ChernigovChernigov belongs to the most ancient cities of Ukraine-Rus. It was formed at the end of VII century. Since IX century became the center of Slav tribe of severiane. At the end of IX century became an integral part of Kyiv Rus. The first mentioning is chronicles dated 907. Since 1024 was the center of Chernigov Principality and by its size, status, political and economical significance in the state of ancient Rus let only Kyiv. Creation of brick facilities of Prince’s Yard - Detinets (now it is billow) began under the ruling of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich at the place of Slavs old settlement site of the second half of first millennium. Construction, different handicrafts and trade successfully developed in Chernigov. Chernigov jewelers and armourers were highly skilled professionals. They knew such types of decorations as plique-a-jour enamel, filigree, niel… The masterpieces of ancient severskaya architecture of XII century preserved till nowadays: Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi and Borysoglebskyi cathedrals, Uspensky Cathedral of Yeletsky Monastery, Piatnitskaya (restoted) and Ilyinskaya churches.
In 1239 Chernigov was ruined by Tatar anf Mongol Hordes. In XIV century it was invaded by Lithuanian Principality. Since 1618 under Deuling agreement was under power of Poland. But even suffering from many ruins from external enemies the city rose from ruins every time and renewed in the whole beauty and greatness of its golden churches. In 1623, Chernivov was granted with the Right of Magdeburg and than, in 1635 – with the status of the main city of Chernigov province. In the years of Liberation War of the Ukrainian people in 1648-1654, under the leadership of B. Khmelnitskyi Chernigov was the center of the regiment of the same name. Since 1802 Chernigov is the center of Chernigov region stretched up to Kyiv.
Unique monuments of Kyiv Rus with the evident shapes of ancient architecture were preserved in Chernigov. In Kyiv churches of that period they are mainly hidden under baroque reconstructions. In Chernigov you can clearly see arch ceilings and primary shape of apses. In some places the lays of plastering give the knowledge about the ancient laying character in a type of plinth or "drowned" rows. |
