Church of Saint John the Evangelist under Elm-tree, Orthodox church in Tverskoy District, Russia
The Church of Saint John the Evangelist under Elm-tree is built in Empire style with a cylindrical tower and a classical facade featuring multiple columns. The exterior displays white and beige tones that give the structure its formal and elegant appearance.
The building was constructed between 1825 and 1837 during the reign of Tsar Nicholas I, when the Empire style dominated Russian architecture. After decades serving as a museum, the church resumed its religious purpose in 2011.
The church takes its name from an elm tree that once grew on the grounds and survived through centuries of the city's history. This tree became a landmark that locals recognized and passed down in stories about the place.
The church is located at 12 Novaya Ploschad in Moscow and can be reached conveniently through Lubyanka Metro station nearby. The site sits in a central area with good public transportation connections for visitors.
The structure functioned as part of the Moscow History Museum for most of the 20th century before returning to active worship in 2011. This transition reflects how many Russian churches experienced interrupted religious use during the Soviet period and beyond.
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