Exhibition 'Frescoes of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky (Transfiguration) Cathedral of the Mirozh Monastery'

About exhibition

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Mirozh Monastery is the oldest building preserved in Pskov and its surroundings and is also listed by UNESCO. It was erected in the 12th century and painted with frescoes by Byzantine masters. The cathedral's principal treasure is undoubtedly its unique fresco painting. A mineral pigment — Afghan lapis lazuli — was used to decorate the cathedral walls. This deep-blue pigment cost a fortune and was comparable to a true gem. Visitors can see with their own eyes the masterpieces of fresco painting — copies after the finest Greek examples. The monastic complex is the only one in Russia where the pre-Mongol period frescoes in the cathedral church are best preserved. In addition, the exhibition includes a model of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral — a reconstruction of the monument's original appearance. Visitors can observe how the shape of the dome, the roofs and many other architectural elements of the cathedral changed over the long centuries of its existence. Visits to the cathedral are allowed only in favorable weather conditions.