The Church of All Saints, also known as the Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land, is a prominent Russian Orthodox church located in Yekaterinburg. It was constructed between 2000 and 2003 on the site of the Ipatiev House, the location where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries in July 1918.
The church serves as a memorial to the Romanov family and the victims of the Russian Revolution. Its architecture follows a Neo-Byzantine style, featuring five domes and a prominent golden central cupola. The lower level of the structure incorporates a memorial room that marks the exact site of the basement where the imperial family met their end, functioning as both a place of worship and a site of historical pilgrimage.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Concrete, Brick, Granite, Gold leaf
- Civilization
- Russian
- Accessibility
- Ground level accessible
- Date(s)
- 2000-2003
- Condition
- Active religious site
- Original Function
- Memorial church
- Key Figures
- Nicholas II of Russia, Patriarch Alexy II
The Ipatiev House
1918The Ipatiev House served as the final place of imprisonment for the Romanov family. On the night of July 17, 1918, the Tsar, his wife, their five children, and their attendants were executed in the basement of the building.
Demolition and Commemoration
1977Under the orders of the Soviet government, the Ipatiev House was demolished in 1977 to prevent the site from becoming a focal point for monarchist sentiment or anti-Soviet pilgrimage.
Construction of the Church
2000-2003Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the canonization of the Romanovs, the decision was made to build a memorial church. Construction began in 2000, and the church was consecrated in 2003 to coincide with the 85th anniversary of the execution.
Cultural Significance
The church is a central site for the veneration of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Orthodox Church. It represents the complex reconciliation of Russia with its imperial past and the trauma of the Soviet era, drawing thousands of pilgrims annually, particularly during the anniversary of the execution.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates persist regarding the historical interpretation of the site, specifically balancing the church's role as a religious sanctuary with its function as a site of political and historical memory. Some historians argue that the church's construction effectively obscures the physical history of the Ipatiev House.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Entry is free. Modest dress is required; women should cover their heads and men should remove hats. Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are asked to remain respectful during services.
Best Times to Visit
July 17th, the anniversary of the execution, sees the largest crowds and significant memorial services. Early mornings are best for a quieter experience.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash is prohibited inside the church. Filming during religious services requires prior permission.
Nearby POIs
6 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Romanovs: The Final Chapter — Robert K. Massie. Random House (1995)
- [2]The Fate of the Romanovs — Greg King and Penny Wilson. John Wiley & Sons (2003)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Concrete, Brick, Granite, Gold leaf
- Civilization
- Russian
- Accessibility
- Ground level accessible