St. John the Baptist Church in Yaroslavl

St. John the Baptist Church in Yaroslavl is a brick structure topped with fifteen gilded domes that rise prominently above the main building. The exterior displays intricate ornamental brickwork and multicolored ceramic tiles that cover the walls, creating a layered visual effect throughout the composition.

Construction took place between 1671 and 1687, funded by prosperous leather craftsmen from the local community who wanted to establish this religious center. The building rose on the site of an earlier convent that had been destroyed during an invasion.

The church is named after John the Baptist and reflects the local brick-making tradition through its ornamental details and colored ceramic tiles. The building embodies the craftsmanship and community pride of the merchants and artisans who lived in this riverside district.

The building sits at the Zakotorosl'naya Embankment and is accessible on foot from nearby residential neighborhoods and streets. Visitors should know that the interior remains in active religious use and respectful behavior is expected when entering.

The building appears on the reverse of the Russian 1000 ruble banknote, marking it as a symbol of national architectural heritage and cultural pride. This distinction reflects its standing as one of the country's most recognizable religious structures.

Location: Yaroslavl

Inception: 1687

Architectural style: Yaroslavl school

Made from material: brick

Part of: Ансамбль церкви Иоанна Предтечи в Толчкове (Ярославль)

Website: https://yarkremlin.ru/museum/tserkov-ioanna-predtechi

GPS coordinates: 57.61082,39.85702

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31