Altea Orthodox Church: an architectural jewel

The Russian Orthodox Church of Altea is an architectural jewel located in the urbanization of Altea Hills, Alicante. It was built in 2007 by Mikhail Botsko with materials brought directly from Russia, following the architectural style of Orthodox wooden churches. The church has decorative elements such as the Iconostasis and the golden dome. It is the only Russian Orthodox church in Spain and is financed through online donations or by transfer to its account. The church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area and has free daily visiting hours. In addition, it is important to remember the importance of respecting the Orthodox faith and culture in the Altea Orthodox Church.

The history of the Orthodox Church Altea

The beginnings of the construction of the church

The idea of building a Russian Orthodox church in Spain arose in the early 2000s, when the Russian Orthodox community began to grow in Spain. The construction of the church began in 2005 and lasted approximately two years.

Mikhail Botsko, the Russian benefactor

The church was financed by Russian businessman Mikhail Botsko, who settled in Spain in the 1990s. Botsko donated land in the Altea Hills development and financed the construction of the church with materials brought directly from Russia.

The inauguration of the church in 2007

The Russian Orthodox Church of Altea was inaugurated in 2007 as a replica of a 17th century Russian Orthodox church. The church has decorative elements such as the Iconostasis and the golden dome, typical features of Russian Orthodox churches. Since its inauguration, the church has become a popular tourist attraction in the area, being the first church built by the Russian Orthodox Church in Spain.

Architectural features of the Orthodox Church Altea

The golden dome

The golden dome is one of the most outstanding architectural elements of the Altea Orthodox Church. This dome, in the Byzantine tradition, is located in the highest part of the building and is covered with gold leaf. Inside the dome, there is an image of Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels. The dome is an important symbol for the Orthodox church, as it represents the presence of God in the church.

The Iconostasis

Another important element of the Altea Orthodox Church is the Iconostasis, a wall that separates the main nave of the church from the sanctuary. The Iconostasis is decorated with icons, religious paintings depicting saints and biblical events. The Iconostasis is more than a decorated wall, it is a symbol and a representation of the connection between the people and God. The idea was to introduce the faithful to their devotion and prayers.

The influence of orthodox wooden churches on the church of Altea

The Altea Orthodox Church was built in the architectural style of the wooden Orthodox churches found in Russia. In the architecture and decoration, the influence of these churches can be appreciated. Some wooden elements, such as the doors, roof and windows, are very representative. The result is a building of high architectural quality that represents an enormous beauty, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The Orthodox Church of Altea is an outstanding place in the religious and cultural architectural heritage of the region of Alicante - Spain.

Altea Orthodox Church as a tourist attraction

The Altea Orthodox Church is a popular tourist attraction in the urbanization of Altea Hills, Alicante. Located in a privileged natural environment, the church has an impressive architecture and a great historical and cultural load. This section will focus on explaining the most important aspects of the church as a tourist attraction.

Location of the church in Altea Hills, Alicante

The Altea Orthodox Church is located in the urbanization of Altea Hills, Alicante. This area is located on a hill that offers excellent panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Costa Blanca coastline. The location of the church in a privileged place makes it one of the main tourist attractions in the area.

Visiting hours and free admission

The church is open to visitors every day of the week. Visiting hours vary depending on the day of the week, but it is generally open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Access to the church is completely free of charge.

Other nearby tourist attractions

The Altea Orthodox Church is located near important tourist attractions in the area, such as Calpe, a coastal town with important beaches and shopping areas, and the impressive Peñón de Ifach, a natural park that offers spectacular panoramic views. It is also close to the city of Benidorm, known for its large number of tourists and leisure activities.

The Russian Orthodox community in Spain

The church of Altea as the first Russian Orthodox church in Spain

The Russian Orthodox Church of Altea is the first Russian Orthodox Church in Spain, whose community is spread in more than a dozen parishes throughout Spain. The church of Altea plays a fundamental role in the Russian Orthodox community in Spain, as it is a place of meeting and worship for the Russian Orthodox in the area and an important spiritual center.

Church financing and donations

The Russian Orthodox Church of Altea was financed by Mikhail Botsko, who provided the necessary funds for the construction of the church by purchasing materials that were imported from Russia. Currently, the church is funded primarily through online donations or by transfer to its bank account.

The role of the church of Altea in the Russian Orthodox community in Spain

The Russian Orthodox Church of Altea plays an important role in the Russian Orthodox community in Spain, as it is the main place of worship and meeting place for Russian Orthodox in the area. In addition to its religious functions, the Altea church also organizes cultural and social events for the Russian Orthodox community in Spain, such as lectures and presentations, Russian music concerts, and other activities that help promote Russian culture and identity in Spain.

The Orthodox faith and the Orthodox Church Altea

The Moscow Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church in Spain

The Russian Orthodox Church belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate, which is the most important Orthodox religious institution in Russia. The Altea Orthodox Church follows the teachings and practices of the Moscow Patriarchate, offering religious services in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Although the Russian Orthodox community in Spain is small, the church in Altea has been a meeting place for the community and has played an important role in maintaining the Orthodox faith in Spain.

Liturgy and sacraments in the Orthodox Church Altea

The church follows the Orthodox liturgical tradition, which is based on the veneration of saints and the use of icons in the liturgy. The liturgy is a sensory experience, involving choral singing, incense and the use of candles. The sacraments are an important part of the Orthodox liturgy and are seen as a way in which God communicates with his faithful. The church of Altea offers the sacraments of baptism, communion and anointing of the sick for the faithful who wish to receive them. The Altea Orthodox Church is an institution that plays an important role in the Russian Orthodox community in Spain, offering religious services following the Russian Orthodox tradition and playing an important role in the maintenance of the Orthodox faith in Spain. The church is a place where the faithful can find spiritual peace and the blessing of the priest.

Social and cultural actions of the Orthodox Church Altea

Rooms for lectures and events

The Altea Orthodox Church has several halls that are used for the organization of lectures, meetings and other social events. These spaces are equipped with the necessary facilities for the projection of presentations and the use of multiple audiovisual resources. The rooms are available for anyone interested in renting them at very affordable prices. The church also provides catering services for those who request it.

The choir of the Danilov Monastery in Moscow

One of the main cultural attractions of the Altea Orthodox Church is its choir, made up of a group of singers of great artistic quality. This choir originates from the Danilov Monastery in Moscow and is responsible for enlivening the religious ceremonies that take place in the church. The choir also offers concerts of sacred and traditional Russian music throughout the year, making it one of the most attractive cultural offerings in the area.

How to visit the Altea Orthodox Church

Address and visiting hours

The Altea Orthodox Church is located in the urbanization of Altea Hills, in the province of Alicante. The exact address is Calle Torre de la Galera, 11.
Visiting hours are daily and free of charge. The church opens its doors at 9 am and closes at 6 pm.

Tips for visitors

● The church is a place of worship so appropriate and respectful behavior is required.
It is recommended to dress modestly and avoid clothes that show too much of the body.
● It is advised to keep a moderate tone of voice and not to use flash when taking pictures, as it may disturb the worshippers.
● It is important not to interrupt the ceremony during worship hours.

The importance of respecting the Orthodox faith and culture in the Orthodox Church Altea

The Altea Orthodox Church is a sacred place of worship for the Russian Orthodox community, so it is very important to respect their faith and culture.
It is recommended to maintain a respectful attitude towards the faithful and the priest, avoiding interrupting religious ceremonies.
In addition, it is advised not to touch the ritual objects present in the church and not to photograph the faithful without their consent.

The Orthodox Church Altea is a unique opportunity to get to know closely the Orthodox culture and spirituality, as well as to enjoy one of the most impressive architectural jewels of the province of Alicante.

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