We often admire the landmarks of Paris and other cities, not realizing how rich our country is with equally beautiful buildings. One such place is the Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, located in the little-known village of Balovnevo, first mentioned in 1626. The name of the village is associated with its first owner, although few remember this now. The main thing is that the magnificent church has survived to this day, reminding us of those distant times.

After its founding, the village passed to Demid Lavrovich Muromtsev, and soon the first church, the Nikolskaya, appeared there. Over time, the wooden structure deteriorated, and it was decided to build a stone church in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. The main initiator of the construction was Captain Vasily Muromtsev, the owner of the village. However, the first stone church was built in a low area, where the unstable ground threatened its destruction. Then Vasily's son, General Matvey Vasilyevich Muromtsev, decided to build a new church on higher ground, using materials from the previous building, and in October 1789, he received permission for this.

The new church has two chapels, Nikolsky and Ilyinsky. In its construction, one of the churches of the Alexander Lavra was taken as a model. Although the church is executed in a classical style, it resembles Catholic churches of Western Europe. It lacks an apse, and the refectory is comparable in size to the main part. All this makes the church a valuable monument of Russian church architecture. The finishing and painting were fully completed under Matvey Matveevich Muromtsev.

After the revolution, the fate of the church was similar to that of thousands of other church buildings. During the Soviet era, it was looted, closed, and used as a grain storage and livestock yard. The restoration of the church occurred only in our time, and now it once again impresses with its beauty.