Cross-domed churches
The cross-domed type of the temple (the entire central space of the temple in the plan forms a cross) was borrowed from Byzantium. As a rule, it is rectangular in plan, and all its shapes, gradually descending from the central dome, form a pyramidal composition. The light drum of a cross-domed church usually rests on a pylon - four load-bearing massive pillars in the center of the building - from where four vaulted “sleeves” radiate. The semi-cylindrical vaults adjacent to the dome, intersecting, form an equilateral cross. In its original form, the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv represented a clear cross-dome composition. Classic examples cross-domed churches - the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, the Church of the Transfiguration in Veliky Novgorod.
Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin
Church of the Transfiguration in Veliky Novgorod
In my own way appearance cross-domed churches are a rectangular volume. On the eastern side, in the altar part of the temple, apses were attached to it. Along with modestly decorated temples of this type, there were also those that amazed with the richness and splendor of their external design. An example again is Sophia of Kiev, which had open arches, external galleries, decorative niches, semi-columns, slate cornices, etc.
The traditions of building cross-domed churches were continued in the church architecture of North-Eastern Rus' (Assumption and Demetrius Cathedrals in Vladimir, etc.) Their external design is characterized by: zakomaras, arcature, pilasters, and spindles.
Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
Demetrius Cathedrals in Vladimir
Tent temples
Tent churches are classics of Russian architecture. An example of this kind of temple is the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye (Moscow), recreating the one adopted in wooden architecture“octagon on quadruple” design.
Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye
An octagon - a structure, octagonal in plan, or part of a structure, was placed on a quadrangular base - a quadrangle. The octagonal tent organically grows from the quadrangular building of the temple.
Main hallmark tent temple - the tent itself, i.e. tent covering, roofing in the form of a tetrahedral or multifaceted pyramid. The cladding of domes, tents and other parts of the building could be made with a ploughshare - oblong, sometimes curved wooden planks with teeth along the edges. This elegant element is borrowed from ancient Russian wooden architecture.
The temple is surrounded on all sides by gulbischami - this is how galleries or terraces were called in Russian architecture, surrounding the building, as a rule, at the level of the lower floor - the basement. Rows of kokoshniks - decorative zakomaras - were used as external decoration.
The tent was used not only to cover churches, but also to complete bell towers, towers, porches and other buildings, both religious and secular, secular in nature.
Tiered temples
Temples, consisting of parts and sections placed on top of each other and gradually decreasing towards the top, are called tiered in architecture.
You can get an idea of them by carefully examining the famous Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary in Fili. There are six tiers in total, including the basement. The top two, not glazed, are intended for bells.
Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary in Fili
The temple is replete with rich external decor: various kinds of columns, platbands, cornices, carved blades - vertical flat and narrow projections in the wall, brick linings.
Rotunda churches
Rotunda churches are round (rotunda in Latin means round) in terms of construction, similar to secular buildings: a residential building, pavilion, hall, etc.
Vivid examples of churches of this type are the Church of Metropolitan Peter of the Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery in Moscow, the Smolensk Church of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. In rotunda churches, architectural elements such as a porch with columns or columns along the walls in a circle are often found.
Church of Metropolitan Peter of the Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery
Smolensk Church of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra
Most common in Ancient Rus' there were rotunda temples, round at the base, symbolizing eternal life in heaven, the main components of the external design of which were: a base, apses, a drum, a valance, a dome, sails and a cross.
Temples - “ships”
The cubic temple, connected to the bell tower by a rectangular building, looks like a ship.
This is why this type of church is called a “ship” church. This is an architectural metaphor: a temple is a ship on which you can set sail on the worldly sea full of dangers and temptations. An example of such a temple is the Church of Dmitry on the Spilled Blood in Uglich.
Church of St. Dmitry on Spilled Blood in Uglich
DICTIONARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS
Temple interior
The internal space of the temple is organized by the so-called naves (nave translated from French as ship) - the longitudinal parts of the temple premises. A building may have several naves: central, or main (from front door to the place of the singers in front of the iconostasis), lateral (they, like the central one, are longitudinal, but, unlike it, less wide and high) and transverse. The naves are separated from each other by rows of columns, pillars or arches.
The center of the temple is the space under the dome, illuminated by natural daylight penetrating through the windows of the drum.
In my own way internal structure any Orthodox Church consists of three main parts: the altar, the middle part of the temple and the vestibule.
Altar(1) (translated from Latin - altar) is located in the eastern (main) part of the temple and symbolizes the realm of God's existence. The altar is separated from the rest of the interior by a high iconostasis(2). According to ancient tradition, only men can be in the altar. Over time, the presence in this part of the temple was limited only to clergy and a select circle of people. In the altar there is the holy altar (the table on which the Gospel and the cross lie) - the place of the invisible presence of God. It is next to the holy throne that the most important church services are held. The presence or absence of an altar distinguishes a church from a chapel. The latter has an iconostasis, but no altar.
The middle (central) part of the temple makes up its main volume. Here, during the service, parishioners gather for prayer. This part of the temple symbolizes the heavenly region, the angelic world, the refuge of the righteous.
The narthex (pre-temple) is an extension on the western, less often on the northern or southern side of the temple. The vestibule is separated from the rest of the temple by a blank wall. The porch symbolizes the area of earthly existence. Otherwise, it is called a refectory, since on church holidays feasts are held here. During the service, persons intending to accept the faith of Christ, as well as people of other faiths, are allowed into the vestibule - “for listening and teaching.” The outer part of the vestibule - the porch of the temple (3) - is called porch. Since ancient times, the poor and wretched have gathered on the porch and asked for alms. On the porch above the entrance to the temple there is an icon with the face of that saint or with the image of that sacred event to which the temple is dedicated.
Solea(4) - the elevated part of the floor in front of the iconostasis.
Pulpit(5) - the central part of the solea, protruding in a semicircle into the center of the temple and located opposite the Royal Gate. The pulpit serves for delivering sermons and reading the Gospel.
Choir(6) - a place in the temple located at both ends of the solea and intended for the clergy (singers).
Sail(7) - elements of the dome structure in the form of spherical triangles. With the help of sails, a transition is provided from the circumference of the dome or its base - the drum to the rectangular space under the dome. They also take over the distribution of the load of the dome on the sub-dome pillars. In addition to sail vaults, vaults with load-bearing stripping are known - a recess in the vault (above a door or window opening) in the form of a spherical triangle with an apex below the top point of the vault and stepped vaults.
Throne(18)
High place and throne for hierarchs (19)
Altar (20)
Royal Doors (21)
Deacon's Gate (22)
Exterior decoration of the temple
Apse(8) (translated from Greek - vault, arch) - semicircular protruding parts of the building that have their own ceiling.
Drum(9) - a cylindrical or multifaceted upper part of a building, crowned with a dome.
Valance(10) - decoration under the roof eaves in the form of decorative wooden boards with blind or through carvings, as well as metal (made of expanded iron) strips with a slotted pattern.
Dome (11) - a vault with a hemispherical, and then (from the 16th century) onion-shaped surface. One dome is a symbol of the unity of God, three symbolize the Holy Trinity, five - Jesus Christ and the four evangelists, seven - the seven church sacraments.
The cross (12) is the main symbol of Christianity, associated with the crucifixion (redemptive sacrifice) of Christ.
Zakomars (13) are semicircular or keel-shaped completions of the upper part of the wall, covering the spans of the vault.
Arcatura (14) - a series of small false arches on the facade or a belt that covers the walls along the perimeter.
Pilasters are decorative elements that divide the façade and are flat vertical projections on the surface of the wall.
Blades (15), or lysen, are a type of pilasters, used in Russian medieval architecture as the main means of rhythmically dividing walls. The presence of blades is typical for temples of the pre-Mongol period.
The spindle (16) is a part of the wall between two shoulder blades, the semicircular end of which turns into a zakomara.
Plinth (17) - the lower part of the outer wall of the building, lying on the foundation, usually thickened and protruding outward in relation to the upper part (church plinths can be either simple in the form of a slope - at the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, or developed, profiled - at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin in Bogolyubovo).
Based on materials from the book by Vl. Solovyov “The Golden Book of Russian Culture”
On Sundays and days church holidays, and whoever has the opportunity, Orthodox people visit the temple more often. Great things are happening here at the Divine Liturgy. Sacrament of Communion. Here we confess, get married, baptize children, have funeral services for the dead, and gather together during illnesses. The temple is the basis and center of our spiritual life. It is no coincidence that this place is called "God's house", because it is filled with amazing grace; being here, a person is spiritually cleansed and strengthened.
Standing in an Orthodox church or being near it, we involuntarily admire the beauty and majesty of such structures. But, probably, not everyone knows how the temple works, so let’s talk about this interesting topic.
By the way, the first tent temple ( tabernacle) was built by the prophet Moses one and a half thousand years before Nativity of Christ. Thus, much in the arrangement of the temple was given from above and is based on centuries-old tradition.
- in the shape of Cross, since the Savior, by his sacrifice on the cross, opened the door to Eternal Life for us;
- octagonal symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. The Church, like a guiding star, guides the believer;
- round(rotunda) – a sign of the eternal Church;
- quadruple– based on a simple quadrangle - a symbol of the fullness of the world gathered in the Church.
There are also temples mixed types.
Architectural structure of an Orthodox church.
So, before our eyes is a temple. What architectural components can we see? It must be said that not all temples have the same structure and not all have certain elements, however, we will tell you about them all in order.
Porch- an open or closed porch in front of the entrance to the temple, built on some elevation from the ground, usually steps lead to it.
Above the entrance to the temple, and sometimes next to it, is built Bell tower or belfry, a tower on which bells hang. From time immemorial good news, performed by one large bell, called believers to prayer and reported important events. By calling back(when different bells are rung alternately, starting from the largest) and ringing(when all the bells are rung at once) announce the holidays.
Refectory- part of the temple, an extension on the western side of the church, previously served as a place for preaching, public meetings, and also as a place where the brethren took food. Today it usually stands away from the temple and is located in a separate building.
Cube- the main volume of the temple.
Portal- architecturally designed entrance to the building.
Nave- part of a building bounded on one or both sides by a row of columns or pillars.
Pilaster(blade) - a structural or decorative longitudinal protrusion on the surface of the wall. Often performed in the form of columns.
Gable(frieze) - the completion of the facade of a building, enclosed by roof slopes and a cornice at the base.
Zakomara- in Russian architecture, a semicircular or keel-shaped completion of part of the outer wall of a building. Usually repeats the outlines of the arch located behind it.
Apse- an altar ledge, as if attached to the temple, most often semicircular, it houses the altar.
Drum- a cylindrical or multifaceted upper part of the temple, over which a dome is built. The drum can be blind (without windows) and light (with window openings).
Dome- church dome, symbolizes heaven, a cross is placed on top of the dome.
Domes come in different shapes.
Also, domes can be of different quantities:
one the dome symbolizes the unity of God;
two the heads signify the two natures (Divine and human) in Jesus Christ;
three chapters - in honor of the Holy Trinity;
five the heads symbolize Jesus Christ and the four evangelists;
seven chapters - seven sacraments and seven Ecumenical Councils;
nine heads - nine angelic ranks;
thirteenb The heads embody Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles.
Sometimes they build large quantity chapters, for example thirty three- according to the number of earthly years of Jesus Christ.
These are the main types and architectural elements of an Orthodox church. In the future we will talk about the interior decoration of the temple and its symbolism.
A temple (house) is a building that has a religious purpose; services to God are performed in it, as well as religious ceremonies are held. In addition to the main religious functions, the temple carries a certain idea of \u200b\u200bpeople about the universe. Temples also had another purpose (before Christianity), they served as a refuge, or a place for resolving important issues and trade.
A Christian church is considered only a building that has an altar in which the Eucharist (thanksgiving) is celebrated - a great sacrament.
Christian churches have a long history. Since the time when Christianity was not one of the main religions, and was subject to persecution by the authorities and other religions. Christians gathered for service only in the catacombs (dungeons where burials were held), where, according to the laws of that time, gatherings of people who professed their religion were not prohibited.
Thus, underground churches, they are called “crypts,” already had an altar (most often a tomb) on which the sacrament of the Eucharist was performed. Since those times, the tradition of placing holy relics on the altar and decorating the walls of temples with images from the holy book has remained.
Only in the 4th century did the construction of above-ground Christian churches begin, when the religion was recognized as dominant ( Edict of Milan 313 g). This happened thanks to Emperor Constantine.
The main types of temples are the basilica and the cross-domed temple.
Basilica- a structure that has a rectangular elongated shape, internally divided by several rows (from 2) of pillars or columns that create naves (architectural space of a longitudinal shape). Often the central nave was higher than the side ones. It also had a protrusion - an apse (the protruding part where the altar is located), where the presbytery (place for the clergy) was located.
A special feature of the basilica is also that the entrance is on the western side of the temple, and the altar is on the eastern side. This placement symbolizes the coming of Christians to God (repentance). In Christianity, the west is associated with sinfulness, and the east with divinity. Near the part where the altar is located, the temple is intersected by transverse naves, which gave it the shape of a cross.
The most common are three-nave basilicas. They are created using two internal rows of columns; in the side naves there are often choirs (an oblong-shaped room for the clergy or church choir), as well as “matroneums” (special galleries for women, because it was adopted from the Jews, the separate presence of men and women in temple).
Often, in especially large temples, in front of the main room there were open courtyards with columns placed along the entire perimeter; they are called atriums.
Great importance was given to decorating the interior of the basilica. The temple was decorated mainly from the inside. For this they used marble, beautiful wall frescoes, and mosaics that were laid out both on the walls and on the floor. But special attention was paid to decorating the main and sacred part of the temple - the altar. The façade of the basilica was often not decorated.
This model of the temple remained unchanged for a long time.
Starting from the 12th-13th centuries, other types of temples appeared - the Gothic cathedral. They differed from the early Christian ones in that they were covered with stone vaults.
The Gothic temple began to rise high, thanks to the fact that new technologies and architectural elements were used in construction, among them a flying buttress. The weight of the vault was transferred to the walls, this relieved the temple from the internal columns and made it possible to create large windows, which made it spacious and bright.
The altar was also separated from the main volume of the temple by a partition. The restriction on the presence of men and women together in churches has disappeared.
Now not only the internal walls of the temple were decorated, but also its façade. Thus, they tried to convey the “word of God” beyond the walls of the temple.
After the division of the United Christian Church, the Eastern (Orthodox) Church developed the Cross-domed Byzantine type of temple.
Cross-dome
Its characteristic features are that the temple had a cruciform shape (close to a square) and a high dome that housed windows.
The naves (both longitudinal and transverse) now have equal length, and when intersecting they create a Greek (equal-ended) cross. Hence the name itself - Cross-dome. At the same time, rotundas (round temples) appeared.
Orthodox church
Starting from the 15-16th century, iconostases began to appear in Orthodox churches; they separated the altar part of the temple from its middle part. The iconostasis is a wall with rows of icons.
The narthex (a place for people who could not enter the middle of the temple) began to be called the narthex, and its outer part - the porch (a platform with a staircase for entering the temple).
In order to be able to conduct simultaneous services by several priests (on major holidays and events), extensions to the temple were introduced.
Baptistery
A separate building, often round in shape, near the temple, it is intended for the baptismal ceremony. In its center there is a font that can fit an adult. Nowadays a baptistery is rarely built.
Unlike Catholic churches, which were built in accordance with the artistic style dominant at the time of construction, Orthodox churches were built in accordance with the symbols of Orthodoxy. Thus, each element of an Orthodox church carries some information about who the temple is dedicated to, about some features of Orthodoxy itself, and much more.
SYMBOLISM OF THE TEMPLE
Temple shape
- Temples in the form cross were built as a sign that the Cross of Christ is the Foundation of the Church, through the Cross humanity has been delivered from the power of the devil, through the Cross the entrance to heaven has been opened.
- Temples in the form circle, as a symbol of eternity, they speak of the infinity of the existence of the Church, its indestructibility.
- Temples in the form eight-pointed star symbolize Star of Bethlehem, who led the Magi to the place where Christ was born. In this way, the church testifies to its role as a guide in human life.
- Temples in the form ship- the most ancient type of temple, figuratively expressing the idea that the Church, like a ship, saves believers from the disastrous waves of everyday voyage and leads them to the Kingdom of God.
- There were also mixed types temples connecting the above forms.
Number of domes
The different number of domes, or chapters, of a temple building is determined by who they are dedicated to.
- Single-domed temple: the dome symbolizes the unity of God, the perfection of creation.
- Double-domed temple: the two domes symbolize the two natures of the God-man Jesus Christ, the two areas of creation (angelic and human).
- Three-domed temple: the three domes symbolize the Holy Trinity.
- Four-domed temple: the four domes symbolize the Four Gospels, the four cardinal directions.
- Five-domed temple: five domes, one of which rises above the others, symbolize Jesus Christ and the four evangelists.
- Seven Domed Temple: seven domes symbolize seven Sacraments of the Church, seven Ecumenical Councils, seven virtues.
- Nine-domed temple: nine domes symbolize nine ranks of angels.
- Thirteen-domed temple: thirteen domes symbolize Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles.
The helmet shape symbolizes the spiritual warfare (struggle) that the Church wages against the forces of evil.
Bulb shape symbolizes the flame of a candle.
The unusual shape and bright colors of the domes, such as that of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, speaks of the beauty of Paradise.
Dome color
- The domes are turning golden at temples dedicated to Christ and twelve holidays
- Blue domes with stars indicate that the temple is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Temples with green domes dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
The diagram of the building of an Orthodox church presented below reflects only the most general principles temple construction, it reflects only the basic architectural details inherent in many temple buildings, organically combined into a single whole. But with all the variety of temple buildings, the buildings themselves are immediately recognizable and can be classified according to the architectural styles to which they belong.
Absida- an altar ledge, as if attached to the temple, most often semicircular, but also polygonal in plan, it houses the altar.
Drum- a cylindrical or multifaceted upper part of the temple, over which a dome is built, ending with a cross.
Light drum- a drum, the edges or cylindrical surface of which is cut by window openings
Chapter- a dome with a drum and a cross crowning the temple building.
Zakomara- in Russian architecture, a semicircular or keel-shaped completion of part of the outer wall of a building; as a rule, it repeats the outlines of the arch located behind it.
Cube- the main volume of the temple.
Bulb- a church dome resembling an onion in shape.
Nave(French nef, from Latin navis - ship), an elongated room, part of the interior of a church building, limited on one or both longitudinal sides by a number of columns or pillars.
Porch- an open or closed porch in front of the entrance to the temple, elevated relative to ground level.
Pilaster(blade) - a constructive or decorative flat vertical protrusion on the surface of a wall, having a base and a capital.
Portal- architecturally designed entrance to the building.
Tent- a high four-, six- or octagonal pyramidal covering of a tower, temple or bell tower, widespread in the temple architecture of Rus' until the 17th century.
Gable- completion of the façade of a building, portico, colonnade, enclosed by roof slopes and a cornice at the base.
Apple- a ball at the end of the dome under the cross.
Tier- horizontal division of the building volume decreasing in height.
Bell towers, belfries, bells
Bell tower- a tower with an open tier (ringing tier) for bells. It was placed next to the temple or included in its composition. In medieval Russian architecture, pillar-shaped and tent-shaped bell towers are known, along with belfries of the wall-shaped, pillar-shaped and chamber type.
Pillar-shaped and hipped bell towers can be single-tiered or multi-tiered, as well as square, octagonal or round in plan.
Pillar-shaped bell towers are also divided into large and small. Large bell towers are 40-50 meters high and stand separately from the temple building. Small pillar-shaped bell towers are usually included in the temple complex. The currently known versions of small bell towers differ in their location: either above the western entrance to the church, or above the gallery in the northwestern corner. Unlike free-standing pillar-shaped bell towers, small ones usually had only one tier of open bell arches, and the lower tier was decorated with windows with platbands.
The most common type of bell tower is the classic single-tier octagonal hipped bell tower. This type of bell tower became especially widespread in the 17th century, when hipped bell towers were almost an integral part of the Central Russian landscape. Occasionally, multi-tiered tented bell towers were built, although the second tier, located above the main ringing tier, as a rule, did not have bells and played a decorative role.
Under the influence of Western European culture, baroque and classical multi-tiered bell towers began to appear in large numbers in Russian monastery, temple and city architectural ensembles. One of the most famous bell towers of the 18th century was the large bell tower of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, where four more tiers of bells were erected on the massive first tier.
Before the appearance of bell towers in the ancient Church, bell towers were built for bells in the form of a wall with through openings or in the form of a belfry-gallery (ward belfry).
Belfry- this is a structure built on the wall of a temple or installed next to it with openings for hanging bells. Types of belfries: wall-shaped - in the form of a wall with openings; pillar-shaped - tower structures with a multifaceted base with openings for bells in the upper tier; ward type - rectangular, with a covered vaulted arcade, with supports along the perimeter of the walls.
Information taken from the site
A temple is a special religious building, the main purpose of which is to conduct services and perform religious rituals. The word "temple" originates from the Proto-Slavic language, where it meant "house".
And indeed, from ancient times to the present day, the temple for many believers has much higher value than just a place for religious and religious ceremonies. For a long time, temples often played the role of a central city-forming architectural structure, serving as a place for public meetings for residents of a particular settlement, were a place for holidays and ceremonies, and also had the character of memorial monuments and gave people the opportunity to hide within their walls from persecution by the authorities.
The main difference between a temple and all other types of religious buildings (chapels, mosques, synagogues, Protestant prayer houses and many other religious buildings) is the presence of an altar, which since ancient times served as a place for making sacrifices.
Types of temples.
In many religions, a temple is a shrine in which believers gather to perform rituals and pray. There are a great many types of temples, among which are the following:
- Egyptian temples;
- Greek temples;
- Roman temples;
- Chinese temples - pagodas;
- Indian temples;
- Hindu temples;
- Christian churches(they are more often called churches);
- Muslim temples(they are called mosques);
- Buddhist temples- datsans.
The ancient Assyrians, Greeks or Egyptians chose the most beautiful places to locate their temples. As civilization developed, religious buildings began to be built more and more majestic and beautiful.
The Karnak temples in Egypt, the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, and Roman temples have gained worldwide fame. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of many of these architectural gems of the past.
Egyptian temples.
IN Ancient Egypt temples were seen as homes for the gods or kings to whom they were dedicated. The Egyptians performed various religious rituals in them, brought gifts and offerings to the gods, and performed many other religious actions.
The pharaoh provided the gods with housing, took care of their well-being and the safety of the temples, while the rest of the ritual duties were performed by the priests. Ordinary, ordinary residents of Egypt did not have the right to take part in ritual ceremonies.
Moreover, ordinary Egyptians did not have access to the most sacred places in the temple. but at the same time, the Egyptian temple had an important cult significance for the inhabitants of Egypt of all classes and estates, who came to the sacred place to pray, ask the gods for help, and also learn some prophetic information from the deity, who, according to their beliefs, lived in the temple .
Hindu temple.
According to the peculiarities of architectural style, a Hindu temple can be either an independent, free-standing structure, or be part of a building. Home characteristic feature structure is the presence of a murti - a statue, a relief or painted image of God or a saint to whom the temple is dedicated. Sometimes there may even be several such saints.
In the religious tradition of Hinduism, during the ceremony of consecrating a temple, God or a specific saint is invited to come and receive his incarnation as a stone, wooden or metal idol - a murti, which believers will subsequently worship.
Sometimes Hindu temples can be located not only in man-made structures, but also in caves created by nature itself. An example of such a Hindu shrine is the Amarnath cave, which is located in India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Hindu mythology, this is the cave where God Shiva explained the secret of Parvati's life. This place is sacred to Hindus and serves as a temple dedicated to the god Shiva.
Indian temples.
All buildings in the Indian temple complex were not located randomly, but were in strict order. Based on the results of aerial photography, scientists found that the structures form regular geometric figures. Among them, the researchers noticed a square, as well as equilateral and right triangles.
Scientists - archaeologists have hypothesized that the Temple of the Sun served to monitor the movement celestial bodies and astronomical calculations that were made by ancient Indian priests.
According to experts, the construction of the Sun Temple dates back to the beginning of the 13th century AD. It was built by the Indians, who inhabited this region since the 5th century AD. Within the walls of the temple there are four kivas - unique ring structures that were used as an ancient observatory.
