The Transfiguration Church is one of the main architectural highlights of Hlukhiv. It once stood outside the city fortifications, which is why it was called "Zahradska", but now it finds itself right in the center of the city, on Rudchenko Square, not far from the Three Anastasia Church. This is a rare tetraconch for Ukraine — a church whose floor plan is formed by four semi-circular apses around the central dome. It is an architectural monument of national importance.
Church Behind the Ramparts
The temple was built in the 1760s from local brick, plastered and whitewashed inside. The facades are painted in two colors — a yellow background and white details, while the dome and roofs are covered with steel and painted green. In the pendentives of the vault, oil paintings of the evangelists in medallions are partially preserved. In the early 19th century, a multi-tiered bell tower in the classicist style was built in the courtyard, but it was destroyed in 1930. In 1867, a heated church was added from the west according to the design of the architect A. Assing.
Warehouse and Revival
In 1961, the church was closed, and the threat of demolition loomed over it. Until 1979, it served as a warehouse, until the church was declared an architectural monument of national importance. In 1989, it was returned to the community, and restoration began: the first stage was completed in 1992 according to the design of the architect S. Khalepa, and the second in 2004.
In July 2008, restorers uncovered previously unknown 18th-century paintings beneath later layers. In the center of the composition is Jesus in a red robe. The painting has survived on the original plaster, so it is dated to the 1770s; it was likely executed by an artist from the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Suspilne included the church in the "Seven Wonders of Sumy Oblast" project.
How to Get There
The church stands on Rudchenko Square in the center of Hlukhiv. Nearby are the Three Anastasia Church and the Local Lore Museum in the building of the Nobility Assembly.
What to Consider
Hlukhiv is a border city and is regularly shelled. Before your trip, check the security situation and the restrictions of the Sumy Oblast Military Administration, and while in the city, pay attention to air raid alerts and shelters.
