Вестник Екатеринбургской духовной семинарии (Oct 2022)
On the Sacral Nature of the Name of St. Michael’s Castle in Saint Petersburg
Abstract
Uniqueness of the name, which was given by Paul I to his palace-castle and connected it with the image of Archangel Michael, has been often mentioned in the historical publications. The sacral nature of this name can be explained by Paul’s seeing this building a castle, a fortress and not just a new palace. For better understanding this building, which claims to some special sacral status, the concept of a fortress-church, embodied in many medieval European temples, is essential. One can hardly talk about any influence of them on the architectural appearance of St. Michael’s Castle; however, it is possible to assume that the general idea of such temples-fortresses was reflected in it. French churches were used as fortifications during the Hundred Years’ War, and the texts of that time contain the combinations of words, which correspond to the later historical and architectural term «les églises fortifiées». Inspite of the spread of artillery the fortresses-churches functioned in Europe during the 16th–17th centuries and in the late 18th century the fortification function of a church was actualized in the events of the Great French Revolution. Most likely, Paul could make his acquaintance with the image of fortress-church during his journey through European countries in 1781–1782. The ideological basing of St. Michael’s Castle on medieval ideas should not be confused with the ardour for Gothic architecture in Russia during the reign of Catherine II: fantasy architectural interpretation of a manor as fortress was embodied in many rural residences of Russian nobles that time. Such perception of a manor as a fortress, together with the custom of dedicating fortresses to saints, was reflected in the name given by Ekaterina Dashkova to her estate Kir’ianovo in 1762. Apparently, in 18th century Saint Petersburg it was the only example (besides St. Michael’s Castle) of the situation, when naming of a residence after the saint reflected his local cult, which arose or was actualized short time ago.
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