Description of the attraction
In ancient Kerch, there is something to surprise curious tourists, since this city is replete with a variety of attractions, a special place among which is occupied by the iconic ones. Temples are located here, which serve as prayer buildings for various denominations. All buildings are of different ages and each has its own special beauty, interesting in its own way, but it is worth paying attention to one old temple, which became famous due to the fact that it is the only spiritual home of the Kerch Catholic community.
In the city center, on Teatralnaya Street, among the greenery stands a beautiful slender building - the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. In front of it there is a stone curb and a low wrought-iron fence, right behind it there are two tall trees, which make the facade of the temple more picturesque. This temple was built more than a century and a half ago, and in our time it is one of the main among the Kerch cult sights.
The Catholic Church of the Assumption was built in 1831 - 40 years. Funds for its construction were provided by the Italian community. In almost 10 years, an impressive, majestic building, made in the classical style, was erected by unknown architects. A light snow-white temple, reminiscent of the times of antiquity, stands out clearly from the surrounding buildings.
In front, the facade resembles a four-column portico, a triangular pediment is crowned with a Latin cross, another cross is located above the main entrance, only it is made of dark material. There are ten windows on the side walls of the temple: rectangular at the bottom and semicircular at the top. The architecture of the building lacks complex, intricate elements, and this is what, perfectly combined with the snow-white color, gives it an amazing lightness and weightlessness. In the warm season, when the temple is surrounded by green trees, it especially impresses with its harmony, lack of unnecessary details inherent in religious buildings, and organically complements the beauty of nature.
During the Soviet era, the Assumption Church was abolished, like most religious buildings in Crimea, and it housed a sports hall until the 90s, after which it was returned to the Catholic community again. At that time it was in a deplorable state - without windows and doors, with a broken roof. In just six years, the Assumption Church was completely restored and acquired the appearance it had in the 19th century. During the restoration work, local artists painted two large icons "Christ the Merciful" and "Dormition of the Virgin". The walls of the temple are decorated with icon painting depicting the Way of the Cross of Christ. The temple is harmonious, spacious and gives the impression of being permeated with light.
Today, services are held in the Assumption Church, and any tourist who has a rest in Kerch can visit it.
Description added:
A. Umorin 2014-22-05
in 2010 and 2012, under the colonnade of the church, two-meter sculptures of the Virgin Mary and our Lord Jesus Christ were installed, made and cast on the territory of the temple by the Russian sculptor Alexei Umarin. The statues were made at the expense of the community, under the care of the rector of Kazimierz.
