KIZHI POGOST Meaning and
Definition
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Kizhi Pogost refers to a unique architectural ensemble located on the Kizhi Island in Russia. This historical site consists of two main structures, namely the Transfiguration Church and the Intercession Church, along with a bell tower and a fence. The term "pogost" is a Russian word used to describe a churchyard enclosed by a fence and often includes several ecclesiastical buildings.
The Transfiguration Church, the centerpiece of Kizhi Pogost, is a remarkable feat of wooden architecture. It is composed of 22 onion-shaped domes, representing various stages of development and historical influences on northern Russian wooden architecture. The church, adorned with intricate wooden carvings and decorations, showcases the traditional peasant building techniques of the region.
The Intercession Church, also called the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, complements the Transfiguration Church with its symmetrical design and five domes. It represents a later period of wooden architecture and exemplifies the continuity of traditional building methods in the area.
Kizhi Pogost is renowned for its exceptional preservation and unique artistic quality, reflecting the cultural and historical importance of wooden architecture in Russia. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and continues to be a significant tourist attraction and a symbol of Russian architectural heritage.
Etymology of KIZHI POGOST
The word "kizhi" comes from the Finnish name "Kiži" or "Kižin Sääret". "Pogost", on the other hand, is derived from the Old East Slavic word "pogostŭ", which referred to a settlement or an enclosed place for worship. "Kizhi pogost" is a term used to describe a historical and cultural complex located on the Kizhi Island in Russia. The complex consists of two churches and a bell tower, all constructed entirely out of wood and renowned for their unique and impressive architecture.
