Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a majestic symbol of faith, victory, and the rebirth of Russia. As the country's largest Orthodox cathedral, it attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the history of the cathedral's creation, its architectural features, interior decoration, sacred relics, and also provide practical advice: opening hours, visiting rules, and how to get there. If you are planning a trip to Moscow, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour should definitely be included in your itinerary.

The History of Creating Russia's Greatest Orthodox Cathedral

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour rises in the center of Moscow as a monument to the Russian people's victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. This grand structure was created in gratitude to the Lord for saving Russia from Napoleon's invasion. Emperor Alexander I issued a manifesto for the construction of a cathedral in honor of Christ the Saviour on December 25, 1812, on the day the Patriotic War ended, when the last occupiers left Russian territory. The decision to erect a grand memorial cathedral was met with enthusiasm in all layers of Russian society.

The First Project on Sparrow Hills

Initially, a competition was announced, which was won by architect Alexander Vitberg's project. In 1817, a solemn foundation laying ceremony took place on Sparrow Hills. The project was striking in its scale—the height of the structure was to be 237 meters. However, construction encountered serious difficulties related to soil instability and underground water. In 1826, Emperor Nicholas I ordered the cessation of the cathedral's construction at this location.

Construction on Volkhonka According to Konstantin Ton's Project

In 1832, after a new competition was held, the project of renowned architect Konstantin Ton was approved. Nicholas I chose a location for construction near the Kremlin, on Prechistenskaya Embankment. Construction began in 1839 and continued for more than 40 years. Marble tablets with the names of fallen Russian soldiers and officers—participants in the 1812 war—were installed in the church galleries. The cathedral's construction was completed in 1883, and the cathedral became a visible embodiment of the faith and strength of the Russian people.

The Cathedral's Tragic Fate in the Soviet Period

After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks spoke of the necessity of demolishing the cathedral. Moscow Patriarch Tikhon created a society for the cathedral's protection in 1918, but this only helped temporarily. On December 5, 1931, by personal order of Joseph Stalin, the cathedral was blown up. The magnificent structure turned into a pile of rubble. Several miraculously surviving frescoes are now kept in the Donskoy Monastery. The marble that lined the cathedral's walls was used to face three stations of the Moscow Metro under construction. Part of the plaques with the names of Russian heroes were ground up and the crumbs were scattered on pathways in a city park. On the site of the cathedral, the construction of a grand Palace of Soviets 400 meters high was planned. However, these plans were not destined to be realized. In the early 1960s, a swimming pool was built here, which existed until the perestroika era.

The Revival of the Sacred Site in the Late 20th Century

Moscow always remembered the cathedral. As soon as it became possible, the capital's residents organized a support society for the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which all of Russia quickly joined. A new chapter in the cathedral's history began—reconstruction. The cathedral's architects were Mikhail Posokhin and Alexei Denisov. Restoration work took five years. In December 1999, a true miracle happened—on the eve of Christmas, the revived cathedral opened its doors to visitors. Today it is the main Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church, accommodating up to ten thousand people simultaneously.

Architectural Features of the Magnificent Cathedral

Composition of the Cathedral Complex

The complex includes the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Church of the Transfiguration, the Chapel of the Sovereign Icon of the Mother of God, as well as a beautiful and well-maintained park. The building's cross-section resembles a perfect cross. The new cathedral was recreated using the plans, diagrams, and sketches of the original construction from the last century, but with a number of innovations, such as the stylobate section.

Exterior Design

The solemn and elegant building of Russia's main Orthodox cathedral is very aesthetic; it can be admired from various angles. The cathedral's facade is designed laconically, solemnly, and distinctively. Bas-reliefs capture the memory of the defenders of the Russian land. The sanctuary's massive doors impress with their painting and magnificent wood and stone carvings. Sculptures of angels with outstretched wings are located on the gate arch. The porch is made of dark red fine-grained granite. The cathedral's bell tower has 14 bells that ring four times a year on the days of major Orthodox holidays.

The Church of the Transfiguration and the Chapel

Located next to the cathedral, the Church of the Transfiguration was erected to honor the memory of the Alexeyevsky Old Maiden Monastery, which was located here in the past. The interior is designed in the style of the 16th century; the parish was consecrated in mid-1996. The church's key relic—the icon "The Saviour Not Made by Hands," created by master artist E. S. Sorokin—survived the complex's destruction during the Soviet period. The chapel dedicated to the Sovereign Image of the Mother of God features a wooden structure and miniature dimensions. Its main treasure is the "Sovereign" icon of the Mother of God.

The Magnificence of the Interior Decoration

Inside the cathedral, one's breath is taken away by the beauty and grandeur of the wall paintings depicting images of saints and biblical scenes, ancient icons, and unique church utensils. The space under the dome is painted with images of God, and the lower part—with scenes from the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Four hundred of Russia's best artists participated in recreating the paintings. The total painted area is 22 thousand square meters. The unique large iconostasis, 26 meters high, is made in the form of a white marble octagonal chapel and decorated with paintings from the lives of saints. Spotlights and fixtures with halogen lamps are used to illuminate the vaults, walls, and space under the dome. Rich and calm green, burgundy, and golden shades predominate in the interiors. On the cathedral's lower level is a gallery of military glory, reminding descendants of important moments from the Patriotic War of 1812—marble memorial plaques with information about battle dates, names of surviving heroes, wounded and fallen are installed here.

Sacred Relics and Miracle-Working Icons of the Cathedral

Venerated Images

Upon crossing the church's threshold, visitors see the luxurious decoration of walls, galleries, and arches. The dome, arches, and walls are painted with scenes depicting stories from the earthly life of Jesus Christ, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Permanently stored here are icons considered miraculous: "Smolensk Mother of God," the ancient "Saviour Not Made by Hands," the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, five icons of Moscow hierarchs. A large collection of Russian and foreign icons is in the museum's exposition.

Especially Venerated Relics

Believers especially venerate a fragment of Jesus Christ's garment. According to the Gospel, the Saviour's garment was cut into four parts. One of the fragments was kept in the Orthodox community of Georgia, and in the 17th century was presented to Patriarch Filaret and Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich. Every year during the Feast of the Robe of the Lord, on July 23, the relic is shown to parishioners. Another relic is a nail from the Saviour's cross. This iron nail, about 15 centimeters long, came to Russia in the 18th century. Initially, the relic was kept in the Kremlin, and since 2008 it has been in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. A particle of the Mother of God's robe, according to tradition, was taken from the garment of the Virgin Mary. Shortly before her death, the Virgin Mary bequeathed her tunic to the widows who faithfully served her. The cathedral's repository contains relics and particles of great princes, as well as of the Metropolitans of Moscow, such as Alexander Nevsky and St. Peter. The relics of St. Filaret, who carried out his ministry for 46 years, are especially venerated by pilgrims.

The Museum of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The rich and tragic fate of the cathedral is presented in the museum's exposition, located on the ground floor of the Church of the Transfiguration. The museum was opened in 1999. The museum is a long, spacious gallery that curves in a semicircle around a large part of the cathedral's foundation. Visitors' attention is drawn not only to the exhibits but also to the luxurious floor made of multicolored marble with amazing patterns. The exhibits demonstrate the stages of the cathedral's history: from the inception of the idea of construction after the 1812 war to its recreation in 1999. The exposition includes many archival documents, collections of photographs, and histories of state and public figures. Personal belongings of Moscow patriarchs are carefully preserved. Several authentic fragments of the altar from the cathedral blown up in 1931 are presented. The Patriarchal Museum of Church Art houses one of Russia's largest collections of icons. Many images were created in the 14th-16th centuries. Museum admission is free, and photography is allowed in the premises, which is prohibited in the church building.

The Hall of Church Councils and Cultural Events

The Hall of Church Councils is called the capital's most prestigious venue. It was opened in 2000. In this elegant, solemn hall, church and secular events are held: meetings of public and business circles, symphony music concerts, choirs, children's holidays, and Christmas performances. During the Christmas holiday period, performances for children and adults are staged in the Hall of Church Councils. Christmas tales on biblical themes are told in an understandable, playful form.

Observation Decks with Panoramic Views of Moscow

The observation deck consists of four long open terraces located between the bell towers around the cathedral's perimeter at a height of 40 meters above ground. Canopies protect visitors from rain and snow. From the observation deck, a mesmerizing circular view of central Moscow opens up: the monument to Peter I, the Red October confectionery factory, the Variety Theater, the Kremlin, the Moscow River embankment, Poklonnaya Hill, and Stalin's skyscrapers. Entrance to the observation deck is paid. Visitors go up by elevator, but must descend on foot, by stairs.

Excursions and Cultural Programs

Local guides will introduce travelers to key milestones in the cathedral's history—from laying the first stone in the 19th century to the solemn opening of the revived cathedral. They will also reveal the building's architectural features and help decipher the symbolism of the decoration. Excursion programs to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour often include walks through historical sites around the cathedral, where you can see old mansions and buildings from the Soviet era.

Service Schedule and Choirs

Church services are held daily. The exact schedule is available on the cathedral's website. Live broadcasts of services on Christmas, Easter, and other holidays are also conducted. Two church choirs are organized on the basis of the cathedral: the Patriarchal and the Transfiguration. Performances can be heard live at services, as well as during television broadcasts.

Opening Hours of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The cathedral is active; services are held daily. The cathedral is open for visits on Monday from 13:00 to 17:00, Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. The Church of the Transfiguration can be accessed every day from 8:00 to 19:30. The chapel is open from 10:00 to 17:00 daily.

Rules for Visiting the Cathedral

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour lives an ordinary church life—people pray here, wedding and baptism sacraments are performed. Visitors are asked to dress in accordance with Orthodox tradition: long trousers are mandatory for men, and for women—a skirt, covered top, and head scarf. Entrance to the cathedral on ordinary days is free. On Christmas and Easter holidays, entry to the central part is by ticket, which is dictated by safety considerations. Entry to the side chapels to participate in holiday services is free. Upon entering the building, you must pass through metal detectors. Photography and other types of filming are not allowed inside. During visits, eating, loud talking, and laughing are prohibited. Phone sounds must be turned off.

How to Get to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

There is a metro within walking distance of the cathedral. You can also reach it by public transport or taxi.

By Metro

The "Kropotkinskaya" station is the closest to the cathedral. After exiting onto the platform, you need to find signs indicating the exit to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and follow the signs.

By Ground Transport

You can reach the cathedral by buses m5, m6, and c755, which stop near the "Kropotkinskaya" metro. Bus c755 will take you to the "Prechistenskaya Embankment" stop, which has the closest stop to the cathedral—"Soymonovsky Passage."

Location

The building rises in the very center of the city between Volkhonka Street and Prechistenskaya Embankment of the Moscow River. The cathedral's address: Moscow, Volkhonka Street, 15. From the structure, the Patriarchal Bridge crosses to the other side of the river, from which the Kremlin and the monument to Peter I are visible. The bridge is always full of travelers who take photographs against the backdrop of the capital's historical landmarks.

Conclusion

You can visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour as part of an excursion group or independently. The guides' stories evoke different feelings: from delight when describing the construction and creation of the cathedral's paintings to aching pain from stories about the destruction of ancient icons, unique bas-reliefs, and frescoes. The opportunity to touch a long-gone time and understand the full magnitude of the people's heroic feat to liberate their native land leaves no one indifferent. No less of a feat was accomplished by the people who, by 1999, brought back from oblivion the destroyed memory of the people. The cathedral is a visible monument to the Russian people for valor and heroism, as well as a "spiritual bridge" between Russia's past and present.