Church of the Twelve Apostles
Religious Site Historic Russian church within Moscow, noted frescoes
Inside the Moscow Kremlin, the Church of the Twelve Apostles sits beside the Patriarchal complex. Visitors encounter 17th‑century Russian church architecture and frescoed interiors while touring the Kremlin and the nearby Armoury, a short walk from Red Square.
The Church of the Twelve Apostles is a 17th-century Russian Orthodox church located within the Moscow Kremlin, built in the mid-1600s as part of the Patriarch’s Palace complex. It served as a private patriarchal church and now forms part of the Kremlin museum ensemble.
Constructed in the 1650s as an integral element of the Patriarch’s Palace, the church functioned as the patriarch’s private chapel and was decorated in the 17th-century iconographic and fresco tradition. Over time it became part of the historic holdings incorporated into the Kremlin’s museum displays.
The building stands within the Moscow Kremlin complex in central Moscow and is reached on the standard Kremlin visitor route.
- Access: The church is located inside the Moscow Kremlin and is normally visited as part of the Kremlin museums rather than as a stand-alone attraction.
- Interior decoration: Interior decoration dates mainly to the 17th century and reflects the stylistic program used in patriarchal and tsarist churches of that period.
What to See #
- Church within the Patriarch's Palace complex: The small east-facing church built as part of the Patriarch's Palace complex in the mid-17th century; it served as the private church of the Russian patriarchs.
- Patriarch's Palace and Kremlin ensemble: The Patriarchal complex within the Moscow Kremlin that includes ceremonial halls and the adjoining church; today the buildings form part of the Kremlin's museum ensemble.
How to Get to Church of the Twelve Apostles #
The church is inside the Moscow Kremlin, accessible via official Kremlin entrances (e.g., Kutafya Tower). Visitors should check the Kremlin’s ticketing website for current access rules and guided tour options; central Moscow Metro stations (e.g., Biblioteka Imeni Lenina, Okhotny Ryad) serve the area.
Tips for Visiting Church of the Twelve Apostles #
- If visiting the complex within the Kremlin, book tickets for the Armoury or guided Kremlin tours in advance to ensure access.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Cathedral Square for a fuller sense of Moscow's ecclesiastical architecture.
- Check for security and access restrictions; Kremlin area access can change for official events.
Best Time to Visit Church of the Twelve Apostles #
Late spring through early autumn offers the best overall conditions for visiting outdoor portions of the Kremlin; internal museums have year-round schedules.
Weather & Climate near Church of the Twelve Apostles #
Church of the Twelve Apostles's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (721 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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