Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Baku

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Russian: "Александро-Невский Собор"; Azeri: "Aleksandr Nevski Başkilsəsi", often referred to as "Qızıllı kilsə" – "The Gilt Church") was the main Russian Orthodox cathedral in Baku, Azerbaijan from 1898, when it was built until its destruction in 1936 during the Stalin era. The cathedral is also known as the biggest Russian Orthodox structure ever built in the South Caucasus.

Construction

elite.

The cathedral was one of a series built across the Russian Empire in honour of St. Alexander Nevsky. It was designed by the German-born architect Robert Marfeld and his apprentice, Polish-born architect Józef Gosławski. The Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour were used as models for the exterior and the interior of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral respectively. However, the funding provided by the emperor was not enough to finish the construction. Donations worth 200,000 roubles collected from the residents of Baku made it possible for the construction to continue. It is noteworthy, that despite previous disagreements, about 75% of that money was donated by Muslims, including 10,000 roubles paid in by Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. Another 10,000 roubles were provided by the Jewish community of Baku. The building of the cathedral was finally completed in 1898. Its domes, crosses and the main arch were made of pure gold. 85 meters long, 55 meters long and 44 meters wide, it was the largest Russian Orthodox place of worship in the entire Caucasus at the time.

Later years

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral remained the primary centre of Eastern Orthodox life in Azerbaijan in the early Soviet era, much to the Soviet government's displeasure. In 1936, the cathedral was ordered to be blown up with dynamite along with St. Bartholomew's Chapel. Located not far from City Hall, the site where the Nevsky Cathedral once stood is now occupied by the Bulbul School of Music.

ee also

*Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral

References