Temple of the Tolga Icon of the Mother of God

The Temple of the Tolga Icon of the Mother of God is a Russian Orthodox church located on Petrovka Street within Moscow's Garden Ring. This relatively small church is dedicated to the Tolga Icon, a 14th-century icon of the Virgin Mary that is believed to be miraculous. The church was built in the 19th century and features a classic Russian Revival style with a single dome and a bell tower. Inside, the iconostasis and walls are adorned with icons and frescoes. The atmosphere is intimate and prayerful, attracting both locals and pilgrims. The church is active, with regular services. Visitors can attend a service or simply sit in quiet contemplation. The church is surrounded by modern buildings, making it a peaceful oasis in the city center.

Don't miss

• Venerate the revered Tolga Icon of the Mother of God (a copy; the original is in Yaroslavl)
• Admire the iconostasis and frescoes inside the church
• Experience a Russian Orthodox service (if timing permits)
• Notice the church's contrast with surrounding modern buildings

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Temple of the Tolga Icon of the Mother of God

Cheapest way inPantheon: Rome's Iconic Temple Experience4.1★ · 77 travelers~1 hourFrom$21 per personSee dates →Best full dayTemple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours5★ · 332 travelers10–11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$98 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleIzmir to Private Ephesus - Artemission Temple-Mother Mary's House4.9★ · 25 travelers6–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$199 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Dress modestly: women should cover their heads and wear skirts or long pants; men should remove hats. Scarves are available at the entrance.
• Remove shoes before entering the main prayer area? Not required, but women often bring slippers to wear over shoes.
• Photography is usually not allowed inside the church. Check with the staff.
• You can light candles at the candle stand for a small donation. Follow local customs.

A bit of history

The church was built in 1844 on the site of an earlier wooden church. It was closed during the Soviet era and used for storage, but was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1990s and restored. The Tolga Icon itself dates to 1314 and is housed in the Tolga Monastery in Yaroslavl.