Cult caves building on the territory of European Russia

The paper deals with cult caves building on the territory of European Russia. The author draws attention to the fact that the process primarily depended on the nature of rock formation where the caves were constructed. In a softer and loose ground the walls and the ceiling were strengthened by armour stone or bricks after taking up the rocks. There was no need in additional fastening of hard rocky ground. The waling was done according to the beds and rock jointing. An adze, a spade, a crowbar as well as other metal tools were used. Construction works proceeded both during the daytime and at night. The space was lighted with candles. The work was organized by the community formed during the cave construction with an active support of the local population. Drawings and plans of venerated underground holy places in Christian pilgrimage centres could be used for construction works. In case of making the cave construction official a professional architect could be invited, the example of it could be Belogorskaya cave which is the longest one in Russia. Intensity of work depended on the age and gender characteristics of the employed and official authorities.