Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian church

The Geneva audio-guided tour presents you with the Russian church, an Orthodox place of worship whose golden onion domes can be seen from afar.

A sign of religious tolerance

In the middle of the nineteenth century, after the demolition of the fortifications, Geneva affirmed its will for freedom of worship and religious tolerance. It is thus that places of worship of various denominations gradually rose: the Catholic church Notre-Dame, the Anglican church, the synagogue, and this Russian Orthodox church, consecrated in 1866. Of Neo-Russian style, it depends on the cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. With its golden onion domes, it is clearly distinguished from the other monuments of the city and draws the eye. A place of prayer still in activity, it invites, when it is open, to discover an interior adorned in the Orthodox tradition, to be visited with respect for the contemplation of the faithful.

What there is to see

The Russian church is distinguished by its golden onion domes and its Neo-Russian architecture, unique in Geneva. A symbol of the religious tolerance of the city, it invites contemplation in an interior adorned according to the Orthodox tradition. It is an elegant and peaceful curiosity, to discover with respect.

Practical information

The Russian church is in the centre of Geneva. An active Orthodox place of worship, it can be visited with respect for the services, according to opening hours to be checked on site.

When was the Russian church consecrated?

In 1866, at the time when Geneva was opening the city to freedom of worship and to the diversity of denominations.

How does one recognise the Russian church?

By its golden onion domes and its Neo-Russian architecture, which distinguish it clearly from the other buildings of Geneva.