Many people who know the 8th arrondissement quite well have never been inside the beautiful Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral. Some aren’t even aware that it exists.
The Cathedral is the centre of worship for the Russian Orthodox community in Paris.
In 1847, it was clear there was a need for a Russian Church and plans took shape. Despite delays, the project was finalised and approved by the French authorities. It was financed largely by private donations from a wide cross section of the population, and from Russian believers all over the world, who responded to an appeal for funds.
The Cathedral stands in a small park, set back from the street, on rue Daru. The building is a fine example of neo-Byzantine design. Its five pyramid style spires are topped with golden cupolas, which represent Christ and the four Evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
If you want the perfect photograph, you will have the best view of its impressive facade as you approach it from the intersection of rue Pierre Le Grand and Boulevard de Courcelles, just a short walk west of Parc Monceau.
Inside, the spectacular painted dome soars above the vast interior, dominated by red and gold, and heavily decorated with religious images.
Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral: notable dates
- The Cathedral was consecrated on 11 September 1861, on the feast day of Saint Alexandre Nevsky
- In 1883 a funeral ceremony was held there for Russian author, Ivan Turgenev, best known for his novel Fathers and Sons. His remains were later returned to Russia for burial
- Pablo Picasso married his first wife, a ballerina named Olga Khokhlova, at the Church, on 12 July 1918
- In 1922 it was given Cathedral status, becoming the major place of worship for Paris’ Russian population
- In 1983 it was declared an historic monument.
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Information
Entry cost: You can visit the Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral free of charge during opening times.
Opening times: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoons après midi de 15h à 18h.
When services are on, the Cathedral is for worshippers. If you attend a service, you might be lucky enough to hear the Russian orthodox choir.
Sometimes there are volunteer guides available to guide you around. They will show you the Cathedral’s treasured objects and answer questions about the art and architecture, the icons and frescos, as well as the history of the Cathedral and the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. The crypt is usually open and available for groups to visit, by appointment.
Website
Details or services can be found on the website. It is in French and Russian but it’s not difficult to work out the time of the services (Vigiles or Divine Liturgie)
Getting there
Address: 12, rue Daru, 75008 Paris
Métro: Courcelles or Ternes – both Line 2
