-
Historia
Since the arrival of the Ottoman Empire in the Holy Land in the 16th century, Russia has been deeply connected to this region, both in times of war and peace. Representing Greek Orthodox Christianity, Russia played a religious and political role in response to Ottoman rule.
During the Crimean War, which broke out in 1854 due to a dispute between Catholic and Orthodox monks, Turkey ceded, as a gesture of peace, the lands where the Ottoman army had established its bases. On these grounds, Russia founded what it called Novo Yerusalima (New Jerusalem), a spiritual and architectural project that left a lasting mark on local history.
Today, several buildings constructed by the Russians remain active and can be visited. These sites offer a unique window into the past and are yet another reason to explore the cultural and spiritual richness of Israel. -
Russian Consulate:Residence of the Russian consul and his family in the late 19th century.
This building, constructed in the late 19th century, housed the Russian consul and his family.
-
Women’s Hostel:Hostel for Orthodox female pilgrims, Elizabetha Fiodorovna.
Built by Russia in the 19th century to host Orthodox female pilgrims. During the British Mandate, it was converted into a prison for Jewish fighters and Arab detainees.
Today: Museum of Underground Prisoners. -
Russian Hospital:Orthodox hospital that excluded Jewish patients.
Built in the 19th century to serve Orthodox pilgrims. During the British Mandate, it became a military hospital. In 1948, it was transferred to the Israel Defense Forces.
Today: Owned by the Municipality of Jerusalem. -
Russian Ecclesiastical Mission:Building for Orthodox pilgrimage commission.
Reserved for distinguished pilgrims, commissioners, and a library with over 17,000 titles. During the British Mandate, it was converted into government offices.
Today: Houses judicial institutions of the State of Israel, including the Supreme Court. The southern part still belongs to the Russian Ecclesiastical Commission. -
Holy Trinity Church:Replica of a Kremlin church inaugurated in 1872.
This magnificent church was designed as a replica of the one built inside the Kremlin in Moscow in the mid-15th century. At its inauguration in 1872, Tsar Nicholas himself was among the attendees.
-
Nikolai Men’s Hostel:Hostel for Orthodox pilgrims.
Built in 1903 to accommodate up to 1,200 Orthodox pilgrims. Today: Owned by the Israel Police.
-
Sergei Hostel:Hostel for Russian aristocracy.
Built to host members of the Russian aristocracy. It included stables, warehouses, baths, a chapel, dining hall, and rooms.
British Mandate: Used for immigration and urban planning offices.
Today: After an agreement between Israel and Russia, it houses the Ministry of Agriculture and the Nature Protection Authority.