Krutitsy Metochion

Krutitsy Metochion is a picturesque architectural ensemble that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of medieval Moscow from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Cobblestone paths, majestic red-brick cathedrals, and towers adorned with intricate tiles create a unique sense of antiquity. Today, it is an active religious center with ongoing church services, museums, and regular historical tours.

History and Development of Krutitsy Metochion

Foundation of the Monastery and Connection with the Golden Horde

The history of the metochion began in the 13th century and is closely linked to the period of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. In 1261, by the initiative of Prince Alexander Nevsky, an Orthodox diocese was established in the capital of the Golden Horde, Sarai-Batu, to provide spiritual support for Russian captives and to conduct missionary work among the local population. In 1272, by order of Prince Daniel of Moscow, the youngest son of Alexander Nevsky, a monastic metochion was founded on the high bank of the Moscow River in the Krutitsy settlement. Here, the bishops of the Sarai Diocese would stay during official visits to Moscow princes and metropolitans, though the main residence remained in the Mongol-Tatar capital.

Becoming a Permanent Residence

The situation changed in the mid-15th century, when the Golden Horde began to weaken and the Russian population in Sarai-Batu declined. In 1454, Bishop Vassian transferred the episcopal see to Krutitsy, making it the permanent residence of the diocese. From that moment, Krutitsy hierarchs became active participants in the political life of the Moscow state.

The Golden Age in the 17th Century

The second half of the 17th century marked the peak of the monastery’s prosperity. The Cathedral of the Assumption was built, an ornate terem (tower chamber) with colorful tiles was constructed, and a picturesque garden with a fountain was laid out. Within the metochion operated a “scholarly brotherhood” — an educational center where religious-philosophical discussions were held, books were translated, and astronomical observations were conducted. During the Time of Troubles in 1612, members of the people’s militia led by Minin and Pozharsky stayed on the territory of Krutitsy. Here they swore an oath to liberate Moscow from Polish invaders.

Decline and New Purpose

The 18th century brought serious trials. After the abolition of the Patriarchate in 1721 and the devastating Trinity Fire of 1737, the metochion lost its former importance. In 1764, the Sarai and Don Diocese was abolished, and church property was transferred to the Chudov Monastery in the Kremlin. From 1785, the territory came under the jurisdiction of the Military Department. Barracks, the office of the Moscow military commandant, and an underground political prison were established here. In 1834–1835, the famous writer and revolutionary Alexander Herzen was imprisoned within these walls.

The Soviet Period and Revival

After the October Revolution of 1917, the metochion faced hard times. Church services ceased in 1924, sacred artifacts were looted, and frescoes were painted over. The Cathedral of the Assumption was turned into a dormitory, and the Church of the Resurrection was converted into barracks. The first restoration works began in 1948 and continued for three decades. In the 1960s, the complex received museum status, and part of the buildings was transferred to the State Historical Museum. The revival of religious life began in the 1990s, when the metochion was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. Since 1992, services have resumed in the Cathedral of the Assumption.

Architectural Ensemble: Main Attractions

The Cathedral of the Assumption — the Architectural Dominant of the Metochion

The Cathedral of the Assumption is considered the central structure of the monastic complex. Researchers believe that the first wooden Church of Saints Peter and Paul stood here in the 13th century. The current building was constructed in the second half of the 17th century in the Moscow Baroque style. The cathedral reaches 30 meters in height and is the largest building on the territory. It is made of red brick without plaster, giving it a striking appearance. The building is crowned with five domes, also made of brick, and since the restoration of the 2000s, covered with black copper and gilded crosses. The interior features restored 19th-century paintings. Of special value are two ancient icons: the Theodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God (18th century) and the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria (18th–19th centuries) — both are copies of miracle-working icons. Adjacent to the cathedral stands a graceful tent-roof bell tower with small windows, also made of unplastered brick.

Krutitsy Terem — the Gem of the Metochion

The most ornate and impressive structure is the Krutitsy Terem. These are double passage gates topped with a red-brick tower, built in the 1690s in the Moscow Baroque style. The facade is covered with colorful tiles featuring plant ornaments and decorated with window frames supported by spiral columns. According to some researchers, about two thousand tiles were crafted by the famous master Stepan Ivanov, nicknamed “Polubes.” The Holy Gates are also adorned with 19th-century frescoes depicting the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. From the terem, covered arcaded galleries extend in both directions, connecting the Metropolitan’s Chambers with the Cathedral of the Assumption. These galleries are decorated with relief friezes and large multicolored tiles.

The Metropolitan’s Chambers — Palace of the Krutitsy Lords

The two-story Metropolitan’s Chambers were built in 1655 and served as the residence of the Krutitsy metropolitans. The palace appears massive — in some places, the walls are 120 centimeters thick. The facade is decorated with carved window frames, and on the south side stands a grand staircase with white railings and balustrades. The first floor housed service rooms, while the second contained living quarters and reception halls. Currently, entry is closed due to ongoing restoration work.

The Church of the Resurrection of the Word (Cross Chamber)

The first mention of this church dates back to the mid-14th century. Initially dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, it was rededicated to the Resurrection of the Word after the construction of the new Cathedral of the Assumption in the 17th century. The church served as the house chapel for bishops, and its basement contained a burial crypt. Over the centuries, the building was repeatedly rebuilt. At the end of the 18th century, it was secularized and used as barracks and storage until the 20th century. Today, it combines elements from different periods: the white-stone basement dates from the 15th century, the substructure from the 16th, and the upper tier from the mid-18th century.

The Riverside Chamber and Other Buildings

The Riverside Chamber appeared in 1719. This low one-story building with barred windows originally housed the kitchen. In the late 18th century, it was handed over to the military and converted into prison cells. In the 1830s, writer Alexander Herzen was imprisoned in one of them. The chamber received its name due to its location on the high bank of the Moscow River, offering a picturesque view. Today, the building is under restoration.

What to See: Museums and Exhibitions

The Museum of Moscow’s Military History

Since 2019, the Museum of Moscow’s Military History has been operating in the Cross Chamber. Its halls display replicas of military armor and uniforms from various eras — from medieval knights to the mid-20th century. Visitors can see chainmail, banners, muskets, spears, and cannons. The museum’s feature is its interactive format. Most exhibits are displayed without glass; visitors can touch and even try some on. There’s also a small archaeological section showcasing fragments of original Krutitsy tiles. All guides wear historical costumes of Vikings or 17th-century streltsy. Programs include quizzes, games, and workshops. Visitors can:

• Learn to write on birch bark
• Create a copy of an old coin
• Duel with training swords (safe replicas)
• Try on chainmail or a helmet

On the courtyard grounds, historical reenactments, folk games, lectures, puppet shows, and medieval music concerts are regularly held. Visitors can also take photos in period costumes.

The Lapidarium — an Open-Air Museum

On the metochion grounds is a unique exhibition of ancient stone slabs with examples of old scripts. Several tombstones from the 15th–19th centuries are displayed in the open air. Some 18th-century gravestones are built directly into the gallery walls. Each exhibit has an information plaque with text transcription, making the ancient inscriptions accessible to all visitors.

Holy Relics of Krutitsy Metochion

The monastery archives preserve over 300 icons from various periods. The main relics include four particularly revered icons:

• Theodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God — an 18th-century copy of the Kostroma miracle-working icon
• Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria — a rare early 19th-century copy
• Kazan Icon of the Mother of God — one of the oldest icons of the metochion, rediscovered in 2018
• Icon of Saint Panteleimon the Healer — an exact 1905 copy of the Athonite miracle-working icon

Visitor Information

Opening Hours and Service Schedule

Krutitsy Metochion is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00. Admission is free. Services are held several times a week in the Cathedral of the Assumption. The current schedule for the coming month is published on the official website. Typical Service Schedule:

• Morning Liturgy — starts at 9:00
• Vigil — starts at 17:00
• Matins on Saturdays — starts at 8:00
• Akathist before the Theodorovskaya Icon — Thursdays at 17:00
• During Lent, Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts are held twice a week

The Museum of Military History operates Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00 by appointment. Tours can be booked by phone or online.

How to Get to Krutitsy Metochion

Address: Moscow, Krutitskaya Street, 17 (sometimes listed as 8 or 11). By Metro:

• Proletarskaya Station (Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya Line) — 10 minutes on foot
• Krestyanskaya Zastava Station (Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya Line) — 10 minutes on foot
• Taganskaya Station (Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya Line) — about 15 minutes on foot

By Ground Transport:

• Trams “A” and No. 38 — stop “Dinamovskaya Street”
• Buses No. 9, 156, 608, and N13 (night route) — stop “Dinamovskaya Street” or “Arbatetskaya Street”

Contact Information

• Cathedral of the Assumption phone: +7 (495) 676-97-24
• Metochion administration: +7 (495) 676-30-93

Krutitsy Metochion in Cinema

Thanks to its unique atmosphere and well-preserved historic architecture, Krutitsy Metochion has repeatedly served as a filming location for historical movies. Scenes from the following films were shot here:

• “War and Peace”
• “Naval Cadets, Forward!”
• “Secrets of Palace Revolutions”
• “Boris Godunov”
• “Yermak”
• “Ivan the Terrible” (1991) — scene of Prince Serebryany’s fight with a bear
• “Brother 2” by Alexei Balabanov

Conclusion

Krutitsy Patriarchal Metochion is an outstanding monument of Old Russian architecture, preserving the unique atmosphere of medieval Moscow. Majestic red-brick chambers, an ornate tiled terem, picturesque galleries, and ancient cathedrals create a one-of-a-kind architectural ensemble. Here, religious life, historical heritage, and museum activity are united. Visitors can admire the ancient architecture, attend services, or take part in interactive tours, historical reenactments, and educational programs. Krutitsy Metochion is a place where every detail preserves the memory of seven centuries of Russian history — from the Mongol-Tatar era to the present day. Walking its cobblestone paths, one can feel the spirit of old Moscow and touch the rich cultural legacy of Russia.