New Jerusalem
Monastery

Istra, Russia

Historic baroque building illuminated at dusk by warm architectural lighting, highlighting ornate facade details against a dramatic blue sky

Year / 2016
Category / Outdoor
Author / Studio Vega
Photo / Konstantin Maksimov

Artemide lighting illuminates the grand staircase and entrance gate of a white Orthodox monastery at dusk, with a golden-topped tower.

The New Jerusalem Monastery was founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon and took its name from the New Jerusalem. This site was chosen for its resemblance to the Holy Land. The River Istra represents the Jordan, and the buildings represent the 'sacral space' or holy places of Jerusalem.

Closed in 1918, in 1941 the fascist army ransacked it but before their retreat, the soldiers blew up its only large belfry, the towers were demolished and the vaults of the cathedral collapsed and buried its famous iconostasis, as well as other treasures.

New Jerusalem Monastery illuminated at dusk, featuring white facades, turquoise domes with golden crosses, and warm outdoor lighting.

Historic Russian Orthodox monastery complex illuminated at dusk, with warm architectural lighting highlighting white walls and ornate bell tower

Russian Orthodox monastery illuminated at dusk, white facade with golden and green onion domes glowing under a dramatic blue sky

The New Jerusalem Monastery was re-established as a religious community only in the 1990s. As of June 2016, there has been great restoration done in the main cathedral, with much of the interior reconstructed and readorned.
Artemide has been involved in this great project by creating an ad-hoc lighting project.