Kiev Ukraine Bell-tower of St Sophia Cathedral
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Bell-tower of St Sophia's Cathedral was built in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the bell-tower was originally a three-tiered wooden structure. In 1697 it burnt down and was replaced by a brick one. After the fire of 1744 the upper tier was dismantled; the St Sophia's Cathedral bell-tower was rebuilt under the direction of Johann-Gottfried Schadel, who retained the first and part of the second tier, adding a new third tier and a cupola with a tall gilt spire.
Kiev Ukraine St Sophia's Cathedral Bell-tower views
In 1851-1852 the cupola and spire were removed and a fourth tier built instead, crowned with a Baroque-style gilded cupola and a lantern. The architect was probably Pavel Sparre. It is in this form that the St Sophia's Cathedral bell-tower appears today. The lower tier serves as a gateway, the second houses the bells, and the third a clock.
Kiev Ukraine St Sophia's Cathedral Bell-tower at night
Originally the walls of the St Sophia's Cathedral bell-tower were painted in dark blue, while the cornices, the frames around the niches, windows, and panels, and the relief decoration were left white. The abundance of deep niches, pediments, and stucco ornament creates a vivid three-dimensional composition; the effect is further enhanced by the rich play of light and shade. The bell-tower of St Sophia's Cathedral is one of the most notable examples of the Ukrainian Baroque style.
Kiev Ukraine St Sophia's Cathedral Bell-tower views
Kiev Ukraine St Sophia's Cathedral bell-tower location - Ukraine, Kiev city, Vladimirskaya Street, 24.
Kiev Ukraine St Sophia's Cathedral Bell-tower views
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