On December 5, 1931, the Soviet government, which embraced a policy of official atheism, made the decision to raze the church, and it was blown up.
Wikimedia CommonsThe cathedral was to have been replaced by a Palace of Soviets, a grandiose building involving a soaring tower of 420 m. (1,350 ft.), but its construction was abandoned in connection with the beginning of World War II.
Wikimedia CommonsIn 1958, a vast outdoor swimming pool was built on the site. In 1994, it was closed and filled in.
ussr-swimming.ruThe reconstruction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior began in 1995. Within two years, the familiar 19th-century outlines had reappeared.
ITAR-TASSThe designers tried to recreate the old stucco moldings, making them as close to the originals as possible. They studied old photographs of the church for this purpose.
ITAR-TASSMore than 50 of Russia’s best artists, from many different cities and regions of the country, were chosen to recreate the cathedral’s 48 sculptural compositions.
Wikimedia Commons/TwdragonThe sanctification of the new cathedral took place in August 2000.
ITAR-TASSA view of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Russian Foreign Ministry, and the business center Moscow City.
ITAR-TASSAll rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
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