Moscow is not only the political and cultural center of Russia but also a hub for Russian Orthodox Christianity. The city offers a variety of shops and markets where you can find authentic Orthodox icons, religious artifacts, and other traditional Russian souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful hand-painted icon or a piece of Orthodox religious art, here are the best places in Moscow to purchase these meaningful items.
1. The Izmailovo Market (Vernissage)
Why It’s Great:
The Izmailovo Market (also known as Vernissage) is one of Moscow’s largest and most famous markets, where you can find a wide range of Russian Orthodox icons and religious souvenirs. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse selection of goods, including traditional Russian handicrafts.
What to Expect:
- The market has many icon shops that specialize in hand-painted icons, including ancient and modern styles.
- You can find Orthodox crosses, wooden carvings, ceramic icons, and church candles. The market also offers a variety of Russian folk art that complements the religious artifacts.
Location:
- The market is located near the Izmailovo Kremlin at 4th Izmailovsky Proyezd, a short ride from Red Square. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to purchase traditional Russian Orthodox religious items at affordable prices.
Tips:
- Bargaining is common in the Izmailovo Market, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
- The market is open every day, but it’s especially vibrant on weekends.
2. GUM Department Store
Why It’s Great:
Located right on Red Square, GUM is one of Moscow’s most famous and luxurious department stores. It offers a variety of religious souvenirs, including high-quality Russian Orthodox icons and artifacts.
What to Expect:
- Inside GUM, you’ll find a selection of authentic Orthodox icons, including both handmade and reproductions of famous works.
- You can also purchase crosses, religious jewelry, and church supplies, as well as traditional Russian religious books.
- The high-end atmosphere of GUM ensures that the items are of good quality, but they may come at higher prices compared to markets like Izmailovo.
Location:
- GUM is located at Red Square, directly across from the Kremlin.
Tips:
- Take your time to browse through the several religious gift shops inside GUM.
- While prices may be higher, the store offers a range of luxury goods that you won’t find in smaller shops.
3. The Holy Trinity Church on Nikitsky Gate
Why It’s Great:
The Holy Trinity Church has a small shop attached to it, where you can find a carefully selected collection of Orthodox icons, religious books, and other sacred items. The shop is run by the church, making it a trustworthy place to find high-quality religious items.
What to Expect:
- The shop offers hand-painted icons, silver and gold crosses, and liturgical items used in Russian Orthodox worship.
- There are also a variety of prayer books, candles, and holy water bottles.
Location:
- The Holy Trinity Church is located at Nikitsky Boulevard, not far from the Kremlin.
Tips:
- The prices here are generally more affordable compared to the upscale shops in GUM.
- The shop’s authenticity and connection to the church make it an excellent place for purchasing traditional Orthodox items.
4. Sergiev Posad (Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius)
Why It’s Great:
While not in central Moscow, Sergiev Posad is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Russia, home to the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a center of Russian Orthodoxy. It’s the perfect place to find authentic religious icons directly from the heart of Russian Orthodoxy.
What to Expect:
- Icon shops surrounding the monastery offer a wide range of handcrafted Orthodox icons, some of which are made by local artisans following traditional methods.
- You can also purchase holy relics, medals, and church textiles that are made in the surrounding workshops of the Lavra.
- The shop sells a variety of traditional Orthodox religious items, including crosses, liturgical items, and religious jewelry.
Location:
- Sergiev Posad is about a 1.5-hour drive from Moscow, located in the Moscow Region. It’s worth the trip for those seeking authentic, hand-crafted religious items.
Tips:
- Icon prices in Sergiev Posad are often more reasonable than in Moscow’s high-end stores.
- Take time to visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, where you can see monks and pilgrims, making it a spiritually enriching experience.
5. The Russian Orthodox Church Shops
Why It’s Great:
Various Orthodox churches in Moscow have their own religious shops where you can find authentic Orthodox icons and religious souvenirs. These shops are often run by churches and monasteries, ensuring that the products are authentic.
What to Expect:
- You’ll find hand-painted icons, liturgical items, holy water bottles, crosses, and church supplies.
- These shops may also offer religious books, including prayer books and Orthodox literature, as well as rosaries and candles.
Examples of Church Shops:
- The Christ the Savior Cathedral has a large religious shop with icons, prayer books, and church memorabilia.
- The Cathedral of Christ the Savior’s Bookshop offers books, crosses, and a variety of Russian Orthodox items.
Location:
- Shops can be found near various Orthodox churches in Moscow, including Christ the Savior Cathedral.
Tips:
- Religious shops at Moscow churches are often more affordable than those in department stores.
- These shops offer the authenticity of being directly connected to the Orthodox faith and may have more personalized offerings.
6. The Kremlin Armoury and State Museums
Why It’s Great:
While the Kremlin Armoury and State Museums are better known for their royal treasures, they also have a select range of Orthodox religious items for sale, including replicas of historical icons and religious artifacts.
What to Expect:
- High-quality icon replicas, prayer books, crosses, and small religious items.
- The Kremlin Armoury often carries unique pieces with historical significance.
Location:
- Kremlin Armoury, Red Square, Moscow.
Tips:
- Prices here are typically higher, but you will be purchasing museum-quality items with historical significance.
Conclusion: Where to Find the Best Russian Orthodox Icons and Religious Souvenirs
Moscow offers a wide range of places to purchase Orthodox religious items—from bustling markets like Izmailovo to the serene Sergiev Posad or the holy shops of local churches. Whether you are looking for authentic hand-painted icons, Soviet-era religious artifacts, or luxurious religious jewelry, these shops offer a variety of options.
- Izmailovo Market offers affordable, handcrafted icons.
- GUM and Holy Trinity Church shops offer high-quality religious items.
- Sergiev Posad is ideal for authentic items made by local artisans.
- Church shops provide personal and authentic experiences.
Wherever you choose to shop, you will find spiritual and historical souvenirs that serve as lasting reminders of your time in Moscow.