Walking from Red Square to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a great way to explore some of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks and beautiful streets. The distance is approximately 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles), and the walk typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the surroundings.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your walk from Red Square to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour:
1. Starting Point: Red Square
Begin your journey at Red Square, one of the most famous and historically significant landmarks in Moscow. From here, you’ll enjoy the surrounding views, including the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the GUM shopping center.
Things to Look Out For Around Red Square:
- St. Basil’s Cathedral: Its iconic onion domes are visible from nearly everywhere around Red Square.
- The Kremlin Walls: You’ll see the Kremlin on your right, which houses several significant buildings, including the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Lenin Mausoleum.
- GUM: A historic department store, perfect for a quick stop or to admire its architectural beauty.
First Step: Exit Red Square via the main entrance on the side nearest to the State Historical Museum, which is located at the northwest corner of the square.
2. Walk Along Manezhnaya Square and Tverskaya Street
Once you exit Red Square, you’ll be at Manezhnaya Square. Head straight ahead toward Tverskaya Street (the major thoroughfare running through central Moscow). You’ll pass by the Manege (a historic exhibition hall) on your left.
- Manezhnaya Square is a large pedestrian-friendly area, and it leads directly to Tverskaya Street, which is one of Moscow’s busiest streets filled with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings.
Things to Look Out For:
- Manezhnaya Square: An important public space that is often used for events and exhibitions.
- Tverskaya Street: Known as Moscow’s main shopping avenue, it’s home to some of the city’s most luxurious stores and architectural landmarks.
3. Continue Along Tverskaya Street
- Walk straight along Tverskaya Street, which is a broad and well-paved avenue lined with trees, shops, and modern cafes.
- After approximately 10-15 minutes of walking, you’ll come to Pushkin Square (Пу́шкинская площа́дь), a famous area named after the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. You’ll notice the Pushkin Museum and several statues along the way.
4. Turn Right onto Volkhonka Street
When you reach Pushkin Square, continue straight for a few more minutes. You’ll need to turn right onto Volkhonka Street (Волхонка улица), which leads to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
- This part of the walk is quite charming, with a combination of residential buildings, cafes, and green areas. Volkhonka Street is much quieter compared to Tverskaya, offering a peaceful route toward the cathedral.
Things to Look Out For:
- Volkhonka Street is lined with beautiful early 20th-century buildings and small shops.
- As you approach the end of Volkhonka, you’ll start to see the dome and minarets of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour rising ahead of you.
5. Arrive at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
After walking down Volkhonka Street for a few minutes, you’ll arrive at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The cathedral stands proudly on the western bank of the Moscow River, opposite the Kremlin.
What to See at the Cathedral:
- The Cathedral’s Dome: Known for its stunning golden dome, the cathedral is one of the tallest and most recognizable buildings in Moscow.
- The Moscow River: You’ll have a great view of the Moscow River and its bridges from here, making it a perfect place for photos.
- Interior: The cathedral itself is a magnificent example of Russian Orthodox architecture, featuring an elaborately decorated interior with iconography and frescoes.
Visiting Tip: The cathedral is free to visit, though there may be a small fee for visiting specific areas or exhibitions. It’s open to the public most days, but be sure to check visiting hours ahead of time if you plan to go inside.
Conclusion
This walk from Red Square to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour allows you to see some of Moscow’s most important landmarks and enjoy the atmosphere of the city center. With a combination of historical sites, modern life, and serene streets, this journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the city on foot, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour provides a fitting end to your exploration.
The entire walk should take around 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, though you may want to stop and admire the sights along the way. Enjoy your walk through one of Moscow’s most vibrant and historic areas!
