Екатерининская богадельня, Historic almshouse complex in Sokolniki district, Moscow, Russia.
The Catherine Almshouse stands as an 18th-century building complex featuring stone structures with classical architectural elements, decorative pilasters at the central gates, and preserved interior details from the 19th century that demonstrate the sophisticated construction techniques of its era.
Originally built on the foundation of a textile factory from the late 17th century, the complex was transformed into an almshouse for elderly sailors in 1771, expanded with southern and eastern wings designed by architect I.A. Selekhov, and served as a hospital for wounded soldiers after the 1812 Moscow fire.
As a federal cultural heritage site of Russia, the Catherine Almshouse represents the development of social institutions in pre-revolutionary Moscow, embodying the charitable traditions and civil architecture of the 18th century that shaped the city's humanitarian values and urban planning approaches.
Currently owned by the Russian Technological University (MIREA), the complex is accessible in the Sokolniki district and offers educational programs and exhibitions related to Moscow's charitable institutions, with detailed information available through various online resources and guided tours for visitors and researchers.
The complex uniquely combines pavilion-style planning elements with alternating circular and rectangular forms, and remarkably survived partial destruction during World War II bombing, making it one of the few remaining examples of 18th-century charitable architecture in Moscow with its original gates and decorative features intact.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
