COVID-19
 
Bridgetomoscow. Main page

New Jerusalem monastery

book now!
Did you know that just an hour's drive from Moscow can bring you to Jordan River, Gethsemane garden, and the temple of the grave of the Lord? Come with us to explore Russian Palestine, a remarkable complex established in the 17th century by Patriarch Nikon.

New Jerusalem monastery
New Jerusalem monastery
New Jerusalem is one of the most picturesque and unusual monasteries in Moscow's countryside.  Founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon as a patriarchal residence in the vicinity of Moscow, it was meant to represent the Holy Land.

According to Nikon's plan, the New Jerusalem Monastery was to become the Orthodox world's center for all Slavic peoples. It was conceived in the likeness of the holy places of Palestine, and the Resurrection Cathedral represented the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

The Church of the Resurrection of Christ
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ
During the construction of the monastery, the surrounding places were renamed following the Gospel texts. For example, the monastery hill was called Zion, and the Istra River became the Jordan.

Today The New Jerusalem Monastery is a grandiose center of Orthodox pilgrimage and worship and a remarkable architectural and historic complex. The monastery is absolutely stunning and it's a great place to include in your Moscow tour program.

The Church of the Resurrection of Christ
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ

Tour program

  • Meet your guide and driver in the morning in the lobby of your hotel. The trip will take you about 1 - 1,5 hours.
     
  • Explore the fabulous complex of the New Jerusalem monastery. During the tour, we’ll visit The Church of the Resurrection of Christ which is built in the likeness of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and copies of all the main shrines of the Jerusalem temple including Golgotha, the Chapel (chapel) above the Holy Sepulcher, the Anointing Stone.  Nearby is the underground church of Sts. Constantine and Helen. The baroque 18th-century interior has been beautifully restored, and a little chapel in the far corner serves water from the holy well.
     
  • Climb the walls of the monastery to enjoy outstanding views from above.
     
  • Have a lovely stroll past the monastery wall to the park which is meant to represent the garden of Gethsemane.
     
  • Enjoy simple but hearty lunch in the monastery's cafe.
     
  • Drive back to Moscow
New Jerusalem monastery
New Jerusalem monastery

Optional Tour Extensions

  • If you like history we'd recommend you to visit the museum of the New Jerusalem which is only 7 minutes walk from the monastery. It is a remarkable place to understand the 17th-century history of Russia and the personality of the patriarch Nikon. The museum often hosts outstanding art exhibitions.
     
  • Why not combine a trip to the New Jerusalem monastery with a visit to the charming Rusian town Zvenigorod. A 40-min drive will take you to a peaceful old town that has preserved remarkable medieval architecture and stunning rural landscapes.
The ceramic tiles of the New Jerusalem monastery
The ceramic tiles of the New Jerusalem monastery

Request form

Your name *
Your family name *
E-mail *
Phone number
Number of travellers:
Citizenship
When are You coming
Other special request
* required field 
Top Moscow and Russia tours