Church of Saint Tatiana in Moscow State University, Orthodox church in Arbat District, Russia
The Church of Saint Tatiana sits within the Moscow State University campus and displays neoclassical features including white stone walls, columned facades, and gilded domes. The structure divides into two distinct worship levels, each serving separate liturgical functions for different groups.
The building opened in 1837 when architect Yevgraph Tyurin converted a former Pashkov family mansion into a religious structure for the university. The church was repurposed during the Soviet era before returning to religious use in the late 20th century.
The church functions as a spiritual center within the university community, where students and faculty gather for worship and religious observance. It bridges the academic and sacred aspects of campus life through its daily services.
The building sits on Mokhovaya Street near the Kremlin and is reached through the university campus grounds. Visitors should dress respectfully and maintain quiet behavior when entering the two worship levels of the church.
The building underwent a remarkable functional shift in the middle of the 20th century when it served as a student theater. This unusual repurposing during the Soviet period reveals how the space adapted to changing institutional needs while remaining central to campus life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.