Catholic and Franciscan Monastery in Vinogradov

On the side of the central square of the city Vinogradov (ukr: Виноградів) near the Church of the Ascension there are the buildings with a central element in the form of the church. This architectural place of interest is not other than a Franciscan monastery with a small church on its territory.

The Franciscans (Latin: Ordo Fratrum Minorum) are the monks of the Order of St. Francis, which was founded in 1208 near the Italian town Spoleto. It was poor Catholic Order founded by St. Francis of Assisi. They were also called "Minorits" or "younger brothers". The main aim of the monks was a preaching poverty, asceticism, and all-embracing love to neighbor. In England they were called "gray brothers" (because of the color of garments), in France "Cordeliers" (because of the rope at the waist), in Germany "barefoot" (because of the sandals on bare feet), and in Italy simply "brothers" ... The Franciscans were ardent opponents against the Dominicans in their attitude to the religious dogmas. The Dominicans preached the gospel, the study of science, education, combating heresies and engaged in missionary activity. Nevertheless, from the 13th century, after the creation of the Holy Inquisition, the Franciscans and Dominicans have combined their efforts in the fight against heretics. In the 18th century the Franciscans have already 1700 monasteries and about 25,000 monks. In the 19th century, the Order was eliminated by (the French Revolutions), and then restored. But its former influence is lost forever.

So, what about the monastery? It dates from the 15th century, according to the opinion of the restorers and archaeologists. It consists of a church and a two-storey building with cells, which is adjacent to the front of the temple. The cells had the circle form and then formed a patio as a single structure. Currently, this part of the cells was lost. The remains of the monastery garden are on the south side. The church was built of stone and brick. The structure is single-nave (nave is oval with a vaulted ceiling - basil), with a tower, which was designed as the Belfry. The original church was built in the Gothic style, but after it was destroyed by the Tartars of one of the Great Horde khans Giray dynasty in 1717, it was rebuilt in Baroque style in the18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century it was abandoned and it was partially rebuilt in 1889. The facade and the interior were rebuilt in the classical style (bricks and stones were used). The Historical Museum was in the monastery and the church was given to the orthodox since 1945. The Monastic School was used like a library. At the same time there was destroyed a unique fresco of the late 19th century. Only the cells were not rebuilt and reconstructed. There were also vaulted ceilings. In 1979 the monastery was reconstructed. In 1989 it was given to the Catholic community.

And now there are some photos. There is a view of the convent of the Church of the Ascension.



This is a patio and the cells on the background. There was a lost part of the cells, which was the closing part of the complex. You can see the foundation of the wall and the patio.



The view of the "Baroque" tower above the church



The remains of the ancient monastery walls in the back yard



And finally, another view on the church wall with the corner pilasters, a window and a tower...

06.09.2010. 09:53

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