Holy Cross Church in Irkutsk - one of the oldest temples of the city. The church is located in the historic center of Irkutsk in the street Sedova, and is a shining example of the Siberian religious architecture.

In 1717-1719 gg. Cross on the hill there was a wooden church of the Holy Trinity. However, the locals called it Krestovskaya or Holy Cross. In the middle of the XVIII century. instead of the wooden church built a new stone. The temple was founded in 1747 Its construction lasted for eleven years. Novovozvedennuyu church, like the old, was consecrated as the Trinity, but, despite this, the congregation persistently adhered to the name "Krestovskaya." As a result, this name and decided to legalize. In 1757 the chapel was consecrated in honor of the cold of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In 1779, the northern part of the temple was built by the warm chapel. In 1860 he took shape the final appearance of the building of the church, when the architect V. Kudelsky to the west side of the bell tower was attached stone deaf porch.

However, the main feature of the temple is not the original architecture, but rather a complex pattern that covers its exterior walls almost continuous carpet. It is noteworthy that the pattern is made in a purely oriental style. Unknown craftsman has created not just a beautiful and sophisticated decor - the researchers suggest that this ornament is encrypted some semantic meaning, and its meaning is yet to be solved.

From 1929 to 1936. and from 1948 to 1991. Cross church served as a cathedral. In 1936, the temple worship ceased. From the bell tower bell was removed and placed here after the anti-religious museum. However, precisely because of this church has retained its original appearance and iconostasis. In 1943 the church was returned to believers, in 1948, he was declared an architectural monument of federal significance.

Recently, the church was returned to its original color, and the locals have to get used to his "new old" appearance. Today, Holy Cross Church - is not only the decoration of the city, but also one of the core building.