What do you know about Moscow, Russian capital? No, there are no bears in the streets, only in the zoo and circuses. Yes, there is the Kremlin there, but the Kremlin is not the only point of interest in Moscow. Numerous mansions, monuments, parks, fountain, museums, theaters and religious structures can amaze any viewer. Let’s look at the most beautiful churches and temples in and around Moscow to believe in that statement.
1. The Cathedral of Intercession of Theotokos, popularly known as the Cathedral of Basil the Blessed.
Built on the order of Ivan IV of Russia to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan, it marks the geometric center of the city and the hub of its growth since the 14th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Moscow Kremlin churches and temples.
Cathedral Square is the heart of the Kremlin. It is surrounded by several religious buildings, including three cathedrals of XV XVI centuries, four churches and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (81 meters high). The tower was the tallest structure in the city, as construction of buildings taller than that was forbidden. Its 21 bells would sound the alarm if any enemy was approaching. The Tsar bell, the largest bell in the world, stands on a pedestal next to the tower. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
The Cathedral lies on the bank of the Moskva River, a few blocks west of the Kremlin. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world. The original Cathedral had been built in 1839—1883, but was demolished during the Soviet time. Rebuilt once again, it is the main and largest cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church, having a capacity for some 10000 people.
4. The Novodevichy Convent.
This is probably the best-known cloister of Moscow. This beautiful fortress was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site too.
5. Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye.
The Church of the Ascension was built in 1532 on the imperial estate of Kolomenskoye, near Moscow, to celebrate the birth of the prince who was to become Tsar Ivan IV (“the Terrible”). One of the earliest examples of a traditional wooden tent-roofed church on a stone and brick substructure, it had a great influence on the development of Russian ecclesiastical architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. The Church of the Intercession at Fili.
The Church of the Intercession at Fili is a Naryshkin baroque church commissioned by the boyar Lev Naryshkin in his suburban estate Fili.
7. Moscow Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral.
The neo-gothic Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral is beautiful and the largest Catholic building in Russia.
8. Church of Saint Nicholas in Khamovniki.
Church of Saint Nicholas in Khamovniki is a late 17th century parish church of a former weavers sloboda in Khamovniki District of Moscow. The church is an example of late Muscovite Baroque that preceded short-lived Naryshkin Baroque of 1690s. It belongs to a numerous class of bonfire temples.
9. Church of St. John the Warrior.
It erected in 1704-1717, during the reign of Peter the Great. The church combines elements of the Muscovite baroque style with the Ukrainian baroque and European influences prevalent in Russian architecture of Peter's reign.
10. Mart Maryam of Assyrian Church of the East.
Modern church of an ancient Christian branch.
11. The Trinity Cathedral at Borisovskiye Prudy.
Modern temple built in early 2000s in the memory of the Millennium of Christianization of Rus.
12. The Church of Saint Nicholas in Izmailovo.
Modern wooden church erected in Cultural-Entertainment Complex “Kremlin in Izmailovo”. It is the highest wooden church in Russia (46 meters high).
13. The St. George's Church in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.
A golden-domed Orthodox church was erected on the hilltop in 1993-95 in a park dedicated to Russia's victory in World War II, followed by a memorial mosque and the Holocaust Memorial Synagogue (№14).
14. The Holocaust Memorial Synagogue on Poklonnaya Hill.
The Jewish Temple of the Memory was built in 1998 to complement an Orthodox church and a mosque that are also part of the outdoor war museum.
15. The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.
The lavra is the most important Russian monastery and the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. The monastery is situated in the town of Sergiyev Posad, about 70 km to the north-east from Moscow, and currently is home to over 300 monks. The monastery was founded in 1345 by one of the most venerated Russian saints, Sergius of Radonezh. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. The New Jerusalem Monastery.
The New Jerusalem Monastery, also known as the Voskresensky Monastery is located in the town of Istra in Moscow Oblast. The New Jerusalem Monastery was founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon as a patriarchal residence in the outskirts of Moscow. This site was chosen for its resemblance to the Holy Land.
17. The Church of the Annunciation in Taininskoye.
Ancient Russian church with interesting architecture. It is made of stone in 1677 year and mow consists of three main parts: the church, a two-tier refectory and a unique large porch, reminiscent of a picturesque wooden tower-chamber.
18. The Church of Vladimir Icon of Our Lady in Bykovo.
This is a neo-Gothic manor church built in the late 17th century in the village of Bykovo, near Moscow.
19. Church of the Theotokos of the Sign in Dubrovitsy.
This extraordinary church was erected by Italian masters in 1704 according to the order of prince Golitsyn, a teacher of Peter the Great. Among its special features is the golden crown instead of a usual dome.
20. The Church of Image of Edessa in Klazma.
This is a beautiful Orthodox church in Art Nouveau style.
As you can see there is much to see in Moscow.
View the most beautiful churches and temples in and around Moscow on the map
Special thanks to BBM Explorer, swperman, ninotonga, Andrey Schavelev, Serge Freeman, Ehidnazevaka, Oleg Shalomanov for the photos.
