Russian Compound, Jerusalem

Name: Russian Compound
Address: Jerusalem, Israel

#47 among attractions in Jerusalem

Museum

Gallery (8)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Shaul1 / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Tamar Hayardeni / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 / American Colony Photographers / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / פארוק / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Elderson / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Etan J. Tal / URL • 7. En.wikipedia.org / GFDL / Elderson / URL

Facts and practical information

The Russian Compound is one of the most intriguing historical sites in Jerusalem, Israel, offering a unique glimpse into the city's diverse cultural and political history. Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, this complex has been a focal point of the city's landscape since its establishment in the 19th century by the Russian Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society.

Originally intended to serve as a hospice and consulate for Russian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, the Russian Compound has since transformed into a vibrant hub of activity and history. The site houses the Sergei Courtyard, a beautifully restored building that once catered to the needs of affluent Russian pilgrims. Today, it stands as a testament to the opulent architectural style of the Russian Empire and is a popular attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

The Russian Compound's museum offers a rich tapestry of exhibits that delve into the history of the Russian presence in Jerusalem, as well as the complex's evolution over the years. Visitors can explore a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that chronicle the lives of Russian pilgrims, the diplomatic endeavors of the Russian Empire in the region, and the subsequent changes in ownership and function the compound has undergone.

One of the most notable buildings in the compound is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a magnificent example of Russian Orthodox architecture. Its gilded domes and ornate details captivate the eyes of visitors, while the interior offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

The compound's historical significance is further highlighted by its role during the British Mandate of Palestine, where it served as the central prison. It was here that members of the Jewish underground movements were detained during their struggle for Israeli independence.

Today, the Russian Compound is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the layers of Jerusalem's past. It offers a unique blend of religious, political, and cultural narratives that have shaped the city over centuries. Open to the public year-round, the compound allows visitors to step back in time and experience a piece of Jerusalem's multifaceted history.

Local name: מגרש הרוסים Coordinates: 31°46'57"N, 35°13'19"E

Address

מורשה (mwrsh)Jerusalem Israel

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Day trips

Russian Compound – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Ben Yehuda Street, Mamilla Mall, Clal Center, Holy Trinity Cathedral.

~1270 ftW
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem
7 min walk • Ben Yehuda Street, nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel, is a vibrant shopping district that pulses with the city's unique blend of ancient tradition and contemporary culture. Known locally as the "Midrachov," this pedestrian mall is a lively hub where locals...
~1870 ftS
Shopping, Shopping centre
Mamilla Mall, Jerusalem
10 min walk • Nestled at the crossroads of ancient history and modern luxury, Mamilla Mall stands as a premier shopping center in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel. This open-air mall, which harmoniously blends contemporary architecture with the city's timeless landscape, offers a...
0.4 miW
Shopping, Shopping centre
Clal Center, Jerusalem
12 min walk • The Clal Center, a multi-faceted shopping complex, stands as a testament to the diverse and vibrant nature of Jerusalem, Israel. Strategically located at the crossroads of the city's various cultural quarters, this shopping center is an integral part of Jerusalem's...
~510 ftSE
Church
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Jerusalem
3 min walk • The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church, located at the heart of the so-called Russian Compound in central Jerusalem. The cathedral was built in 1860–1872 by a Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, when the Holy City was part of the Ottoman Empire.
~760 ftW
Square
Zion Square, Jerusalem
4 min walk • Zion Square is a public square in Jerusalem, located at the intersection of Jaffa Road, Ben Yehuda Street, Herbert Samuel Street, and Yoel Moshe Salomon Street. The square is one of the vertices of the Downtown Triangle commercial district.
~1010 ftSE
Square
Safra Square, Jerusalem
5 min walk • Safra Square is a city square in Jerusalem. It is the site of the Jerusalem Municipality complex, which houses the municipal administration. Safra Square is located in a central part of the city, on the former seam line between West and East Jerusalem, a site chosen to symbolize its goal of serving all residents of Jerusalem.
~760 ftNW
Exhibits in an artist's former home
Ticho House, Jerusalem
4 min walk • Ticho House is a historical home in Jerusalem, Israel, now functioning as a museum, administered as part of the national Israel Museum, which includes a restaurant and cultural center.
~1050 ftSW
Museum, History museum
Friends of Zion Museum, Jerusalem
6 min walk • The Friends of Zion Museum is a museum in the historic Nahalat Shiv'a neighborhood of downtown Jerusalem. The museum celebrates Christian Zionists and their contribution to Israel.
~680 ftE
Museum, History museum, Architecture
Museum of Underground Prisoners, Jerusalem
4 min walk • Museum of Underground Prisoners is a museum in Jerusalem, commemorating the activity of the Jewish underground—Haganah, Irgun and Lehi—during the period leading up the establishment of the State of Israel.
~910 ftN
Church
Kidane Mehret Church, Jerusalem
5 min walk • The Kidane Mehret Church in Jerusalem, popularly known simlly as the Ethiopian Church, is part of the Debre Genet monastery, whose name means "Monastery of Paradise". The monastery and its church belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
0.5 miSW
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Artist's House, Jerusalem
13 min walk • Jerusalem Artists House is an Israeli art gallery and exhibition space in Jerusalem, Israel that housed the Bezalel Art School, established in 1906. The historic 19th century building, in Jerusalem's Rehavia neighborhood, was the home of Boris Schatz, who opened an art school and museum alongside his family residence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Russian Compound?

Nearby attractions include Finger of Og, Jerusalem (1 min walk), Holy Trinity Cathedral, Jerusalem (3 min walk), Street of the Prophets, Jerusalem (4 min walk), Museum of Underground Prisoners, Jerusalem (4 min walk).

How to get to Russian Compound by public transport?

The nearest stations to Russian Compound:

Bus

HaNevi'im Terminal • Lines: 231 (11 min walk)
Damascus gate bus station (11 min walk)

Train

Jerusalem - Yitzhak Navon (31 min walk)