Saint John the Baptist wooden church, Shirkovo

Saint John the Baptist wooden church is a three-tiered structure crowned with traditional onion domes, built entirely from wood. The vertical design and layered shape create a distinctive silhouette typical of Russian rural Orthodox buildings.

The building was constructed in 1694, when wooden structures dominated as the primary form of Orthodox religious architecture in rural areas. This period established wooden churches as the standard type for village worship spaces across the region.

The interior features icons and Orthodox religious decorations that reflect how communities gathered here for worship over centuries. These elements show the spiritual traditions that shaped village life in this remote part of Russia.

The church is accessible via a regional road connecting to the main highway, with parking available near the building. The location is straightforward to reach, and the surroundings offer space to stop and explore.

The structure showcases an uncommon carpentry technique where wooden elements were fitted together precisely without using metal nails. This historical craftsmanship reveals the technical skill of builders who created such buildings.

Location: Sirkovo

Inception: 1694

Architectural style: Russian wooden architecture

Part of: Shirkov Pogost

Website: https://hramy.ru/regions/r69/penovsky/shirkovo/rozhd_shirkovo.htm

GPS coordinates: 57.10714,32.63805

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26