Bolshaya Ordinka ulitsa

Bolshaya Ordinka ulitsa Review

Russian Orthodox churches, many recently restored, line this north-south street that runs for more than a mile.

Continue up Bolshaya Ordinka ulitsa and take a right on Klimentovsky pereulok.

Near the Dobrininskaya metro, the white classical-style St. Catherine's Church sits on the corner of Pogorelsky pereulok. It was commissioned by Catherine the Great in 1763 and designed by Karl Blank. The freshly restored interior is rather modest compared to some other churches in the city, but the central dome has some impressive A-shaped frescoes painted around the windows. Across from the entrance is a shop that sells icons, vivid cloth, and small clothing items (such as scarves) for low prices. No. 60, 119017. No phone.

Walk farther north to reach Martha and Mary Convent, which opened in 1909 and is most noted for its white Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary. It has been recently restored, with intricate floral patterns woven through the religious imagery, and is open for services daily at 8 am. The religious order of the convent is now across the street. No. 34. No phone.

A few doors from the convent is Church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi, an ornate, bright-white building with one gold and four dark gray cupolas, dating from 1670. No. 27a. 495/231-3742. Mon., Tues., and Thurs. noon-6:30; weekends 10-6:30. Metro: Dobrininskaya.

Push your way through the throngs exiting the metro to the middle of the small alleyway to view the baroque St. Clement's Church. The construction of this church, begun in 1743 and designed by Pietro Antonio Trezzini, took three decades. Today the interior is undergoing renovation, though its impressive star-studded cupolas and redbrick baroque walls remain worth a stop. 26 Klimentovsky per. No phone. Metro: Tretyakovskaya.

Retrace your steps to Bolshaya Ordinka ulitsa and cross the street and take a right. A few steps away is the yellow Church of the Virgin of All Sorrows. Designed by Osip Bove and built between 1828 and 1835, the neoclassical-era church is an excellent example of the Empire style popular in the early 19th century. It replaced one that had burned down in the fire of 1812. The interior, filled with icons and gold, is nothing earth-shattering, but it's good for getting the feel of a typical working church. Sunday services are often at 10 am, but the church is usually open daily. From here, you're not far from the famous Tretyakov Gallery. No. 20. No phone. Metro: Tretyakovskaya.