This is the Chasovnaya Prosha, or when translated from Russian, the Chapel of Forgiving. This current church was built in 1889-1890, but the first church that stood on this spot was built in the 16th century. Luckily it was spared destruction during the years of Soviet power, the time when many, many other churches were not so lucky. The parts of the original building on both sides of the church were turned into shops in 1929, and the church itself was turned into a factory. The building was returned to it's proper use as a church in 1995. I simply love the fact that it's a church stuck in the middle of a bunch of shops and restaurants!
posted by Ashira
