During the course of the 15th Century,
Russian architecture was mostly based on the designs of the Russian
Orthodox Church. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the church
separated itself from the government and became independent. During
this period, many architects from Italy were hired to design and construct
many important landmarks.
Most of the architecture that is
erect today from the fifteenth century has Italian designs, but Russian
traditions. These architects helped create such works as the Kremlin,
and the Cathedral of Dormition. Though the most famous of these fifteenth
century Italian architects was Aristotele Fioravanti. With Fioravanti’s
influence, Russian buildings had Italian Renaissance elements with a
combination of rational proportions. These proportions consisted of
arches, pilasters, and scallop shells. Even with this new Italian style,
the traditional Russo-Byzantine style was still popular among rulers
such as Ivan IV.
Through the fifteenth century,
the leaders of Russia wanted to make their cities
represent contemporary style. The Italian practices allowed Moscow and
St. Petersburg to have their own value and beauty. The complexity of
the cathedrals and palaces that were built during this century demonstrate
the dedication the architects involved were in creating a splendid work
of art.
