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The Russian Revival style is a number of different movements within Russian architecture that arose in the second quarter of the 19th century and was an eclectic melding of Byzantine elements and pre-Petrine (Old Russian) architecture.
- Mid 19th-early 20th century
Russian Revival: As a reaction against Western influence, the Russian Revival style aimed to revive traditional Russian architectural elements. It incorporated features such as onion-shaped domes, brightly colored facades, and ornate wooden carvings.
The 19th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in Russia's architectural heritage, as Romanticism and national revival movements swept across the country. Architects drew inspiration from medieval Russian motifs, resulting in the construction of ornate churches and historicist mansions.
The Revival style that came to characterize a great deal of the buildings in Moscow during the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th century came about as an extension of a greater architectural tradition that spanned the entirety of the nation during the 18th century.
- Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow | Architecture of Russia. Announcing its vast copper domes which dominated the Moscow skyline; the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is the highest orthodox temple in the world.
- The Church of Transfiguration, Kizhi Island. Constructed in 1714 during the rule of Peter the Great, The Church of Transfiguration was ornamented with 22 onion domes with innumerable aspen shingles.
- St. Basils Cathedral, Moscow | Architecture of Russia. The reign of Ivan IV (the Terrible) brought a quick resurgence of interest in traditional Russian styles.
- Smolny Cathedral, St. Petersburg. European ideas reigned during the time of Peter the Great. His namesake city, St. Petersburg, was remodelled after European ideas, and his successors continued the tradition by bringing architects from Europe to design palaces, cathedrals, and other important buildings.
The Russian Revival style arose within the framework that the renewed interest in the national architecture, which evolved in Europe in the 19th century, and it is an interpretation and stylization of the Russian architectural heritage.
Among the characteristic styles present in Russian architecture are the Byzantine revival style of the Kievan Rus’ and succeeding principalities’ churches, the Muscovite style, baroque, neoclassical, eclecticism, art nouveau, as well as the signature styles of the Soviet period.
