Temple of St. Louis of France

The Church of St. Louis of France in Moscow is a Catholic church protected as an object of cultural heritage of Russia. Permission from the French diaspora to erect the temple was granted by Empress Catherine II in 1789. The first church was built of wood and consecrated in the name of King Louis IX of France. In 1835, the construction of a stone building was completed, which replaced its wooden predecessor.

During the revolution, the temple was closed, by that time the parish numbered almost three thousand people. The services were held in secret from the authorities, which led to the repression of most active Catholics. In Soviet times, the Church of St. Louis remained active, making it the only open Catholic church in Moscow.