The bell tower of the Cathedral of the Epiphany, Kazan, Respublika Tatarstan, Russia
Every Kazan citizen, including religious and secular people, orthodox believers and Muslims, admires the Epiphany Cathedral’s bell tower or, as it is simply called, the “Epiphany Tower”. Just like the Sujumbike Tower, it is very memorable and is recognised by all Kazan visitors. It is one of the cit’y’s symbols and the main decoration of Bauman Street (the former Bolshaya Prolomnaya Street). The 63 meters (206.5 ft) high Tower is the highest ancient building in the city. There is no other high bell tower in Kazan or in other cities along the Volga River for that matter. Likewise, nothing else compares to the Tower’s fantastic brick ornaments.
In Soviet times, Kazan Epiphany Cathedral, which is three times as old as its famous bell tower, was hardly out of the ordinary. In fact, it did not have any domes back then. The low building’s white stone walls were covered with mould and moss and were hidden in a yard. During the final years before its rebirth, someone has inscribed a clearly visible message: “Hand back the Cathedral to the believers!!!” However, nobody paid any attention.
But, nonetheless, the Cathedral was and still is very important to Kazan. It was listed as an ordinary parish for 200 years. Its cathedral status was granted as late as the 20th century, even though, its large size it has always made it a cathedral type church. Moreover, after being reborn, it became the biggest in square and the most spacious temple in Kazan.
A wooden Epiphany church at the same location was first documented in the late 16th century.
Epic Russia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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