Pokrovsky Square in Rostov-on-Don with its shady avenues, fountains and architectural monuments can be called a favorite vacation spot of the local population. The park zone of the square, which is a very picturesque mass of green spaces with neatly arranged rest areas throughout the entire area, is worthy of special mention.
Pokrovsky Square is located in the very center of Rostov-on-Don and is represented on the maps by the intersection of many streets and avenues. Among them: Bolshaya Sadovaya, Bogatyanovsky Descent and Suvorov.
Among the attractions of Pokrovsky Square, located in the center of Rostov-on-Don, the Pokrovsky Church, which is located in the central part of the square and has a rich history, deserves special mention. It is also worth noting that other architectural monuments located in the square deserve no less attention.
The main feature of Pokrovsky Square is not only the historical component, but also the fact that the square, like other parks in Rostov-on-Don, has become a real center of cultural life of the city.
An excursion into the history of the temple
The history of the temple began back in the 18th century with the founding of the fortress of St. Anne (currently this place is not far from the village of Starocherkasskaya), whose main function was to protect our southern borders from Turkish troops. Later, due to the improper location of the fortress, constant spring floods, it was abolished. And in its place, according to the decree of Empress Elizabeth, the so-called Temernitsky customs was built, which was needed for trade with the Turks and control of imported goods.
At the same time, the construction of the famous St. Demetrius of Rostov, which was of very strategic importance and was the largest military facility in southern Russia. It was from this fortress that the formation of Rostov-on-Don began. The temple was erected on the central square of the fortress, its parts were transported from Anninsky fortress. For a long time the status of the church was defined as serfdom, the reason for this is that the military made up the bulk of the parishioners, but over time, when the population increased, the church acquired the status of a parish.
It is worth mentioning separately the distinguished guests who visited the temple - these are A.V. Suvorov and Fedor Ushakov, who began his service in this fortress. Even Emperor Alexander I, who traveled the southern lands in the last years of his life. Later the temple had to go through several perestroika, and in the XX century, due to mass unrest in the Don, which included a severe civil war and revolution, the temple was destroyed.
Temple today
The church in Pokrovsky Square in Rostov-on-Don was recently restored: the construction was completed in 2007 with the voluntary donations of patrons. The church was built by the famous architect Shevchenko G.A.
The Art Nouveau temple with elements of the Orthodox style was built. The decoration of the church impresses with its majestic marble walls, large arches, burgundy granite floor and iconostasis, which was carved from white marble by Ural craftsmen. The painting of the building itself was carried out by artists from the city of Novocherkassk. Today we can contemplate the temple on the central square of Pokrovsky Square.
Monument to Elizaveta Petrovna
In 2007, Pokrovsky Square in Rostov-on-Don was enriched with another piece of art. A stately bronze figure of the Empress Elizabeth Petrovna appeared near the temple, which is rightfully considered one of the founders of the city. In her hands is a decree on the foundation of the Temernitsky Customs, which gave rise to the formation of Rostov-on-Don. The monument stepped over a seven-meter mark in height, and its weight reaches three tons. The author of the monument is artist Sergey Oleshnya, whose sculptures adorn many cities in southern Russia.
Few people know the history of the creation of this magnificent monument. It all started with a competition for the best design of a monument that would decorate the historical part of the city. All Rostovites participated, leaving their wishes. The decision on the appearance and decoration of the monument was made by a special commission. It included eminent architects, artists, historians and members of the city administration.
For the accuracy and reliability of the monument, the sculptors spent a lot of time studying the fashion of that time and portraits of Elizaveta Petrovna. The Empress’s jewelry was ordered from a real jeweler - Alexander Ordynsky. He created bronze replicas of the crown, earrings and bracelet worn by the empress.
Tribute to the first water supply in the city
Another charming monument of the square does not in vain deserve the attention of tourists. This monument belongs to the first water supply in the city, which appeared in the XIX century. According to the idea of the author, Sergey Oleshni, it is a column next to which a woman stands, because it was she who was supposed to provide her family with drinking water. The height of the monument reaches two meters.
The appearance of the monument is associated with the initiative of the water utility of Rostov-on-Don. Its opening was accompanied by a bright costumed performance on the theme of the first water supply, where the main role was played by the actor depicting the mayor - Andrei Baykov, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the city, and it was with him that the first water supply began to work.
It is known that the length of the city water supply in the second half of the 19th century was only 5 km. In our time, the development of infrastructure and urban facilities has greatly simplified life for Rostov residents.
Events in the Pokrovsky square of Rostov-on-Don
This square has long acquired the status of the center of the cultural life of the population. Various exhibitions of folk art objects, paintings, photographs, flower arrangements and modern landscaping technologies are often held there.
Exhibition of Floral Arrangements
This event in the Pokrovsky square of Rostov-on-Don is held once a year, starting in 2008. This year was marked by works on the football theme, which were provided by masters of landscape design, because the Rostovites are preparing to host several games of the 2018 FIFA championship. For each resident of the city, this is a landmark event and a source of pride.
Only eight districts of the city presented their creations at this beautiful exhibition. Also, the event was attended by representatives of the administration, several delegations from twin cities. So, Pokrovsky Square, whose address has become very popular, invites you to various events next year.
Photo expositions and works by local craftsmen
Special attention should be paid to the photo exhibition held this summer in Pokrovsky Square in Rostov-on-Don on the theme of twin cities, where about 80 photos of the most beautiful places of the friendly cities of the southern capital were presented. Among them are the German city of Dortmund, Greek Volos, French Le Mans, Yerevan, Korean Cheongju, American Mobile, the capital of Turkey - the city of Antalya - and others.
In addition to the photo exhibition, Don craftsmen presented their work on the "Alley of Masters". Among the copies were textile dolls, carved wooden products, and ceramic masterpieces. Particular attention was drawn to the exposition dedicated to the beloved writer of the entire Don region - Mikhail Sholokhov.
Master classes are also organized in Pokrovsky Square, where everyone can take part and leave a small masterpiece in their memory.
Fine art exhibitions
Exhibitions and exhibition-sales of fine art objects in the Pokrovsky square of the city of Rostov-on-Don are held annually with the support of the city administration. They are attended by eminent, already well-known and very young artists who present their work in a variety of stylistic directions and on various topics. This park has long been the center of various creative people and groups throughout the Don region.
In general, events in the field of the art industry, taking place in Pokrovsky Square, distinguish it from other parks in Rostov-on-Don and give citizens the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of their native land.