The Temple of the Ascension of the Lord in the Watchmen at the Nikitsky Gate

The existence of a wooden temple on this site is mentioned in 1619, and the stone building was erected in 1685-1689. The extant temple was built under the leadership of architects O.I. Bove and F.M. Shestakov in 1798-1816. Later, a stone refectory and a bell tower were added.

This monumental building is characterized by laconic decoration, and the porticoes and capitals of the columns are amazing stucco. A cylindrical drum with a hemispherical dome crowns this temple. In the interior, you can pay attention to the stunning iconostasis made in 1840 by the architect M.D. Bykovsky.

This beautiful temple in the XIX century was the arrival of the capital's intelligentsia: here he was married.

A.S. Pushkin and N.N. Goncharova, celebrated actress M.N. Ermolova. Two days before his death, Patriarch Tikhon performed his last service. The Church of the Ascension of the Lord is known for its acoustics: even F. Chaliapin sang here at the wedding of his daughter.

Unfortunately, in 1931, the temple was closed and there were production workshops, energy institute laboratories, and even a concert hall. Only on September 23, 1990, the first divine service and procession to the Great Ascension temple were held.

There are regular services, a Sunday school and a library.