The only church in which the frescoes of Theophanes the Greek have survived (PHOTOS)

In Veliky Novgorod, you will find more than 50 ancient churches from different periods, from the 11th century to modern ones. One of the most amazing is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyina Street.

It was built in the year 1374 with funds from the residents of the street – wealthy artisans and merchants. Then, in 1378, its vaults and walls were graced by the world's most famous Byzantine master, Theophanes the Greek.

Theophanes the Greek was born in Byzantium. He painted more than 40 churches, from Constantinople to Moscow. But, you can only see frescoes created by his brush inside in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

The best-preserved ancient frescoes are the image of Christ Pantocrator in the dome.

Art historians believe that Theophanes the Greek had a huge influence on Novgorodian church painting. It’s possible that this church also contained frescoes by his followers.

However, most of the church's painted walls have been lost: most of the walls have been whitewashed several centuries ago and then painted over with other paintings. The restoration of the surviving ancient frescoes only began in the 20th century. And the work is still ongoing.