In ancient Kerch there is something to catch the eye of a curious tourist — the city is rich in a variety of attractions, but, of course, a special place among them take a cult. There are churches, temples, churches and other buildings serving as homes for different denominations. All these buildings are of different ages, each in its own way beautiful and interesting, but we will focus on one of the ancient temples, which is known for being the only spiritual home for the Catholic community of Kerch.
In the heart of the city on Teatralnaya Street in the shadow of trees rises a slender, beautiful, eye-catching building — it is the Roman Catholic Costel of the Assumption of the Virgin. In front of it is an old stone curb and a wrought iron low fence, and behind it are two beautiful tall trees, making the front facade of the church even more impressive and picturesque. This church was built more than a century and a half ago and has survived to our time, becoming one of the main religious sights of Kerch.
The Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption in Kerch was built in 1831-1840s. Funds for the construction were allocated by the Italian community. In less than 10 years unknown architects built a majestic, impressive building in the best traditions of classical style. Snow-white, breathing lightness, reminiscent of the ancient times of the city’s life, the church dominates the surrounding buildings.
The front facade of the church is made in the form of a four-columned portico, the triangular pediment ends with a Latin cross, another cross, but already made of dark material hangs over the front entrance, made in the form of double-leaf wooden doors. The side walls of the church are decorated with ten windows — rectangular from below and semicircular from above. There are no intricate, complex elements in the architecture of the building, and it is this in combination with snow-white color that makes it visually light and weightless. And in the warm season, when it is surrounded by green trees, the church makes a special impression — today it is rare to see such harmonious, not overloaded with details religious buildings, organically complementing the beauty of nature.
During the Soviet era, like many other religious buildings in the Crimea, The Church of the Assumption was abolished — it housed a gymnasium. This sad chapter of its history ended only in the 90s, when the church returned to the Catholic community. It was returned mutilated by time and inhuman attitude — the roof was broken, there were no windows and doors. But in just 6 years the Church of the Assumption was completely restored, restored to the appearance it had in the XIX century. Now it is again bright and beautiful outside and inside. During the restoration Kerch artists painted two large icons «Assumption of the Virgin Mary» and «Christ the Merciful». The second one is especially impressive: a red and white ray comes out of Christ’s chest, symbolizing his mercy. The walls of the temple were painted with icons depicting the way of Jesus on the cross. The temple is spacious, harmonious and as if permeated with light.
Today in this attractions of Kerch services are again held, and any tourist who came on vacation in Kerch can see and appreciate with their own eyes the beauty of the ancient Church of the Assumption, which is sure to impress and remind you of the bygone eras of life of the ancient city.