Church of St. Nikita The Great Martyr on Shvivaya (Vshivaya) Hill (Moscow)

 interesting place, Russian Orthodox Church, 16th century construction, object of cultural heritage of federal importance (Russia), Orthodox church

Although a foundation stone in the wall suggests that the prosperous sewing merchant Savva Yemelyanov Vagin founded the church in 1595 archeological evidence suggests otherwise. Moscow chronicles indicate that a church was built on this site where two rays of sunshine struck the ground on March 11, 1476 and then in 1543 lightening damaged a wall and the iconostasis. Probably Vagin repaired the existing church following the lightening strike. Parts of a stone church from the early 16th century are included in this structure, making it one of only a few churches today that existed in the time of Boris Godunov and earlier.

The name "Shvivaya" for the hill, atop which the church is located, has several origins. One possibility is that is a distortion of the word "lousy" (Russian "vshivaya") possibly referring to the dirt and slovenliness of the lowlands at the bottom of the hill.

Another explanation suggests that the hill was covered in prickly grass (possibly even edible), the old Russian word for which was "ush" (now completely out of use and forgotten).

But the most popular explanation is that the word arises from a community of sewing masters who might have resided in this area since the Russian word for sewer is "shvets" (now sometimes used humorously), and the derived adjective is "shvivy" (now obsolete, "shveyny" is used instead).

The existing complex consists of four structures, the church, two side chapels and the bell tower. Ancient sections dating from the late 16th century include the central cubic church with its three-rounded zakomari forming the roofline, cornices and single drum with narrow windows and helmet-shaped cupola. The massive brick column of the southern arch are made of small-sized brick similar to that used in the early 16th century as are the pilasters without capitals in the apse. The tent bell tower dates from the second quarter of the 17th century. The south side chapel of the Annunciation with its three apses and the refectory were added in the 1680s. Restorations in the mid 18th century added some Baroque decorative features and the two-story western porch. The St. Olga chapel on the north side was built in 17th century style in 1878–1880.

The church was closed in 1917 and over the years various Soviet "institutions" occupied the building. In the 1930s, the gateway and fencing were removed. At that time permission was received to demolish the structure, but for some reason the order was never carried out.

Over the years, it was used as a warehouse and a film studio. Extensive archeological research and renovations were done in 1958–1960 and over the years several restoration projects occurred during which some of the Baroque decorative elements were removed. In 1992, the church was reconsecrated and services renewed.