Cathedral of Christ the Saviour excursion

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a Russian Orthodox cathedral on the northern bank of the Moskva River, a few hundred metres southwest of the Kremlin. With an overall height of 103 metres it is the third tallest Orthodox Christian church building in the world.

The current church is the second to stand on this site. The original church, built in the 19th century, took more than 40 years to build, and was the site of the 1882 world premiere of the 1812 Overture composed by Tchaikovsky. It was destroyed in 1931 on the order of the Soviet Politburo. The demolition was supposed to make way for a colossal Palace of the Soviets to house the country's legislature, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Construction started in 1937 but was halted in 1941 when Germany invaded the Soviet Union during World War II. Its steel frame was disassembled the following year, and the palace was never built. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the current cathedral was constructed on the site between 1995 and 2000.

When visiting a Russian church, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully, as church attire typically reflects the solemnity of the space. Here are some guidelines for both men and women:

Women:

• Dress or Skirt: Choose a long dress or skirt that covers the knees. Avoid shorts and very short skirts.
• Blouse or Top: A modest top with sleeves is preferable. Avoid low-cut or sleeveless tops.
• Head Covering: It's traditional for women to cover their heads. You can wear a scarf or shawl, which can be draped over your hair.
• Closed-Toed Shoes: Opt for closed-toe shoes; flats or low heels are typically appropriate.

Men:

• Pants: Wear long trousers, avoiding shorts or overly casual attire like sweatpants.
• Shirt: A collared shirt is often preferred, though a modest t-shirt may be acceptable in some settings.
• Closed-Toed Shoes: Wear appropriate footwear, such as dress shoes or smart casual shoes.