Decabrists Church, Chita

The Decembrist Church is a wooden structure in Chita featuring traditional Russian Orthodox architectural design with carved detailing throughout. This building now operates as a museum housing artifacts and objects related to the exiled political prisoners who lived there.

Built in 1776, this structure became central to the Decembrist story after the failed 1825 revolt forced these Russian revolutionaries into Siberian exile. The building stands as a tangible link between the uprising and the lives that unfolded afterward.

This place served as a gathering point for exiled Decembrists and now displays their personal belongings and documents. The collection offers a window into how these political prisoners lived during their remote exile.

The museum is open most days of the week, allowing visitors to explore the rooms independently or with assistance from available guides and materials. Note that some information and signage may be primarily in Russian, so planning ahead helps with understanding the exhibits.

The building preserves marriage records of Decembrists like Ivan Annenkov, who married French designer Pauline Guebl, creating an unexpected link between European and Siberian worlds. Such personal stories reveal how international bonds formed even under harsh exile conditions.

Location: Chita

Inception: 1985

Website: http://museums75.ru/chitadekabr.htm

GPS coordinates: 52.02139,113.51306

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47