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Varvarka Street Moscow

5
·27 reviews·Moskva, Russia

Moscow's ancient Varvarka Street, a historic gem with centuries-old churches, the Old English Court, and stunning night illuminations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening hours

Magical illumination

CrowdMedium
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Varvarka Street - Image 1

Varvarka Street Moscow

Best Time

Evening hours

Magical illumination

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Moscow's ancient Varvarka Street, a historic gem with centuries-old churches, the Old English Court, and stunning night illuminations.

5
(27 reviews)

"It really is very beautiful, both day and night, perhaps even better at night..."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Red Square

Easily accessible from Red Square, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing route. :walking:

✨ Evening Glow

The street is stunning at night with beautiful lighting; consider visiting after sunset for a magical experience. :sparkles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Churches

Ancient Churches

Along Varvarka Street

Marvel at centuries-old churches, beautifully restored and illuminated, showcasing Moscow's rich religious heritage.

Old English Court

Old English Court

Varvarka Street

Step back in time at the oldest official foreign representative office in Moscow, a testament to historical international ties.

Romanov Ancestor Chambers

Romanov Ancestor Chambers

Varvarka Street

Explore the chambers of the Romanov dynasty's ancestors, offering a glimpse into Russia's imperial past.

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

Varvarka Street

Experience the street's magical transformation after dark, with enchanting lights highlighting its historical architecture.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Varvarka Street

Varvarka Street is one of Moscow's oldest, brimming with history. To truly soak it in, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for stunning photos, or after dark when the street's lights create a magical ambiance. Avoid peak tourist times to enjoy the historical buildings and churches more peacefully.

Navigating Varvarka Street's Charm

This historic street is easily walkable from Red Square, making it a perfect addition to your Moscow itinerary. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll want to explore every nook and cranny. Keep an eye out for the beautifully restored churches and ancient buildings that line this iconic Moscow thoroughfare.

Best Times

When
Evening hours
Why
Magical illumination
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rusia #hantu #setan #ghost #rusia #boyar #kremlin #gorkovskiy #ulitsa #metromoscow #moscow #moskow #fyp #fypシ #beranda #tiktok #horror #xybca
@kakden_20
458 likes • 10.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Red Square

Easily accessible from Red Square, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing route. :walking: Instagram

✨ Evening Glow

The street is stunning at night with beautiful lighting; consider visiting after sunset for a magical experience. :sparkles: Reddit

Follow me for more places in Moscow and book a tour to get to know about these wonderful streets more 🥰 #moscowtourguide #moscowtour #russiatour
@moscow.berry
180 likes • 5K views
Slavyanskaya Square is a square in central Moscow, renamed in 1924–1990 as northern side of Nogina Square; the southern side of Soviet-era Nogina Square reverted to its old name Varvarka Gates Square. These two square separates central Kitai-gorod from eastward Tagansky District. They connect to Varvarka Street, Solyanka Street, Kitaigorodsky Lane, Staraya Square and Lubyansky Lane, completing the...
moscowchannel
5 likes • 21 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobblestone streets and historical sites at your own pace. :athletic_shoe: Instagram

📸 Capture the History

Bring your camera to photograph the ancient churches and beautifully restored buildings. :camerawithflash: Instagram

The winter without snow and…Varvarka. Varvarka is one of the oldest streets in Moscow, first mentioned in 1380. Many old churches and buildings are scattered along the street, among them are chambers of the ancestor of the Romanov dynasty and the Old English Court, which is “the oldest official representative office of a foreign country existing in Moscow”
ea.trier
0 likes • 91 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Red Square

Easily accessible from Red Square, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing route. :walking: Instagram

✨ Evening Glow

The street is stunning at night with beautiful lighting; consider visiting after sunset for a magical experience. :sparkles: Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobblestone streets and historical sites at your own pace. :athletic_shoe: Instagram

📸 Capture the History

Bring your camera to photograph the ancient churches and beautifully restored buildings. :camerawithflash: Instagram

🗺️ Explore Opposite Side

Don't forget to check out the other side of the street; it's also very cool and historically significant. :world_map: Reddit

What Travellers Say

5
(27 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Varvarka Street is widely praised as one of Moscow's most beautiful and historically significant streets, captivating visitors with its ancient churches and restored buildings. Many find it particularly enchanting when illuminated at night, offering a magical atmosphere. While the street itself is free to explore, some visitors note that certain churches may have admission fees.

"It is a 7 wonder of world"

Ilaya Bharathi

"Probably the most beautiful street. One of the oldest in Moscow. The road to Vladimir ran along it. Now all the houses and churches have been restored and beautifully lit. It really is very beautiful."

Antonius

"It is believed that the street was named after the Church of St. Barbara. At different times it was called Varskaya, Vsekhsvyatskaya, Stepana Razina. And the meaning of the street was different: trading, prikaznaya, just a district with communal apartments. Now, after the demolition of the Rossiya Hotel, the street has become more open and historical: churches, a view of Zaryadye, Gostiny Dvor. It is beautiful here both day and night. At night, perhaps, even better..."

Олег Васильевич

What People Like

Beautifully restored churches
Historical architecture
Magical nighttime illumination

What People Dislike

Occasional church entry fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Varvarka Street is conveniently located right next to Red Square, making it easily accessible by foot. You can also reach it via the Moscow Metro, with Kitay-gorod station being the closest. Many guided tours of Moscow include Varvarka Street as a key stop. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Varvarka Street begins just a stone's throw from Red Square, making it a very easy and pleasant walk. It's a natural extension of exploring the heart of Moscow. Instagram

The best way to explore Varvarka Street is on foot. This allows you to appreciate the intricate details of the ancient churches and historical buildings at your own pace. Consider joining a walking tour for deeper historical insights. TikTok

Yes, the closest metro station to Varvarka Street is Kitay-gorod. From there, it's a short walk to reach the street and its historical attractions. TikTok

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near Varvarka Street. However, be aware that some central areas might have traffic restrictions, so it's good to check in advance. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking along Varvarka Street itself is free and open to the public. You can admire the exteriors of the churches and historical buildings without purchasing tickets. Instagram

While walking the street is free, some of the churches may have small entrance fees or request donations for entry into their interiors or museums. It's best to check on-site for current pricing. Instagram

Varvarka Street is an open public space and is accessible at all times. However, individual churches and museums along the street will have their own specific operating hours. Instagram

Yes, the Old English Court is a museum located on Varvarka Street and is open to visitors. It's recommended to check their official website for current opening hours and admission fees. Instagram

Many visitors find the street particularly beautiful in the early evening when the lights come on, creating a magical atmosphere. Early mornings offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire street is photogenic! Key spots include the facades of the ancient churches, the Old English Court, and the views towards the Kremlin. The street looks especially stunning when illuminated at night. InstagramReddit

Photography policies can vary between churches. Some may allow it freely, while others might restrict it or charge a small fee. Always check for signage or ask permission before taking photos inside. Instagram

For dramatic lighting, the 'golden hour' just before sunset is ideal. However, the street's nighttime illumination offers a unique and captivating photographic opportunity. Reddit

Yes, drone photography is generally restricted in central Moscow, especially near historical sites and the Kremlin. It's advisable to check current regulations before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the grand architecture and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for fitting the churches into the frame, and a tripod is highly recommended for nighttime shots. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

Varvarka Street is one of Moscow's oldest streets, first mentioned in 1380. It was a vital trade route and has witnessed centuries of Russian history, with many important churches and buildings lining its path. InstagramReddit

The street is believed to be named after the Church of St. Barbara, which was located here. It has had various names throughout history, including Vsekhsvyatskaya and Stepana Razina. Reddit

You can see several ancient churches like the Church of the Resurrection of the Word, the Church of St. George, and the Church of St. Barbara. The Old English Court and the Romanov Ancestor Chambers are also significant historical sites. Instagram

Historically, Varvarka Street served as a major thoroughfare, a trading center, and a residential area for various classes. It was part of the ancient road leading to Vladimir. Reddit

No, the street has undergone significant changes. After the fire of 1812, many buildings were rebuilt. The demolition of the large Rossiya Hotel in recent times has made the street more open and highlighted its historical architecture. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Varvarka Street offers a fascinating glimpse into history that can engage older children. The visually striking churches and the story of the Old English Court can spark curiosity. While it's primarily a historical and architectural site, the open spaces nearby, like Zaryadye Park, provide room for kids to move around. Consider a guided tour that incorporates storytelling to make the history more accessible and exciting for younger visitors. TikTok

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Varvarka Street is a dream. The combination of ancient religious architecture, historical secular buildings, and the proximity to Red Square offers endless shooting opportunities. The street's illumination at night is particularly spectacular, providing dramatic shots. Don't miss the chance to capture the details of the church domes and the textures of the old stone buildings. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography. InstagramReddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find Varvarka Street to be an unparalleled destination. As one of Moscow's oldest streets, it's a living museum. Delve into the stories behind the Church of St. Barbara, the Old English Court, and the Romanov Chambers. Understanding its role as a former trade route and its evolution through fires and reconstructions offers a deep dive into Russian history. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring History of Varvarka Street

Varvarka Street is a living testament to Moscow's long and storied past, holding the title of one of the city's most ancient thoroughfares. First documented in 1380, its origins are deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Russian history. It's believed to have been named after the Church of St. Barbara, though it has also been known by other names like Vsekhsvyatskaya and Stepana Razina throughout the centuries. This street was once a crucial part of the ancient road connecting Moscow to Vladimir, serving as a vital artery for trade and travel. InstagramReddit

Walking along Varvarka Street is like stepping back in time. You'll encounter a remarkable collection of beautifully restored churches, each with its own unique architectural style and history. Among the most notable are the Church of the Resurrection of the Word, the Church of St. George, and the Church of St. Barbara. Beyond religious sites, the street is home to significant secular historical landmarks, including the Old English Court, which stands as the oldest official representative office of a foreign country in Moscow, and the Chambers of the Romanov Ancestors, offering a direct link to Russia's imperial lineage. Instagram

The street's appearance has evolved significantly over time. Following the devastating fire of 1812, many of its structures were rebuilt. More recently, the demolition of the massive Rossiya Hotel opened up the street, allowing its historical charm and architectural treasures to be more prominently displayed and appreciated. This transformation has revitalized Varvarka Street, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Moscow's rich heritage. Reddit

Experiencing Varvarka Street: Day vs. Night

Varvarka Street offers distinct yet equally captivating experiences depending on the time of day. During daylight hours, visitors can fully appreciate the intricate details of the ancient churches and historical buildings. The sunlight illuminates the facades, allowing for clear views of the architectural styles and the surrounding Zaryadye Park. It's an ideal time for detailed exploration, photography, and understanding the historical context of each structure. Instagram

However, many visitors rave about the magical transformation of Varvarka Street after dark. As dusk settles, the street comes alive with beautiful illumination, casting a warm glow on the ancient stones and spires. This nighttime ambiance creates a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for evening strolls. The lights highlight the grandeur of the churches and the historical significance of the street in a truly spectacular way. TikTokReddit

Whether you choose to visit during the day or at night, Varvarka Street promises a memorable journey through Moscow's past. For those with time, experiencing both day and night views will provide a comprehensive appreciation of this historic gem. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to wander and soak in the atmosphere at your leisure. Instagram

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