Cathedral of Christ the Savior (Khram Khrista Spasitelya)
The white façade and gleaming copper domes of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior divert attention from its checkered past. Built by Tsar Alexander I to celebrate Russia’s defeat of Napoleon, it was later destroyed by Stalin. Today’s reconstruction was completed in 2000 and holds the title of the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world.
The basics
The most impressive views of the cathedral are from the opposite bank of the river and it’s a popular photo stop on Moscow sightseeing and walking tours. Head closer to admire the details, which are based on the original designs of Konstantin Ton—the architect behind the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Kremlin Armoury. Inside the cathedral, highlights include altars dedicated to St. Nicholas and Alexander Nevsky, and a series of frescoes depicting the 1812 war. Climb the bell tower for a panoramic view over Moscow.
Things to know before you go
- The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is one of Moscow’s most memorable landmarks and a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Admission to the cathedral is free; there is a fee to climb the bell tower.
- The cathedral is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is located along the north bank of the Moskva River. It’s about a 15-minute walk south of the Kremlin and Alexander Garden. The closest metro station is Kropotkinskaya, right opposite the cathedral.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The church is open on Monday afternoons and all day from Tuesday to Sunday. Services are typically held at 8am and 5pm.
Moscow’s Churches and Cathedrals
Moscow’s opulent churches are architectural wonders and photo-worthy landmarks even for the non-religious. The most memorable include St. Basil’s Cathedral, famous for its multi-colored onion domes; the palatial Novodevichy Convent; and the Neo-Gothic Moscow Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral. Within the Kremlin complex, there’s also the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Cathedral of the Archangel, and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
- Pushkin Museum (Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts)
- Kremlin Armoury (Armoury Chamber)
- Russian State Library (Rossiyskaya Gosudarstvennaya Biblioteka)
- Assumption Cathedral (Dormition Cathedral)
- Cathedral of the Archangel (Arkhangelsky Sobor)
- Diamond Fund (Almazny Fond)
- Cathedral Square
- Moscow Kremlin
- Red October Chocolate Factory (Krasny Oktyabr)
- State Historical Museum (Gosudarstvennyy Istoricheskiy Muzey)
- Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)
- St. Basil’s Cathedral (Pokrovsky Sobor)
- Lenin's Mausoleum
- Tretyakov Gallery (Tretyakovskaya Galereya)
- Kazan Cathedral (Kazansky Kafedralny Sobor)