Description of the attraction
The Church of Cosmas and Damian in Starye Panekh is located in the very center of the capital, in Kitay-gorod. The stone church was erected in 1564 on the site of the burnt-out wooden church of Cosmas and Damian built in 1462.
The church was a two-story quadrangle with five domes. In 1640, a chapel was added to the church on the north side. It was consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Theotokos. In 1803, the church building was rebuilt in the classicism style. The church has a new refectory and a new bell tower. The restructuring did not affect the most ancient part - the temple of Cosmas and Damian. In 1926-1927, the temple was recognized as a historical and architectural monument and was restored.
In 1890, by order of the temple, a tenement house was built next to it. It contained rental apartments, shops, and a church library. In 1911-12 the house was rebuilt by the architect P. Visnevsky.
In the area where the Church of Cosmas and Damian is located, in the 16th -17th centuries there were diplomatic and trade missions of Poland. The tract was called "Old Pans". Here was the Polish landlord's court, where the Poles lived.
The brothers Cosmas and Damian were considered the patrons of blacksmithing and fire. It was believed that they helped the newlyweds - forged family ties. They were also considered healers and protectors of poultry and livestock. In honor of Cosmas and Damian, holidays were held - summer and winter Kuzminki.
According to legend, it was in the temple of Cosmas and Damian in Starye Panekh that Ivan the Terrible married Vasilisa Melentieva, his sixth wife. It is believed that the temple was the home church of the famous Moscow boyars Sheins, whose courtyard was located nearby, on Ilyinka.
In 1930, the temple was almost destroyed, turning into a disfigured structure. This dilapidated building housed commercial firms and various institutions. In 1995, the temple was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. Nowadays, the northern part of the church, facing Staropansky lane, has been restored. The restorers follow the project of D. Sukhov, who carried out the restoration of the church in 1926-1927.
The temple is active. Divine services are regularly held there.
Nowadays, the temple of Cosmas and Damian is the main attraction of Kitay-gorod. It attracts attention with its original finish - two tents.
