IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH ARCHITECTURE IN SHAPING THE PICTURESQUE IMAGE OF SETTLEMENTS

Abstract

"Church architecture is not only buildings, it is a picturesque path to the soul of the people, where every tower, every window, every detail becomes part of the picturesque image of the settlement, radiating its history, faith and spirituality." Architecture occupies a prominent place in the cultural activities of the population, bringing it universal recognition. Over the centuries, a unique style was produced, which reflected the ingenuity, observation, aesthetic tastes and preferences of national builders. Wooden churches are works of architectural perfection that best identify Ukrainians as a nation. Church architecture has always played an important role in shaping the picturesque image of settlements, adding a unique aesthetic touch to the panorama of cities and villages with its exquisite exterior and interior decoration. Churches, as symbols of spirituality and cultural national heritage, reflect both local and universal history, embodying faith, traditions, and the cultural spirit of the community in their architecture and symbolism. Ancient buildings impress with their expediency and rationality, good appearance and observance of proportions, and always appropriate decorative decoration. The best examples of folk architecture have withstood the test of time and become monuments of culture – testifying to the high skill and artistic taste of their creators. Wooden church architecture occupies an exceptional place in the history of Ukrainian construction. It is precisely in it that the Ukrainian architectural style, enriched by the magnificent variety of regional trends, manifested itself to the maximum extent. In the meantime, wooden architecture, the creation of which was mostly in the hands of local communities, preserved the national specificity. The maximum criterion is the originality of building sets and compositional solutions of Ukrainian art, which was initiated during the construction of churches. Temple architecture has always been not only an embodiment of spirituality and faith, but also a key element in the image and architectural identity of settlements.