The church originated in Europe and is the crystallization of human civilization. It is a place where Christians (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.) hold mass services and other religious matters. In movies or TV series, we see many couples holding weddings in churches, which are grand and very romantic. Many couples are eager to hold their weddings in ancient and famous cathedrals. There are many large and small churches in the world. The most famous are the five cathedrals, which refer to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Milan Cathedral in Italy, Seville Cathedral in Spain, Florence Cathedral in Italy, and St. Paul's Cathedral in the United Kingdom. ( I was very lucky to have visited St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Seville Cathedral in Spain, and St. Paul's Cathedral in the United Kingdom. One of the classic attractions when traveling to various European countries is to visit the local cathedral. Abroad The church building and the prosperous decoration inside are solemn and gorgeous, full of rhythmic beauty, which is really breathtaking!
During a recent free trip to Harbin, I not only photographed the Sophia Church, but also the Shike Street Church on Guogol Street under the setting sun.
The end of Central Street is Xinyang Square. Taking a taxi from here to Qiulin Company only costs the starting price. Go eastward along Gogol Street (Fendou Road) in front of Qiulin, and stop at Gexin Street (called Church Street before the Cultural Revolution) and Shike Street, you will see a well-preserved Russian Baroque building that originally belonged to the Orthodox Church and was named St. Alexeev Church. It was transferred to the Catholic Church in 1980 , now called the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The church has a complex shape, with rich lines and angles on the wall, red and white. The bell tower is a tent with a small dome on top, and the middle hall has a larger onion dome. It is a typical Baroque style, revealing luxury. Exaggerated. Many young people hold weddings here, standing in front of the altar, listening to the pastor devoutly praying to the Lord for happiness. In the romantic flying of roses and the singing of heavenly songs, the white wedding dress slowly dances... in a A romantic place, doing a romantic thing, is very romantic in itself.
Among the existing cathedrals in Harbin, the best-preserved architectural remains are a red and white brick and wood structure church located at the intersection of Gogol Street and Gexin Street. This majestic and beautiful church is known as the Reform Street Church or Shike Street Church. Its official name is Harbin Catholic Church Immaculate Conception Church. Before 1958, it was called St. Alexeyev (St. Alexi) Church and was an out-and-out Orthodox church. At that time, Innovation Street was also called Church Street because it was adjacent to the church.
The history of St. Alexeev Church
It is understood that the neighborhood here was once a large-scale expatriate settlement area. In addition to Russians, the original residents also include expatriates from other European countries. The current Bile Street, Bashan Street, Lujia Street and Guangguang Street were called Belgium Street, Balkan Street, Romanian Street and Serbian Street at that time. Even Montenegro Street originated from the Montenegrin people in the Balkan Peninsula of Eastern Europe, now the country of Montenegro. The foreign residents here like to plant lilacs and various fruit trees in the courtyards surrounded by wooden fences. Some people also raise cattle at home. There were also some small factories producing food, candy, tobacco and alcohol here, such as the Tkachenko Confectionery Chocolate Egg Cookie Factory on Belgium Street, which later became the famous Mars Candy Factory. Against the backdrop of this slightly pastoral community, one can imagine how majestic and solemn the St. Alexeev Church is.
The area at the intersection of Gogol Street and Gexin Street is a highlight of Nangang District in Harbin, and it may be related to the Alexeyev Church. The most reminiscent thing about this neighborhood is the Russian complex, not only because of the original style of the surrounding buildings, but also because of the original residents who once had it, which constituted the culture of this area.
Alexeyev Church is an exquisite historical relic, which gives the place an indescribable sense of mystery, beauty and solemnity. Before the 1970s, ordinary people called this street Church Street, and later it was changed to Gexin Street.