Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Preobrazhenskoye Cemetery

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross sits within Preobrazhenskoye Cemetery in northeastern Moscow and displays the characteristic features of Russian church architecture from the early 1800s. The building forms part of a larger ensemble with distinct sections arranged around the cemetery grounds.

This structure was built between 1809 and 1811 and quickly became a focal point for the Old Believer community in eastern Moscow. Its establishment came during a period when this religious group sought a dedicated space to preserve their traditions.

The church serves as a spiritual center for the Old Believer community, whose members have maintained their own distinct traditions and practices separate from the main Russian Orthodox Church. Walking through this space, you can sense how deeply this faith tradition remains woven into the daily life and identity of the people who gather here.

The church is located within Preobrazhenskoye Cemetery, which spans a large area and requires walking to explore fully. Plan to spend time navigating the cemetery grounds and respect the space, as it remains an active burial site and functioning religious center.

The cemetery grounds are divided by gender, with separate sections for men and women split by a central roadway, reflecting the structure of the community. This arrangement is a rare feature not commonly seen in modern burial grounds.