Analysis of the architectural environment of religious buildings in the Tambov province of the early 18th to the early 20th century

The objective of this research is to identify a series of stylistic features of the provincial architecture of religious buildings in the Tambov province, which are formed through the synthesis of Western European art and the historical conditions during the Synodal period in Russia. In the article, the authors describe the design of the spatial environment and its emergence within various stylistic directions of existing and lost sacred structures through historical and social factors, which are integral to the assessment of architectural solutions. The study of the chronology of the construction and transformation of religious objects in the region enables the tracing of the evolution of architectural styles and technological innovations, as well as the establishment of correlational links between architectural changes and the ideological-artistic programs that were present in the region’s life, thus defining the scientific novelty of the study. Based on the findings, the authors conclude that the cultural and spiritual aspirations of society were reflected in the prevailing stylistic trends and transformations in church construction, not only in the capitals but also in the provincial cities of Russia.