Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (Khram Pokrova Na Nerli)

Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (Khram Pokrova Na Nerli) Review

Andrei's greatest creation and arguably the most perfect medieval Russian church ever built, is the 1165 Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (less than 2 km (1 mi) from Bogolyubovo. On a massive limestone foundation covered with earth, the church sits near the confluence of the Nerl and Klyazma rivers and appears to be rising out of the water that surrounds it. Andrei built the church in memory of his son Izyslav, who was killed in a victorious battle with the Bulgars. Look for the unique carvings of King David on the exterior, the earliest such iconographic carvings in this region. Inside, the high, narrow arches give an impressive feeling of space and light. To get to the church from Bogolyubovo, walk a few hundred yards west of the monastery, down ulitsa Frunze and under a railway bridge; then follow the path through a field to the church.