The Intercession Fortress Church was built in the 14th century as a defensive structure to protect against Mongol-Tatar raids. In 1476 the fortress was transformed into a church and consecrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first floor was reserved for the administration of church services, and the upper floor housed battle passages and loopholes. In the 16th century, the walls and vaults of the first tier were painted with frescoes. Initially, the architectural style of the temple had Gothic and Baroque features, but during the reconstruction of 1903, it acquired pseudo-Russian elements. Nowadays, the Intercession Church-fortress is a functioning temple and museum.
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