WALL-PAINTING OVER THE PILLARS

Over sixty images of Russian princes are located on pillars and in the first tier of murals. This unique gallery is opened by the image of Princess Olga (the east side of the north-west pillar, second tier) and Grand Prince of Kiev Vladimir Svyatoslavich, who Christianized Rus’ (west side of the north-east pillar, second tier).

The adjacent sides of the same pillar show the sons of Vladimir—Boris and Gleb, perished in the civil war for the Kiev throne and reckoned among the saints for martyr death. The first Russian saints Boris and Gleb were considered to help in the protection of the fatherland from enemies.

The period of Vladimir principality is presented by the image of Andrey Bogolyubsky—the first prince who rejected the Kiev throne. The Vladimir-Suzdal territory set to establish itself in a leading position among Russian principalities.