Masonic architecture. Symbolism in architecture

Real and fictitious signs of a secret brotherhood on the streets of the city.

Petersburg is considered the most Masonic city in Russia. The members of the order were secretly or openly the most influential people in the city who had a hand in its architecture. The All-Seeing Eye has been watching the townspeople and tourists for more than a century from the facades of various buildings in St. Petersburg. "Karpovka" looked where the symbols of "freemasons" are found in the city and whether the compasses and triangles of the mysterious order are so terrible.

Eye, compass, three angles

Four million people around the world call themselves Freemasons. Such a large-scale movement was born in the circle of freemasons or building artels in the Middle Ages. The creators of huge Gothic temples, which were erected for decades, involuntarily drew closer. The groups established a hierarchy, rules for accepting newcomers, their own rituals and ways to resolve disputes. By the 18th century, masons around the world had formed a closed society, which was accepted only by invitation and recommendation. Such secrecy frightened the rest of the world.

Modern Freemasons do not call themselves a "secret society", but a "society with secrets". Now Masons maintain their websites, invite to join their brotherhood, speak on the radio, write articles. The main activity of the society is charitable.

The most famous symbols of the brotherhood of freemasons are a triangular ruler, compasses and the All-Seeing Eye (it is also called the Radiant Delta). The compass and the triangle symbolize heaven and earth, respectively. The Great Builder of the Universe draws his plan in the sky, man works on the earth. The eye in the rays is a symbol of enlightenment, the eternal presence of the main Builder of the Masons. These and other symbols, reminiscent of the origin of society from masons, can be found throughout St. Petersburg.

Yelagin island

Freemasons spread in Russia under Catherine II. A prominent member of the society was Senator Ivan Yelagin. He held the honorary title of Grand Master in the Provincial Lodge of St. Petersburg.

Pavilion "Rotonda", or "Pavilion under the flag"

In front of the dignitary's palace on Elagin Island, a "philosophical garden" was laid out - a traditional place for Masons. It is believed that the members of the order gathered in the pavilion "Rotonda" ("Pavilion under the flag"). According to legend, when the famous mystic and sorcerer Count Cagliostro came to the park, it was in the rotunda that the ritual of initiation into Masons took place. To those who endure the course of initiation and repeat it in half a century, the count promised 5557 years of life.

During restoration in the 20th century, a large cellar with mysterious vessels was discovered under the pavilion, the purpose of which was never found out. The building is surrounded by larches - symbolic trees for the brotherhood. Allegedly, they grow at the meeting place of the four elements - water, air, fire and earth - and are ideal for magical ceremonies. In fact, the rotunda was built in 1824, and Ivan Yelagin died 30 years earlier.

Where to find: Yelagin island, 4, lit. N.

"Rotonda" on Gorokhovaya

Another rotunda of St. Petersburg for two centuries has acquired myths and superstitions. We are talking about an unusual front door of residential building 57 on Gorokhovaya Street. A spiral staircase winds around six free-standing columns in the center of the hall.

Rotunda before restoration

Fanatics call the "rotunda" the "Center of the Universe." It's all about the location of the house. There are six similar buildings in the city. It is believed that if you connect them with lines on the map, you get a Masonic pentagram, and the front one on Gorokhovaya - the support of a star. However, such assumptions are not supported by anything. If you connect the six most famous rotundas of the city on the map, the mysterious symbol will still not add up.

This house is connected with the Masons through Count Andrei Zubov, one of the tenants who belonged to a mysterious brotherhood. According to legend, the rites of initiation into Masons took place in the basement of the "rotunda". In the underground room there is a passage that leads to the neighboring courtyard. Now this tunnel is concreted, but its purpose has not been clarified. According to stories, one day the hatch to the basement cracked, and the cracks formed a pentagram. Fans of mysticism believe that in the 19th century, the Masons immured one of the traitors of the order there.

"Rotonda" before overhaul

The inhabitants and guests of the "rotunda" assure that the mystical atmosphere is still present in the unusual front door. She was not frightened even by major repairs and an entrance fee of 30 rubles for tourists. Here they tell about the citizens of St. Petersburg who have gone crazy, and about Satan, who allegedly can be seen at midnight. But perhaps the most mysterious is the staircase that leads to nowhere (or to another dimension, as you like). The span departs from the main "screw" and rests against the wall, in front of which there is a small platform. The meaning of the strange design is still unknown, which fuels the interest of the townspeople greedy for mysticism.

Where to find: Gorokhovaya street, 57.

Terem on the Moika

The two-story tower at 114 Moika Embankment was built by architect Viktor Schreter in 1890. The mansion with a tall tower was the home of a builder's family. At the same time, on the facade, under a small balcony, there is a Masonic compass and square.

Compasses and square under the balcony of the mansion

In fact, the architect was inspired by the buildings of ancient European cities, which is why the house turned out to be so different from the surrounding architecture. For Masonic attributes, there was also an explanation - the compass and the triangle symbolize not a secret society, but the profession of an architect. According to another version - the coat of arms of the St. Petersburg Society of Architects, the founder of which was Viktor Schreter.

Where to find: Embankment of the Moika River, 114.

Kazan Cathedral

The all-seeing Masonic eye adorns several facades of Orthodox churches in St. Petersburg. One of them looks at the city from the Kazan Cathedral. It would seem, what does the symbol of the mystical brotherhood have to do with the Orthodox cathedral. In fact, the eye in the triangle, surrounded by rays, in this case symbolizes the All-Seeing God, and not the Builder. An equilateral triangle symbolizes the trinity, and radiance - divine glory. Under Alexander I, this sign was used to decorate orders and medals after the war of 1812. This also explains the "Masonic Eye" on one of the reliefs of the Alexander Column.

Eye on the pediment of the Kazan Cathedral

Where to find: Kazanskaya square, 2.

Builders Church

Another eye looks from the wall of the Church of Macarius of Egypt at the Mining Institute on the 21st line of Vasilyevsky Island. But even here the connection with Freemasonry is only indirect. The appearance of the Eye as a symbol of the construction of an institute on the church, which has been graduating engineers since 1773, is quite justified.

Where to find: 21st line of Vasilyevsky Island, 2.

Stroganov Palace

The luxurious palace on the Moika embankment was built by the architect Rastrelli on the private order of chamberlain Sergei Stroganov. In the middle of the 18th century, a huge baroque building was erected in just six months. However, at the end of the century, most of the palace was destroyed by fire. The former serf of the Stroganovs, the architect Andrei Voronikhin, took up the reconstruction. It is believed that he was a member of the Masonic lodge. Those who deny the Christian origin of the symbol of the All-Seeing Eye believe that it was the former Stroganov serf who “set the eye on the Kazan Cathedral”. He also had a hand in its construction.

According to legend, the interiors of the palace were full of Masonic symbols. The architect was so carried away by his beloved brotherhood that even the front halls symbolized the ritual path of Masonic initiations, and numerous patterns included emblems of spiritual ascent.

In addition, Stroganov's son, Alexander Sergeevich, was not only the president of the Academy of Arts, but also a freemason. He often held meetings in the palace, in the Egyptian office. By the way, this room offers a wonderful view of the facade of the Kazan Cathedral. Today in the Stroganov Palace you can find a pomegranate flower or crossed keys - one of the many symbols of the mysterious brotherhood.

Where to find: Nevsky prospect, 17.

Ksenia Nesterova

Photo: citywalls.ru, commons.wikimedia.org

Georgetown and the city of Washington. ( Johnson's Georgetown and the city of Washington )

The island known today as Roosevelt Island (west of the White House in the middle of the Potomac) was called Masonic Island until the early 20th century. The island was originally owned by GeorgeMason(George Mason), who built a bridge across the Potomac from the side of Virginia. AtGeorge Masonhad a large house on the island, where he held receptions for his friends and guests. George Washington was a neighbor and very good friend of George Mason. Mason is the author of the Virginia Bill of Rights, which later became the American Bill of Rights, and was added as the first ten amendments to the US Constitution. There is some evidence that George Mason was also a Freemason, but this is not certain. Extending southwest to the Potomac, New Hampshire Avenue crosses the southern end of Mason Island. The 33rd Degree Scottish Rites Masonic Headquarters is the southern part of the point where New Hampshire Avenue crosses 16th Street, adjoining the northern part of the White House.

Shown in the figure are Massachusetts and Connecticut Avenues radiating from the upper left circle, Rhode Island and Vermont avenues radiating from the upper right circle, and the horizontal street is K Street. The White House is located at the top pentagrams .

In this drawing, Massachusetts Ave and 19th Street coming from the upper left circle, Rhode Island Avenue and 13th Street from the upper right circle, New York Avenue and 19th Street from the lower left square and Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th th street from the lower right square. The White House is located at the lowest point of intersection of two large triangles that form hexagram .

In the layout of Washington, the pentagram and hexagram are perfectly integrated with the White House.

In this figure, Washington's pentagram is inscribed in the correct hexagram. Each of the six lines that form the hexagram is three inches long and each of the short segments of the hexagram is respectively one inch long.

One can be thought of as the square root of one, and three as the square root of nine. The distance between adjacent outer points of the hexagram is 1.732 inches (AB, AC, BD, etc.) 1.732" is the square root of three. HD and all other segments consist of two short segments of the hexagram two inches long. The distance is NOT also two inches length. Two is the square root of four. The two diagonal lines of the pentagram (AE and BE) are 2.646" long. 2.646 is the square root of seven. The horizontal line of the pentagram (SD) is 3.464" long. 3.464 is the square root of 12.

The segment FH in the hexagram is divided into two parts at point G by the line AE of the pentagram. The proportion of FG:GH is 1:2. The proportions of the segments along the entire CB line are as follows:

CF:FG:GH:HB=3:1:2:3

The proportions of the line AE are divided in half by the lines of the hexagram and the pentagram, as follows:

AG:GJ:JE:=5:4:6

The proportions of the SD line are divided in half by the lines of the hexagram and pentagram as follows:

CI:IJ:JK:KL:LD=5:3:4:3:5

In this diagram, the points J and K, from the diagram above, are the centers of the circles, and the segment JK is the radius of the two circles that form this figure, which is exactly given by the four diagonal lines of the hexagram.

The point of intersection of these two circles (M) and the two points of intersection of the hexagram (schematically shown below), (N and O) form a triangle with angular values ​​almost identical to those of the angles Great Pyramid in Giza.

In this diagram, Washington's hexagram is inscribed exactly in the correct pentagram. All five lines that form the pentagram are 1.618 inches long. The distance between all adjacent outer points of the pentagram and all adjacent outer points of the hexagram is one inch, φ is a ratio of 1.618 to one.

All lines of the pentagram are divided into three segments by other lines of the pentagram. Each line is divided as follows:

.618:. 372:.618 .618/.372 = 1.618 .618 +.372 = 1

1/.618 also equals 1.618

The length of the vertical lines in the hexagram is 1.902 inches, they are separated by intersecting diagonal lines as follows:
.7265:. 449:.7265 ♦ .7265/.449 = 1.618 ♦ .7265 +.449 = 1.1755 ♦ 1.1755/.7265 also equal 1.618 .

For two isosceles triangles forming a hexagram, the angle at the top is 72 °, and the angles at the base are 54 °. Bisection of these isosceles triangles by the horizontal line of the pentagram forms right-angled triangles with angles equal to36° - 54° - 90°. This particular right triangle, with an aspect ratio of 3:4:5. was an important geometric figure known as mr triangle in ancient Egypt.

As shown in the diagram above, all six outer points are exactly inscribed in the intersection of the circles from the previous construction.

The pentagram and hexagram are also combined in the Great Seal of the United States, featured on the back of the $1 bill.

The traditional explanation of 13 stars is the same as 13 arrows, and 13 leaves, and berries on an olive branch, a representation of the 13 original states, but the arrangement of 13 five-pointed stars form a hexagram.

The truncated pyramid below eye level on the reverse side of the great seal also consists of 13 pieces of masonry. A 13 step truncated pyramid is also on top of the Masonic Headquarters on 16th Street in Washington.

The boundaries of the District of Columbia, founded by George Washington in 1791, formed a ten-mile-long square centered on the site originally proposed for the Washington Monument. The east-west diagonal of the Plaza also crosses the Capitol building from north to south, the diagonal also crosses the White House as well as the Masonic headquarters.

The lengths of the north-south and east-west diagonals are ten miles square root of two, or 14.142 miles. This distance is converted to 43,455 ancient Egyptian royal cubits (the Egyptian "royal cubit" was equal to 0.525 m), just like the ratio of magnitudes between the Great Pyramid and the dimensions of the earth. The height of the Great Pyramid is 481.13 feet, divided by 5280 feet (1 mile) equals 0.0911231 miles. The mean radius of the earth is 3,960 miles divided by 0.0911231 equals 43,457. The perimeter of the Great Pyramid is 3023 feet divided by 5280 equals 0.5725 miles. The average circumference of the earth is 24,880 miles divided by 5725 = 43,458. 3960 miles (the radius of the earth) divided by 14.142 miles = 280 (the number of cubits in the height of the Great Pyramid). 24,880 miles (circumference of the earth) divided by 14,142 miles = 1,760 (number of cubits in the perimeter of the Great Pyramid).

Converting the radius and circumference of the earth to cubits produces the same results:

3 960 miles it 20 908 800 feet divided by 1.718 = 12 170 430 (earth radius in ancient Egyptian cubits)

12 170 430 cubits of earth radius divided by 43 455 280 cubits height of the Great Pyramid.

24 880 miles it 131 366 400 feet divided by 1.718 = 76 464 726 (circumference of the Earth in ancient Egyptian cubits)

76 464 726 cubits of the circumference of the earth divided by 43 455 Washington District Diagonal Cubits = 1 760 cubits of the perimeter of the Great Pyramid.

Although the United States has resisted the metric system since its use, a grid plotted in quantitative directions in multiples of 300 meters with lengths in units of 900, 1200, and 1800 meters provides a simple and accurate clue to the location of major buildings and monuments. in the city, the slopes of the angles and the distances of the diagonal avenues.

From north to south, the distance of zones 1-6 is 900 meters each. The east-west distance of zone A is 1800 meters. Distance east - west zones B, C and D - 1200 meters each.

The Lincoln Memorial is located 3,600 meters west of the Capitol Building. Jefferson Memorial - 1800 meters south of the White House (half the distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building). The White House is 900 meters north of the east-west axis of the Capitol building. Jefferson Memorial - 900 meters south of the capitol building's east-west axis. The Capitol Building is 2,400 meters east of the north-south axis of the White House. The Lincoln Memorial is 1200 meters west of the north-south axis of the White House. The original city plan called for the Washington Monument to be located at the intersection between the north and south axes of the White House and the east and west axes of the Capitol building. Later it turned out that the foundation at this location was not stable enough to support the weight of the monument and it was eventually moved east and slightly south of its original intended location.

The High Council of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is located 1800 meters north of the White House. Masonic Headquarters - 3600 meters north of the Jefferson Memorial, the same as the distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building.

The Kennedy Memorial is located 5400 meters south of the National Cathedral. The Kennedy Memorial is also 5,400 meters west of the Capitol building.

From the White House to the Capitol Building, Pennsylvania Avenue runs 2,400 meters east and 900 meters south. This 24/9 tilt shortens to 8/3, forming an angle of 20.556 degrees to the southeast.

Massachusetts Avenue runs from Dupont Circle in the center of Zone 3B to the southeast corner of Zone 4D, or 3,000 meters east and 1,350 meters south. This slope is 20/9, forming an angle of 24.228 degrees to the southeast. Rhode Island Avenue has the same slope and the same angle southwest and northeast of Logan Circle in the center of Zone 3C.

The City Museum is located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and the eastern boundary of Area C. From the center of Area 3B to the eastern boundary of Area C, Massachusetts Avenue runs 1,800 meters east. This slope, 20/9, moves Massachusetts Avenue 810 meters south of the center of zone 3B to the eastern boundary of zone C. Since the center of zone 3B is 450 meters north of the southern boundary of zone 3, the City Museum is 360 meters south of the northern border of zone 4 (450 + from 360 to 810). New York Avenue runs from the White House to the City Museum, or 1200 meters east and 540 meters north (900 - 360 to 540). This slope of 1200/540 also shortens to 20/9, making the same angle of 24.228 degrees to the northeast. The western part of the City Museum, Washington Circle, is 1200 meters west and 540 meters north of the White House, forming the same slope of 20/9 and the same angle of 24.228 degrees NW for Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to Washington circle.

Dupont Circle is 600 meters west and 1350 meters north of the White House. Logan Circle - 600 meters east and 1350 meters north of the White House. In both cases, the slope is 1350/600 or 9/4, forming an angle of 66.04 degrees northwest for Connecticut Avenue from the White House to Dupont Circle and 66.04 degrees northeast for Vermont Avenue from the White House to Logan Circle.

Washington Circle is 810 meters south and 600 meters west of Dupont Circle. It decreases at a slope of 9/6.66, forming an angle of 53.47 degrees to the northeast for New Hampshire Avenue, from Washington Circle to Dupont Circle.

The axis of the Memorial Bridge and Memorial Avenue extends from the Lincoln Memorial at the northeast corner of area 6A to the Kennedy Memorial at the southwest corner of area 6A, or 1800 meters west and 900 meters south, with a slope of 2/1, forming an angle of 26.565 degrees southwest. At the southwestern end of Memorial Avenue is the Monument to Women - Warriors. Extending southwest from Washington Circle, New Hampshire Avenue crosses the center of the Women's Warriors Monument at the southwest end of Memorial Avenue.

Washington, as well as most of its buildings and monuments, are oriented north-south, west-east. On this map of Washington, east is up, and the star chart shows the constellation Orion rising in the east over Washington, just as it has done every day for the past two hundred years. Orion's belt points to Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. While Orion is rising and low on the eastern horizon, Orion's belt is vertical, pointing to Sirius below. In the diagram, Sirius is the brightest star below Orion, near the top of the map of Washington. The brightest star above Orion is Aldebran, an alpha star in the constellation of Taurus.

The axis of the ancient Egyptian temple of Isis at Dendera is oriented towards the ascending point of Sirius on the eastern horizon. The pre-dawn rising of this star was considered the time of magic. Giant temples were built in such a way that the main portal was oriented to the point of the horizon, where once a year, on the expected morning, Sirius appeared. More than 200 years ago, when Pennsylvania Avenue was designed, the corner of that street from the White House to the Capitol building pointed to the rising point of Sirius at the latitude of Washington. Looking southeast down Pennsylvania Avenue, Sirius rises directly above the Capitol building. Looking higher into the sky, Orion is above Sirius and above the Capitol building from the Pennsylvania Avenue vantage point, while Sirius rises above the horizon.

The picture shows the sunshownbelow the horizon on the left side of the chart. Due to the rotation of the earth around the sun, each day, relative to the fixed stars, the sun rises a little later. Simultaneously with Sirius, the Sun rises at the latitude of Washington, only on August 15th. This is known as the heliocal rising of Sirius. Before this time of year the sun is either higher or too close to the horizon of the rising visible stars. The ancient Egyptians based their calendar on the heliocal rising of Sirius, which signaled the start of the annual Nile flood. Christians celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15, linking the Assumption to the first appearance of Sirius (Isis) in the sky just before dawn.

The star-spangled headdress on the statue and on top of the Capitol dome suggests star symbolism consistent with the direction of Pennsylvania Avenue, aimed at the rising point of Sirius above the Capitol building. The photo shows the updated statue, after restoration in 1993.

Orion has also determined west at the latitude of Washington, for the past two hundred years. From the vantage point of the Capitol Building, Orion is right behind the Washington Monument. Located in the west, Orion's belt is horizontal and indicates the position of Sirius in the southwest. From the vantage point on the Capitol Building, Sirius is positioned over the Potomac River, aiming at Maryland Avenue. From the vantage point on the Capitol building, Aldebaran is located above the White House, pointing towards Pennsylvania Avenue.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT

While France and England were debating whether the prime meridian should pass through London or Paris, Thomas Jefferson argued that the prime meridian should pass through Washington, D.C., namely the north-south axis of the White House. The Jefferson Memorial is on this same axis, south of the White House. The Masonic Temple and Meridian Park are on this same axis north of the White House.

The Lincoln Memorial is to the west of the Capitol and the Jefferson Memorial is to the south of the White House. The distance from the White House to the east-west axis of the Capitol is the same as the distance from the Jefferson Memorial to the east-west axis of the Capitol. The distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol is twice the distance from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial. The distance from the Capitol to the north-south axis of the White House is twice the distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the north-south axis of the White House.

View of the monument from the southwest, if you stand facing the northeast.

Initially, the Washington Monument was planned to be erected at the intersection of the east-west axes of the Capitol and the north-south axis of the White House, but when construction began, it was determined that the foundation in that place was not strong enough for the weight of the monument and the location was moved slightly to the east.

Western facade of the Monument.
Inside the monument, behind the bas-relief of Washington, there is an elevator. Above the bas-relief is a sculptural image of an ancient Egyptian winged disk.

This statue of Washington is located above the elevator.

The viewing windows at the top of the Monument are oriented in the main directions.

East view of the Capitol. The Library of Congress is behind the Capitol on the right. The Supreme Court building is behind the Capitol on the left.

Looking west, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background and the new World War II memorial in the foreground.

South view of the Jefferson Memorial.

North view of the White House (Ellipse in the foreground).

The sides and height of the Monument have quantitative ratios. At ground level, the length of a side is 55.5 feet (666 inches) and the height of the Monument is 555.5 feet. The ten to one ratio between side length and height was modeled after ancient Egyptian obelisks, which have the same ratio. The 555.5-foot height of the Monument can be converted to 6666 inches.

Given a length of 20.6 inches for an ancient Egyptian cubit, the Monument is 323.6 cubits: 6666 divided by 20.6 = 323.6. 323.6 divided by φ (1.618) equals 200.

The height of the Monument is equal to 200 ancient Egyptian cubits φ. Given that the ancient Egyptian cubit consisted of one and a half ancient Egyptian feet: The height of the Monument is 300 ancient Egyptian feet φ.
GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC MEMORIAL

The George Washington Masonic Memorial was created from descriptions of an Egyptian lighthouse in ancient Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The memorial is located on the other side of the Potomac, but also in Alexandria - a suburb of Washington, Virginia, just inside the border of the diagonal square that originally marked the territory of Washington, DC. The memorial is at the end of King's Street, which ends at the Potomac. Royal Street - the main street of Alexandria. Nearby is an Amtrak station and a subway station that crosses King Street just east of the memorial.

This picture was taken from the subway station platform facing west.

This picture was taken from the metro station after dark.

This picture was taken right in front of the memorial:

This photo was taken from the outside of the front columns and shows the glass doors and windows at the memorial's main entrance. The picture above and the next three below were taken just after 9:00 am on October 11, 2003. The sun is slightly south of center and casts sunlight a little north of center.

This shot was taken through the glass doors, pointing west again (Washington faces east). The statue is located at the end of the pillared hall behind the front doors and windows. Direct sunlight hits one of the pillars on the north side of the hall. At the time of the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun shines directly on the statue.

And these are the Masonic regalia worn by Washington.

Everyone knows a little bit about the secret Masonic world organization. The origins of Freemasonry can be found as early as the 16th century. Freemasonry symbols represent the tools of a mason. Members of the society call themselves "freemasons". Many famous people were members of Masonic lodges. It is interesting to trace where in Moscow secret signs are left on the facades or in the interior of houses. Freemason signs:. compasses, hammer, hatchet, ruler, plumb line, five- and six-pointed stars, a triangle with an all-seeing eye

On the bas-relief of house number 11 in Gagarinsky Lane, you can clearly see a number of symbols inherent in the secret lodge - standard for Masonic symbols - a square, an ax and a spatula.

Triangle with the all-seeing eye of the Lizard in the Georgievsky Hall of the Kremlin

Pushkin Museum ((12/2 Prechistenka St.). You can clearly see three circles, both on the side of the building and above the main entrance. In the center is the image of Dionysus. This is a symbol of the trinity, also accepted in the Masonic lodge.

Donskoy Monastery (Shabolovka). In the cemetery at the monastery you can find the famous tombstones of Masons of the late 18-19. The monument usually depicts a tree with chopped off branches or a stump. Maybe a stylized cross resembling such a tree.

Manor Tsaritsyno. The architect Bazhenov, who was a member of the Masonic lodge, left on his creation a lot of mysterious signs that can be attributed to the designation of the possessions of one of the freemasons)) In Europe there was only one Masonic lodge that accepted women as its members. The symbol of this lodge was a lying pug. The design of the Grape Gates in the Tsaritsyno estate used to boast of ceramic figures of these lovely animals, but, unfortunately, they are no longer there. But, here, a vignette depicting a compass with a vine can still be seen. In Tsaritsyno, in general, there are a lot of such finds.

This is a fragment of the monument to those who died in the 1st World War on the territory of the old fraternal cemetery on the Falcon.

Unexpectedly: a very clear Masonic symbol on the Sklifossovsky Institute

Church "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (Bolshaya Ordynka, 20). In the presence of hexagonal stars, and angels with "not such" faces, columns of Jerusalem at the entrance and even a canopy, symbolizing the box of the Great Master, in place of the iconostasis. This church is the creation of the same architect V. Bazhenov.

Menshikov Tower on Chistye Prudy. During the course of the restoration, almost all the signs of the Masons were destroyed. Only at the entrance two columns of Jerusalem and very strange angels holding a book have been preserved.

English club (Tverskaya, 21). Now here is the Museum of the Revolution, but originally this building belonged to a certain Kheraskov, a well-known figure in the Masonic lodge of the 18th century. Meetings were held here, and the architecture is simply saturated with the spirit of the Masons. On the facades, one can also see the already familiar symbols of the trinity and silent lions, symbolizing the closeness and mystery of those initiated into membership.

Yushkov House (Myasnitskaya, 21), whose architect was again Bazhenov. The building is filled with appropriate symbols, the house itself resembles the shape of the Horn of Plenty - also one of the most significant Masonic symbols.

St. Basil's Cathedral. The Red Square. The decoration of the temple inside is filled with Masonic symbols - six-pointed stars.

Moscow University on Mokhovaya. You can see a lot of six-pointed stars on the facade.

In conclusion of this incompletely disclosed topic: every Muscovite and even not very Muscovite can, without knowing it, be the owner of the sign of the Masons. Rummage through the bins, maybe you will find, here it is:

Pay attention to the lower part of the picture on the left. This is nothing more than a sign of freemasons with an all-seeing eye in divergent rays. Smokers are alive)))

And in the end, entertaining little things for the general development.

Big brother is watching us

City of "free masons": Masonic symbols in the architecture of Moscow. Freemasonry has always been closely associated with architecture. It is no coincidence that members of the lodge called God the Great Architect or Architect of the universe, and among the main symbols were compasses, trowel and plumb line. In itself, the process of building a building could refer to the creation of a new, more perfect society. In many ways, therefore, the secret society revealed its philosophy to the world mainly through architecture. Of course, the attribution of one or another architectural element to Masonic symbolism immediately raises questions - one can see paranoia or confidence in the existence of a world behind the scenes in this. However, Freemasonry can be an opportunity and simply rediscover a familiar city as a place full of ancient mysteries and secret societies. 1. Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" There have never been real Masonic churches in Russia, unlike America. At the same time, during the construction of Orthodox churches, Masonic architects often left messages “for their own”. The Church of Sorrow was built at once by two architects, members of the lodge, Bazhenov and Beauvais. Among the decorative elements that can be interpreted as Masonic is a portico with two columns, referring to the columns of the Jerusalem Temple - Yakin and Boaz. In addition, the temple has a very unusual iconostasis - just one row of icons, over which hangs a canopy, which designates a place for the chair of the lodge president among the Masons. Address: st. Bolshaya Ordynka, 20 2. Moscow University on Mokhovaya The founders of the university were M. V. Lomonosov and I. I. Shuvalov. Lomonosov was not a Freemason, but apparently he sympathized with them and had many friends in these circles. The building of the old Moscow University on Mokhovaya is replete with Masonic themes. It is impossible not to notice the numerous six-pointed stars on the facade. And the very concept of the university, as a forge of enlightened people, united by the search for "inner light", was quite consistent with the Masonic ideology. Address: st. Mokhovaya, 11 3. English Club Now the Museum of the Revolution is located here, and few people know that this building originally belonged to M. M. Kheraskov, one of the most famous and active Freemasons of the 18th century. Therefore, it is natural that meetings of the Masonic lodge were held here, and the architecture of the building itself is literally saturated with Masonic symbols. The building is one of the few that survived after the great fire in 1812. Here was the English Club, where only men gathered. Women were barred from entering, except perhaps a few times a year at big balls. Address: Tverskaya, 21 4. The Sklifosovsky Institute "Hospital House" of Count Sheremetev was built according to the project of Giacomo Quarenghi and opened in 1810. It was built not only as a charitable institution, but also as a monument to the deceased wife of the count - the former serf Praskovya Zhemchugova. On the pediment of the building, one of the most important Masonic symbols is a radiant delta, a triangle, inside of which is placed the sign of the all-seeing eye. The eye symbolizes the constant attention of the Creator; the rays emanating from the delta are a sign of the eternal radiance of wisdom. Address: Bolshaya Sukharevskaya Square, 3 5. Yushkov's House The last building erected by Bazhenov has an unusual layout, reminiscent of a cornucopia, an important Masonic symbol. In this place meetings were held and the rites of the lodge were performed. The house is also famous for the fact that another freemason, the publisher Novikov, has equipped a public reading room in it, open to all people, regardless of origin. Now the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture is located here. Address: st. Myasnitskaya, 21 6. Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in Gagarinsky Lane No, the first Soviet cosmonaut had nothing to do with it at all, and this lane is named after Prince Gagarin, a famous Freemason, the founder of the Orel lodge. At first glance, the building is like a building, but if you look closely, you can see very unusual shells with pearls above 1, 3, 5 windows (it seems that Masons call this “search for truth”), and under the roof there is a completely standard Masonic symbols of the bas-relief - a square, an ax and a spatula. Address: 11 Gagarinsky Lane 7. Menshikov Tower (Church of the Archangel Gabriel) Erected in the 17th century, the church was rebuilt by Freemason Gavriil Izmailov in 1773 and was used for meetings of the nearby Masonic Pedagogical Seminary. However, in 1852, by order of Metropolitan Filaret, numerous symbols of the lodge on the church were knocked down. The figures holding empty scrolls above the southern entrance remained as a memory - apparently, objectionable inscriptions were erased from them instead of being completely destroyed. Address: Arkhangelsky per., 15-a 8. Necropolis of the Donskoy Monastery Unlike the residential areas of Moscow, the distribution of Masonic symbols in the cemetery, of course, no one controlled. While the city was changing and rebuilding, the old Donskoy cemetery retained its ancient appearance, an integral part of which are Masonic graves. Members of the lodge can be recognized by gravestones in the form of chopped wood or images of the radiant delta on the graves. Address: Donskaya Square, 1 9. Central House of Writers Restaurant On Povarskaya Street there is a real castle in the romantic Art Nouveau style. The house was built by the architect Peter Boitsov for Prince V.V. Svyatopolk-Chetvertinsky. Further, the mansion is acquired by Countess A.A. Olsufieva, whose husband was a famous Freemason, who lived here until 1917. Before the revolution, meetings of Freemasons were often held here. After the revolution, this castle was transferred to the Writers' Union. It was this house that was the prototype of the massolite in M. Bulgakov's novel The Master and Margarita. In 1995, the Grand Lodge of Russia was registered in this building. Until 2000, it was almost impossible to get into the house from outside, the entrance was only through the writer's books. Today, almost everyone can get inside by booking a table in the CDL restaurant in advance. Address: st. Povarskaya, 50 10. The building of the insurance company "Russia" The building of the insurance company of Russia on Sretensky Boulevard is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments. The house was unique for its time: there were only 146 apartments in it, with an area of ​​​​about 400 to 600 meters; own system of water supply, heating. Outside, the building is decorated with numerous images of wonderful animals, and a huge salamander hid under one of the balconies. The columns that frame the windows were formerly painted white and black ("Yakhin and Boaz"). Under the very roof of the building, you can see the figurine of an elephant - a symbol of Christ's victory over death. Address: Sretensky Boulevard, 6/1

Are you attracted to everything unusual and mysterious?

Then this story is for you, because it is difficult to imagine a more mysterious and mysterious direction than Freemasonry. There is a lot of information about Masons, but it is fragmented and contradictory. It's as if someone is deliberately obfuscating their tracks!
Recently, I went on an excursion "Signs of Freemasons" in Moscow of the "Exit to the City" project. There are many traces of mysterious freemasons in Moscow, you just need to know where to look and be able to read these signs. Together with the guide Victoria Shenogina, we looked for the secret signs of the Masons and tried to unravel their meaning.

The tour "In the footsteps of freemasons" is quite voluminous both in time and in terms of information saturation. Before I talk about our route, we still need to figure out who the Masons are and why they left signs on the buildings. I want to emphasize that all the information presented in this note can be both fiction and the truth. That's why they are "Secret Societies".

About Freemasonry

Freemasonry (or Franco-Masonry) is a philosophical movement that originated, as is commonly believed, in England in the 18th century. The name "mason" or "freemason" comes from the French franc-ma?on, the literal translation is a freemason. It is important to emphasize that Freemasonry is not a religion, it is an association of people who are fond of the highest ideas of self-development. In addition, Freemasons are known for their many secret rituals and special rules of behavior in the Lodge. Administratively, all Masons in the world are united in Lodges.
Historically, only free men who have reached the age of 21, healthy and independent have been admitted to Masons. Genuine piety was a requirement.
There were three main stages (degrees) of development in Freemasonry: apprentice, journeyman and master.
Freemasons can be divided into operational (non-building professions) and speculative (builders and architects).

Origins of Freemasonry

There are several legends about the origin of Freemasonry. The most common tells of the architect Hiram, who was commissioned by King Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem. The architect divided the workers into three classes, and in order to identify each other, a system of signs and touches was introduced.
According to another version, Freemasonry in the East is nothing but the heritage of the scientists and priests of Chaldea, India and Egypt.
The third legend takes us back to the time of the Order of the Templars (Templars), which eventually fell into heresy and was defeated by the French King Philip. Further, the Order went into underground and secret activities.
The concept of "freemasons" was widely used in the Middle Ages in Europe, as these builders could easily move from city to city. But the rest of the artisans were tightly tied to their guild and city.

Masonic signs

Masonic symbols mainly reflect the construction theme: a square, a hammer, an hatchet. In addition, Masons also collected more ancient signs, such as the six-pointed and five-pointed stars, the all-seeing eye, endowing them with their secret meanings.
Architects left these secret signs on buildings, sometimes unsuspecting owners, thus conveying messages to other Freemasons. Therefore, when you see something resembling Masonic symbols on a building, you need to study who was the architect and who was the owner of this house.

So, the main Masonic symbols:

The radiant delta is one of the most ancient symbols, in Christianity the sign of the "all-seeing eye". This symbol has appeared on images since ancient Egypt. For Freemasons, the sign reminds of the all-pervading divine gaze, of the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe (God) in all the deeds of Freemasons
Two columns (Yakhin and Boaz) - "affirmed by power" and "affirmed by God." Two copper or brass pillars that stood in the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem
Three rings - the trinity of religions (Judaism, Christianity, antiquity)
The circle is a symbol of eternity
The shell and pearls are symbols of self-development, each person, like a grain of sand, must grow a pearl out of himself;
Freemason's apron - an attribute of belonging to Freemasonry
Ruler and plumb line - equality of estates
Compasses - a symbol of the public
Wild stone - rough morality, chaos
Acacia branch - immortality
Coffin, skull, bones - contempt for death, sadness about the disappearance of truth
The sword is a punishing law
Salamander - ancient alchemical symbol
Chimeras are a pipe dream to strive for

Masonic Temples

In pre-revolutionary Russia there were real Masonic temples. One of them was located next to the Baltschug Hotel (there is a sign on the building that says “Construction Company”). Today there are Masonic temples in the Savelovsky railway station area and in the Arbat area.
In America and England, you can find Masonic temples, they can be recognized by compasses and an open book on the pediment of the building. The Masonic temple consists of three rooms: 1 - room of reflection (no inscriptions, decorations), there is always a skull; 2- vestibule chamber; 3 meeting room.

Masons in Russia

It is generally accepted that Freemasonry was brought to Russia by Peter I. Someone believes that he was the first Russian Freemason, but this is a moot point. Also, some connoisseurs of Freemasonry believe that even before Peter the Great, the creator of the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin, Aristotle Fierovanti, was a Freemason and left three huge shells on the famous cathedral.
Freemasonry reached its true dawn in Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries. The poet Chaadaev, a friend of Pushkin, Vyazemsky, is considered a freemason. Yes, and the greatest poet is also often ranked among the Masons. A good half of the Decembrists were Freemasons.
At present, according to various sources, there are from 1,500 to 2,000 thousand Freemasons in Russia. The two largest lodges are the Grand Lodge of Russia (V.L.R.) and the United Lodge of Russia (O.V.L.R.). In addition, there are women's Masonic lodges: Cassiopeia and Ursa Major.

Route through places associated with Freemasonry

Places associated with Masons are scattered throughout Moscow. Therefore, without transport, it is difficult to make this trip.

1. The building of the former English club (now the Museum)
2. Mansion in Gagarinsky Lane
3. Restaurant CDL "Central House of Writers"
4. Church of St. Pimen the Great (Life-Giving Trinity) in Novye Vorotniki
5. House of the insurance company "Russia"
6. Menshikov Tower (Church of the Archangel Gabriel)
7. Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Serebryaniki
8. Donskoy cemetery
9. Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow"

The building of the former English Club (now the Museum of Modern History)

Address: metro station Tverskaya, Tverskaya st., 21
on the left side of the central colonnade you can see a window framed by two columns (Joachin and Boaz), Chimeras on the gate and on the building itself, a triune wreath, lions with human faces, lions with rings in their teeth (“lions of silence”)

The building is one of the few that survived after the great fire in 1812. In 1826 it was rebuilt. The building housed the English Club, where only men gathered. Women were ordered to enter, except perhaps a few times a year at big balls. It is very difficult to draw a line between those who still gathered in an English club.
A lot of interesting details have been preserved in this house: there are several paintings depicting Masons, fragments of a Masonic apron can be seen on the walls. It is worth paying attention to a small rectangular room, without windows. In the details of the interiors, you can see a rope that encircles one of the rooms. Such symbolism among the Masons meant that all Masons were connected by a single thread. The second meaning - if you once got into this circle, then it will be difficult to get out of it.

Gagarin's mansion

Address: m. Kropotkinskaya Gagarinsky lane, 11
What to look for on the facade: shining delta, construction tools (triangle, spatula, hammer), shells with pearls, two sticks in a circle, chimeras.

The house was built by the civil architect Paleev, then Prince Gagarinsky buys this house for himself and his family. In 1817, the house was rebuilt, but when exactly the signs appeared here: under Paleev or during the restructuring is unknown. According to our guide, in 2011 the Department of Culture held a press show of this building. The building has preserved a chess mosaic floor - also one of the signs of Masonic affiliation.

Restaurant CDL "Central House of Writers"

Address: m. Barrikadnaya, st. Povarskaya, d.50
There are no Masonic symbols on the facade.

On Povarskaya Street there is a real castle in the Art Nouveau style of a romantic direction. The house was built by the architect Peter Boitsov for Prince V.V. Svyatopolk-Chetvertinsky. Further, the mansion is acquired by Countess A.A. Olsufieva, whose husband was a famous Freemason, who lived here until 1917. Before the revolution, meetings of Freemasons were often held here. After the revolution (1928) this castle was transferred to the Union of Writers. It was this house that was the prototype of the massolite in M. Bulgakov's novel The Master and Margarita. In 1995, the Grand Lodge of Russia was registered in this building. Until 2000, it was almost impossible to get into the house from outside, the entrance was only through the writer's books. Today, almost everyone can get inside by booking a table in advance at the CDL restaurant (Central House of Writers).
Thanks to the charm of our guide, as well as the fact that there were no visitors in the restaurant during the day, we were allowed to go inside and see the chic interiors. The history of the house was told to us by the Metro-Hotel himself (there is no way to call this impressive man in a tuxedo a cloakroom attendant). Inside, the house strikes the most daring imagination: in the central hall with an old wooden staircase, the beauty is simply breathtaking. The secret smoking room and the hall are also interesting. In general, I highly recommend visiting this miracle restaurant, where time seems to have stopped. By the way, if you agree with the waiters, they will show all the Masonic signs that have been preserved in the interior.

Temple of St. Pimen the Great (Life-Giving Trinity) in Novye Vorotniki

Address: Metro station Mendeleevskaya, Novovorotnikovsky per., 3
What to look for on the facade: icon "Blessed Sky" (in front of the entrance on the left side).

What to look for inside: an acacia branch above the main iconostasis, the “Blessed Sky” icon above the iconostasis, the plafond of the central hall is decorated in the spirit of Freemasonry (seraphim and the starry sky), an icon on glass (changes the image from three points of view), towels along the perimeter of the temple (under the icons).
This temple was a real discovery for me, because I drove past it so often and did not even suspect what was hiding inside. The interior decoration is not similar to any of the temples known to me - the interiors were designed according to the sketches of the architect Shekhtel. A very unusual color scheme for the temple - it is decorated in green tones. All in all, I highly recommend visiting.

The building of the insurance company "Russia"

Address: m. Chistye Prudy, Sretensky Boulevard, 6/1
What to look for on the facade: a figure of a freemason in an apron, bats under the balcony, two columns next to the window, a salamander under the balcony (to see it you need to enter the courtyard with a wrought iron gate).

The house of the insurance company of Russia on Sretensky Boulevard is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments. The famous architect La Courboisier said that you can demolish the entire historical center of Moscow, but be sure to leave this particular building. The house was unique for its time: there were only 146 apartments in it, with an area of ​​​​about 400 to 600 meters; own system of water supply, heating. The first residents of the house were cultural figures, then the military. In Soviet times, there were numerous communal apartments here.
Outside, the house is decorated with numerous images of wonderful animals, and a huge salamander hid under one of the balconies. I would like to note that before the house was red. The columns that frame the windows were painted white and black ("Yakhin and Boaz"). Under the very roof of the building, you can see the figurine of an elephant - a symbol of Christ's victory over death.

Menshikov Tower (Church of the Archangel Gabriel)

Address: m. Chistye Prudy, Arkhangelsky pereulok, 15a
What to look for on the facade: cherubs holding an open book in their hands.

What to look for inside: in the first row of the iconostasis, on the extreme icon on the left, you can see the sign of the radiant delta; when leaving the temple, on both sides of the door, you can see the apostles Peter and Paul standing near two columns (possibly Jochin and Boaz).
The Church of the Archangel Gabriel was built for Prince Menshikov and was located not far from the Menshikov Palace. The creation of the original temple is associated with a mystical story. Allegedly, Menshikov, wanting to become famous once again, built a tower that was three meters high of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Kremlin, which could not be categorically done. This led to many rumors, they say the temple will not stand for long. And on one sunny day, lightning came out of nowhere and struck the spire. The spire caught fire and at one moment all the bells from the bell tower fell and crushed a huge number of people under their weight.
The old temple was covered in Masonic symbols, but Metropolitan Fillaret ordered to get rid of it. So now. Apart from the unusual decorations of the tower, angels holding an open book, no symbols have been preserved.

Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Serebryaniki

address: m. Kitay-Gorod, Serebryanichesky lane, building 1a
What to look for on the facade: radiant delta.

Here the route of our excursion ended, where we asked our guide a question for a long time.
In Moscow, there are a number of objects that, due to time constraints, were not included in our tour.

Don Cemetery

Address: M. Shabolovskaya
We did not visit the Donskoy Cemetery as part of this excursion. But it is here that a huge number of Freemasons are buried, including Uncle A.S. Pushkin. We will devote a separate story to this unique place.

Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow"

Address: m. Novokuznetskaya, st. Bolshaya Ordynka, 20
This is a unique temple, where a huge number of Masonic signs on the floor have been preserved, as well as a strange canopy (reminiscent of the master's canopy in the Masonic temple).

The entire route on the map of Moscow

View Masonic signs in Moscow on a larger map

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