St. George's Church, Staraya Ladoga, Orthodox church in Staraya Ladoga, Russia
St. George's Church stands within the Staraya Ladoga Fortress complex as a white stone structure with a single dome and three high apses projecting from its eastern side. Inside, a staircase in the western wall provides access to an upper gallery and corner chambers connected by wooden flooring.
Construction of the church took place between 1180 and 1200, placing it among the oldest surviving religious buildings in northern Russia. Its age marks it as a witness to the region's early architectural development.
The frescoes on the church walls showcase Byzantine artistry from the 12th century, including a large depiction of St. George and the Dragon that dominates one section. These painted scenes tell stories that visitors can still observe and identify today.
The church is accessible through the fortress complex, with an internal staircase allowing visitors to reach the upper gallery. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable, as the pathways and steps are made of stone.
The architects relocated a lower window to preserve an important fresco on the wall. This reveals how the building's structure was adapted specifically to protect the artwork.
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