Church of the Great Ascension

The Church of the Great Ascension, also known as the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, is a prominent Russian Orthodox church situated on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street within Moscow's Garden Ring. The church features a grand neoclassical facade with a tall bell tower, characteristic of early 19th-century Russian ecclesiastical architecture. Inside, visitors find a richly decorated interior with iconostasis, frescoes, and a peaceful ambiance that contrasts with the bustling city outside. The church is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful during services. Its location near other cultural sites like the Moscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall makes it a convenient stop on a walking tour. The church's golden domes and white columns are a photogenic landmark, and the surrounding neighborhood offers charming streets and historic buildings. For those interested in Russian religious heritage, this church provides a meaningful glimpse into Orthodox traditions and Moscow's architectural history.

Don't miss

• Admire the neoclassical architecture and the tall bell tower
• View the ornate iconostasis and religious artwork inside
• Attend a divine liturgy to experience Orthodox worship
• Photograph the golden domes against the Moscow skyline
• Explore the surrounding historic streets near the Garden Ring

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Church of the Great Ascension

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Getting there

Know before you go

• Dress modestly: women should cover their heads and wear skirts or long pants; men should remove hats.
• Photography is allowed but avoid using flash during services.
• Be respectful of worshippers; keep noise to a minimum.
• You can purchase candles to light inside as a traditional offering.

A bit of history

The church was built in the early 19th century on the site of an earlier wooden church. It was consecrated in 1840 and served as a parish church for many notable Muscovites. During the Soviet era, it was closed and used for secular purposes, but was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1990s and restored.