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Saint Sofia Church in Harbin
Harbin(Ha'erbin) is the capital of Heilongjiang Province and probably the most northernmost location that most tourists visit. A city of distinctive character, Boulevards that are lined with European-style buildings and white doves flutter their wings in the skyline of the St. Sofia church. Harbin has lots to offer for anyone interested in history, since both Russia and Japan have had a big influence over this city's history and architecture, helping it to become the thriving city that it is today. If you are interested in that, you can come and make a trip on Harbin.
Saint Sofia Church
Saint Sofia, the largest Russian Orthodox Church in Far East Asia. It occupies a floor space of 721 square meters and measures 53.35 meters in height. It is a typical Russian Orthodox Church in the Byzantine style. The huge dome stands 48.55 meters high and is 10 meters in diameter. If you look at it from inside, it looks high into sky and leaves room for your imagination. Apart from the central dome, there are four smaller domes of different sizes. Below the roofs, there are arched windows in the roman style.
On top of the church, there are six crosses. However, the cross of the Orthodox Church is quite different from that of other Christian churches. There is a slanting beam under the normal cross. All the crosses have a golden color. Together with green domes, they offer a distinct contrast to the blue sky, making the church august and elegant. At the front gate, you can find a bell tower with seven bells. The biggest bell is 1.42 meters in diameter and weighs 1.8 tons. Each bell has a special tune. During special holidays, they struck beautiful tunes and its sound could be heard more than 50 kilometers away.
This kind of church was closed down after liberation. Afterwards, it was used as a warehouse. Then two apartment buildings were erected by its sides. It was not until May 1997 that the municipal government of Harbin decided to renovate the church. Two apartment buildings were torn down and a market was moved. It took 80 days to restore the church. A square of 6648 Square meters was constructed. Benches, rails and lamps were all designed in European style in conformity with the church. Now concerts are often held in the square and people can enjoy musical art and architectural art at the same time. Please do come here, for there excellent architectures styles that are waiting for you.
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