Every tourist who comes to Moscow, first of all, seeks to get to the center, because it is there that you can see the main attractions of the capital. Red Square, Old and New Arbat, Tverskaya, Zaryadye Park, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Mausoleum … You can list endless places for guests and residents of Moscow. Few people know that in the center of the capital there are observation platforms from which a very picturesque view opens. For example, at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Everyone can visit them, however, not for free. If you decide to go there, then you can combine a walk with an educational tour.
History reference
The temple was built in the XIX century, however, the first cathedral, unfortunately, was not preserved. At the end of the 20th century, it was decided to recreate the architectural masterpiece in its original form.
Let's talk a little about the history of the temple. After the victory of the Russian people in the Patriotic War of 1812, Emperor Alexander I decided to build a cathedral. Initially, it was planned to be erected on the Sparrow Hills, but according to the will of fate, this project was not implemented, since after a few years the architect and his assistants were accused of embezzlement of official money. In 1839, the construction of the cathedral on Volkhonka Street began, and ended only after 44 years. In 1883, the cathedral was consecrated and ready for the start of Divine Services.
After the Bolsheviks came to power, the fate of the temple was deplorable. In December 1931, the cathedral building was destroyed. At first it was dismantled, but then they decided to blow up the ruins. In its place, they planned to build the Palace of Soviets, but the Great Patriotic War prevented this. As a result, in 1960, the Moskva pool was built in its place, which worked until 1994.
The temple that we see today was built in the 90s. Among the cathedrals of the Russian Orthodox Church there are no visitors equal in size and flow to it. He, like the previous temple, is a monument to the victory of the Russian people over Napoleon’s troops.
The temple is incredibly beautiful. In clear weather, five golden domes shimmer in the sun and give visitors and passers-by an indescribable feeling of tranquility and goodness, and in the evenings the facades of the cathedral are illuminated by spotlights, so from afar it seems that it soars in zero gravity.
How to get to the temple
The temple is located in the very center of the capital on Volkhonka street. You can get to it by metro. The nearest station is Kropotkinskaya, the exit of which is near the cathedral. From it you can get to Red Square and other significant places of the capital in a matter of minutes.
Observation Decks
At the Cathedral of Christ the Savior there are four viewing platforms from which visitors can see the center of Moscow at a glance. They are located at an altitude of 40 meters. I would like to note that the cathedral stands on a hill, so from the viewing platforms a bewitching view opens up on all the main attractions of the capital, including the Kremlin, the monument to Peter I, New Arbat and much more.
Observation platforms are located between the bell towers of the cathedral. There are 4 of them, but they are interconnected. Binoculars are installed on the observation platforms, with the help of which you can consider the features of the architectural structures of the center of Moscow in great detail.
How to get to the observation deck of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior
You can visit the observation deck during a tour of the temple. You will not only enjoy the gorgeous views of the capital, but you will also see rare icons with your own eyes, and you will be able to climb the bell tower.
In order to visit it, you must purchase a ticket for the tour. Usually it lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, the guide tells visitors the history of the cathedral, introduces the interior, and also suggests that observation platforms rise. The temple is open to visitors daily, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 17:00. On Monday, business hours are from 13:00 to 17:00. If you want to defend the service, you can see the schedule on the site. Everyone can visit the cathedral for free, however, you can get to the observation deck only for a fee through travel agencies that organize excursions.
Opening hours at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior coincide with the opening hours of the cathedral.
In order to get on an excursion and viewing platforms of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, it is better to book a place in advance, because otherwise you can come there in vain. Both the guests of the capital and the natives are eager to see the shrine, so the stream of people who want to visit the cathedral never ends. Many people who have visited the viewing platforms of the temple admit that they first saw Moscow from such an unusual angle.
Tour cost and opening hours
The organizers of excursions are tourism organizations. The cost of tickets varies from 500 to 1000 rubles. The cheapest tickets are for children and schoolchildren, and more expensive are for adults. Some travel agencies offer small discounts for students and senior citizens.
Opening hours at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior: every day (except Monday) from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Monday from 13:00 to 17:00.
What will you learn during a temple tour?
Many prefer to visit the legendary cathedral alone, but having been there as part of an excursion group, you can find out many interesting facts about the history of the temple and admire the shrines.
Guides talk about the construction of the cathedral in the 19th century, about its tragic fate during the era of the Bolshevik rule, about what they planned to build on the site of the destroyed temple, about its revival. During a walking tour you can visit the upper temple, the gallery of memory and glory, which was created in honor of the warriors of the events of 1812, climb the bell tower and observation platforms.
