Wooden Church of the Ascension

The Wooden Church of the Ascension is an Orthodox church building in Torzhok featuring distinctive timber construction. The structure rests on a square base topped by three octagonal towers stacked vertically, with apertures piercing the walls to let light penetrate the interior space.

The building was founded in 1653 and underwent major reconstruction in 1717 using pine timber. The church was relocated to Staritsky District in 1854 and has been preserved as part of the region's religious heritage.

The church is dedicated to the Ascension, a central event in Orthodox faith that shaped its design and name. Visitors can observe how the modest layout and construction served the spiritual needs of the local community over centuries.

The building opens for religious services during summer months and on Orthodox holidays when visitors can enter. Plan your visit around these periods, as the interior remains primarily a place of active worship.

The church displays no gilded crosses, reflecting its original purpose as a simple prayer house without elaborate ornamentation. This restraint sets it apart from more ornately decorated religious buildings and makes it a rare example of humble wooden architecture.

Location: Torzhok

Inception: 1653

Website: http://tihvinskaya-tor.cerkov.ru

GPS coordinates: 57.02917,34.96194

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06