Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

This is the main catholic church in Moscow and the largest neo-Gothic ensemble in Russia. The brick cathedral with high lancet windows and a gabled roof was designed by architect Tomasz Bohdanowicz-Dworzecki. The construction works began at the turn of the 20th century and finished in 1911. Some major changes were made to its appearance during the Soviet period: the church was plundered in the 1930s and its pinnacles were damaged from bombing during World War II. Later, the research institute Mosspetspromproyekt was housed in the cathedral.

Today, the cathedral again offers religious services. They celebrated the first Mass in 1990 and consecrated the church in 1999. The spectacular vaulted hall features stained-glass windows, numerous Сorinthian columns, and bas-reliefs depicting the fourteen Stations of the Cross. Here you can listen to not only sermons but also liturgical music, Bach, Schubert, Debussy, and other classical composers.

You can join a free guided tour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please, sign up for it on the cathedral's website beforehand.