Grand 17th-century monastery created by Patriarch Nikon as a copy of the Holy Land. The Resurrection Cathedral reproduces the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem with rotunda, Golgotha, and Edicule. The Istra River was renamed Jordan, hills named Tabor and Mount of Olives. Fully restored after WWII destruction. Active stauropegial male monastery.
Entry free. Tours and museum — paid. Parking 200₽. Replica of Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem
Easter — main celebration but very crowded. Summer and golden autumn — comfortable weather for walking grounds. Christmas — beautiful decorations.
Train from Rizhsky station to Istra (~1 hour), then bus 32/33 to 'Monastery' stop or 2.4 km walk via 'Pilgrim's Path'. Bus 372 from Tushinskaya metro to Istra (~1 hour). By car 51 km from MKAD via Volokolamsk highway.
Majestic Resurrection Cathedral with huge rotunda and tent roof — copy of Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre. Inside — Edicule (chapel over Holy Sepulchre), Golgotha, Stone of Anointing. Fortress walls with towers. Patriarch Nikon's hermitage on banks of Istra-Jordan. Nearby — 'New Jerusalem' museum with rich collection.
View of cathedral from main gates — classic panorama. Inside rotunda — light from above and Edicule. From wall — view of entire monastery complex and Istra River.
Free entry. Town of Istra, 60 km from Moscow. Train from Rizhsky station to Novoierusalimskaya. Resurrection Cathedral - replica of Church of Holy Sepulchre. Affordable refectory. Free parking
faq.subtitle New Jerusalem Monastery
Patriarch Nikon in the 17th century created a copy of Holy Land sites here for pilgrims who couldn't reach real Jerusalem. The cathedral replicates Church of Holy Sepulchre, Istra River renamed to Jordan.
Yes, there are 'Eastern' and 'Western' hotels in historic 18th-century buildings on grounds. 44 rooms. Booking via monastery phone.
New Jerusalem Museum — one of Moscow region's largest museums with rich collection. Patriarch Nikon's hermitage on Istra banks. Garden of Gethsemane.
Useful tips for visiting New Jerusalem Monastery
Entry free. Open 8AM-6PM (Sat until 8PM). Women need headscarf and skirt (can rent). Parking at entrance 200₽.
Train from Rizhsky station to Istra (~1 hour), then bus 32/33 or 2.4 km walk. Bus 372 from Tushinskaya metro. By car 51 km from MKAD.
Main sight — Resurrection Cathedral with Edicule and Golgotha copies. Don't miss Patriarch Nikon's hermitage and nearby New Jerusalem Museum.
Hotels in historic 18th-century buildings on grounds. Can stay overnight and attend morning service.
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