov, who carefully preserved the traditional building methods used in its construction.
The fence marks where the sacred wooden churches and bell tower begin, built using construction methods passed down through generations in rural Russia. Walking through the gate creates a clear separation between the religious precinct and the surrounding island landscape.
Visitors typically enter through the main gate near the Church of the Intercession, though the smaller gates on the eastern and northern sides offer alternative entry points. The grounds are accessible from any direction depending on where you approach from.
The fence's foundation is made from boulders collected from the shores of Lake Onega, showing how builders used materials at hand from their surroundings. This stone base provides stability to the wooden structure above and connects it visually to the island's geology.
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