Sunday, December 4, 2011

Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral


On Rue Daru in the 8ième arrondissement, this Russian Orthodox church is nestled in a predominantly Russian neighborhood.  Although there are no photos allowed inside, the exterior is elegant, in the shape of a Greek cross.  Each branch of the cross is terminated by an apse, topped with onion dome turrets. 

Picasso was married to the dancer Olga Khokhlova in this church in 1918.  The cathedral celebrated its 150th anniversary in September this year, and just a week ago a charitable auction featuring works of 29 Russian painters living in Paris was held to benefit restoration of the cathedral. 

bon dimanche


Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral
12, rue Daru
75008 Paris
Métro Ternes ou Métro Courcelles
   
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19 comments:

  1. Shell SherreeDecember 4, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    What a lovely history, Genie! It may need some restoration, but from this view it's wearing its years well. I hope the auction raised oodles.

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  2. MalyssDecember 4, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    In Nice, we have the tallest orthodox cathedral outside of Russia! did you know that?..

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  3. Rob SiemannDecember 4, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    I go there pretty much every time I come to Paris. Shame about the no photos inside. But... if you go there midweeks, there is usually nobody inside. Just don't use a flashlight.

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  4. brattcatDecember 4, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    beautifully captured, genie.

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  5. Kelley Carey MacDonaldDecember 4, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Fantastic photograph! And I appreciate your little history of the church! Thanks for taking me to Paris on this cold December day, Genie!

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  6. VirginiaDecember 4, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    I love the gold dome against the grey stone. Reminds me I have photos from a little community north of B'ham where I went with Mike to take some photos at their Russian Orthodox church and cemetery.
    Bon dimanche!
    V

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  7. MDecember 4, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Your photo is an architectural feast! Love all the curves and carvings ... and the gold is the frosting on this lovely cake! Bon dimanche indeed!

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  8. Janey and Co.December 4, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Silly me,I am trying to figure out from what vantage point you took this? Were you inside..looking out... in an adjacent building...or zooming perhaps? Beautiful!

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  9. martinealisonDecember 4, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    La petite chronique qui accompagne ta photo est très intéressante...
    gros bisous

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  10. AlexaDecember 4, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Stunning! Guess I'll just have to imagine how beautiful it must be inside—or visit next time I'm in Paris. Bon dimanche, Genie!

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  11. French Girl in SeattleDecember 4, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Une photo (et un billet) tres interessants, Genie. Je ne connaissais pas cette eglise, ni l'histoire du mariage de Picasso. Bon dimanche sur la Cote Est. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  12. this is BelgiumDecember 4, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    what a great picture ! nice story too. bon dimanche

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  13. Lynne with an eDecember 4, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Soaring elegance and beauty. A fitting place for a painter and dancer to have been married. Well spotted,great shot!

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  14. KarenaDecember 4, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Genie it is so gorgeous I love the shot you featured!

    Please Come and enter in Our 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. There are so many exciting & special Gifts!

    xoxo

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  15. AnonymousDecember 4, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    What a beautiful Cathedral and thanks for the history lesson. I learn something new every time I visit your blog! It's always interesting!

    Kris

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  16. RandyDecember 4, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    So amazing!

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  17. Sharon CreechDecember 5, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    Love the angle and the history.
    xx

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  18. Libby December 5, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Hi Genie: Thanks for coming over and visiting my blog!
    My husband is Russian Orthodox, but he's never attended a church in Paris. Oh yes, I will most definitely pass this on to him and we will go for sure on our next trip! Thank you for the gorgeous photos and story!

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  19. TheChieftessDecember 8, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Nice perspective!!!

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Merci for your comments!