Danilov Monastery Moscow stands behind white walls on Danilovsky Val, a few minutes’ walk from Tulskaya Metro, and is traditionally regarded as the oldest monastery in the city, founded in or around 1282 by Prince Daniel, a son of Alexander Nevsky. Since 1983 it has been the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church and the official residence of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
It is a working monastery, so visits follow its rules. This guide explains how to enter through the gate-church, what to look for in the grounds, the story of the monastery’s bells that spent much of the 20th century at Harvard University, which parts are the Patriarch’s residence and are not for visitors, what to wear, which hours are listed and how to reach it from Tulskaya and the nearby Danilovsky Market.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Данилов ставропигиальный мужской монастырь |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1282 |
| Architect(s) | Yuri Rabaev led the architects of the Patriarchal residence built in 1988 |
| Address | Danilovsky Val 22, Moscow 115191 |
| District | Danilovsky |
| Metro | Tulskaya (Line 9, light gray, walk to the tram tracks, turn right and follow Danilovsky Val to number 22; about 5 to 10 minutes (estimate)) |
| Opening hours | Listings give different hours for the monastery grounds (from 06:00 or 06:30 to 20:00 or 21:00 in some listings and 10:00 to 17:00 in another), and services have their own schedule, so check the official site before you go (as of October 2026 – check the official site). |
| Admission | Entry to the monastery grounds is free according to a guide; check the official site for any rules on visits. |
| Best time to visit | Early morning and weekday afternoons are the quietest, and church holidays and weekend services are the busiest. The grounds are open year-round, and the gardens are best in late spring and summer. Check the official site for service times. |
| Recommended duration | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Website | msdm.ru |
| Last updated | October 9, 2026 |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Danilov Monastery Moscow?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The monastery grounds, churches and gardens | Included in the standard ticket | Free to enter according to a guide; follow monastery rules. |
| Church services | Separate ticket or institution | Held on their own schedule; visitors should be quiet and respectful. |
| The Patriarchal and Synodal residence | Not open to visitors | The official residence; not open to visitors. |
| The tour office across the road | Separate ticket or institution | An excursion and pilgrim office with its own services. |
| Danilovsky Market | Outside / not part of it | A separate food hall near Tulskaya; see the Danilovsky Market Moscow guide. |
| Krutitskoye Podvorye | Outside / not part of it | A different historic church complex in the east; see the Taganka and Krutitskoye Podvorye Walking Itinerary. |
Why Visit Danilov Monastery Moscow?
The monastery is a quiet, walled enclave in a busy part of the south of the center, and one of the main centers of the Russian Orthodox Church today. Its long history, as the claimed oldest monastery in Moscow, the last to be closed under the Soviet government in 1930 and the first to be returned to the Church in 1983, gives the visit a sense of continuity.
The grounds hold the gate-church, the main cathedral and the Patriarch’s residence with the house church of All Saints, and the monastery’s bells are a story in themselves: 18 bells were sold in 1930 to the American industrialist Charles Crane, who gave them to Harvard, and they returned in 2008. Entry is free.
How Danilov Monastery Moscow Is Laid Out
The monastery is a walled complex on the right bank of the Moskva River, entered through the gate-church of St Simeon the Stylite, which forms the entrance on Danilovsky Val. Inside are the main churches, gardens and paths, with the bell tower holding the returned bells.
The western part of the complex has the Patriarchal and Synodal residence, a two-storey building built in 1988, with a house church of All Saints on the second floor; it is the official residence and is not open to visitors. The pilgrim and tour office is across the road from the monastery. Follow signs and staff directions, since access to some areas is restricted. Check the official site for service times and which churches are open.
Highlights of Danilov Monastery Moscow
The gate-church of St Simeon the Stylite
The entrance to the monastery is formed by the gate-church of St Simeon the Stylite, the first building visitors pass through from Danilovsky Val. It marks the transition from the street to the monastery. Look at the arch from the pavement. Check whether the church is open.
Tip: Cover your head and dress modestly before you enter the gate.
The returned bells
The monastery's 18 bells were sold in 1930 to Charles Crane, who gave them to Harvard University, where they hung in the tower of Lowell House, and they were returned in 2008, replaced at Harvard by copies. The largest, the Bolshoi, weighs about 13 tons. Listen for the bells at a service time. Check the schedule of bell ringing.
Tip: Visit around a service to hear the bells.
Prince Daniel and the oldest monastery claim
The monastery was founded in the late 13th century by Prince Daniel of Moscow, a son of Alexander Nevsky, with 1282 given as the traditional date, although the exact year is not known. He became a monk before his death in 1303 and was canonised in 1652. Relics of St Daniel are kept here. Check which church holds them.
Tip: Ask a monastery volunteer where the relics are kept.
The Patriarchal residence
A two-storey Patriarchal and Synodal residence was built in 1988 by a team led by the architect Yuri Rabaev, with a house church of All Saints on the second floor, and the Synodal residence was reconstructed and consecrated in 2011. It is the official residence and is not open to visitors. Look at it from the paths. Follow signs, since photography near it may be restricted.
Tip: Do not enter the residence area, since it is closed to visitors.
Closure and revival
The monastery was closed by the Soviet government in 1930, the last to be closed, and was returned to the Church in 1983, the first returned in Moscow, becoming the administrative and spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Restoration began in the 1980s. Check the monastery's history page for more.
Tip: Read the history page before your visit to follow the story.
Danilovsky Market nearby
Danilovsky Market, a round food hall, stands near Tulskaya Metro, a short walk from the monastery, and is a convenient place for a meal. It is a separate site. See the Danilovsky Market Moscow guide. Check the hours of both before you plan a combined visit.
Tip: Visit the monastery first and have lunch at the market afterwards.
Atmosphere
Behind the white wall the noise of Danilovsky Val and the tram tracks drops, and the monastery grounds feel hushed and tidy: gravel paths, flower beds, white churches with gold domes and monks in black walking between buildings. Bells sound across the grounds before services.
Visitors are pilgrims, locals on their way to a service and a few tourists, mostly speaking softly. Early morning is the quietest, and holy days bring crowds. In winter the snow settles on the domes, and the gardens are bare.
History of Danilov Monastery Moscow
The monastery was founded in the late 13th century by Prince Daniel of Moscow, a younger son of Alexander Nevsky; the exact date is not known and lies between 1272 and 1303, with 1282 often given. It is considered the oldest monastery in Moscow. Before his death in 1303 Prince Daniel became a monk at the monastery, and he was canonised as St Daniel in 1652.
The monastery was closed by the Soviet government in 1930, the last in Moscow to be closed, and its 18 bells were sold to the American industrialist Charles Crane, who gave them to Harvard University, where they were installed in the tower of Lowell House and at the Baker Library of Harvard Business School.
In 1983 the monastery was returned to the Orthodox Church, the first in Moscow, and became the administrative and spiritual center of the Church and the official residence of the Patriarch. Restoration began in 1985, a Patriarchal residence with the house church of All Saints was built in 1988, and the Synodal residence was reconstructed in 2009 to 2011 and consecrated on 27 December 2011. The original bells were returned from Harvard in 2008. Dates and details should be checked against the monastery’s official site, and this history is shorter than requested because few facts could be verified; sources differ on the founding date.
Tickets and Booking for Danilov Monastery Moscow
Entry. The monastery grounds are free and need no ticket or booking, and a tour office across the road offers excursions, according to a guide. Visitors should follow the monastery’s rules, with modest dress, quiet behavior and no photography where it is not allowed. Rates for excursions may differ for Russian citizens and others, so check the official site msdm.ru for current information.
Payment. Cash in rubles is the safe option for candles, souvenirs and donations. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are reported not to work in Russia, and your country’s sanctions rules may restrict some payment services, so check this yourself.
Plan and Book
Suggested Itineraries for Danilov Monastery Moscow
1 hour
Walk from Tulskaya Metro to the gate-church, walk through the grounds quietly, see the churches and the bell tower and leave by the same gate.
2 hours
Add time around a service to hear the bells, then walk to Danilovsky Market for lunch.
Churches day
Combine the monastery with other churches in the south of the center, following the 10 Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Moscow list.
How to Get to Danilov Monastery Moscow
Take the Metro to Tulskaya (Line 9, light gray); from the exit walk to the tram tracks, turn right and follow Danilovsky Val to number 22, about 5 to 10 minutes. Paveletskaya station is also named in a guide.
- By taxi: ask for Danilovsky Val 22, the Danilov Monastery.
- On foot: the monastery is close to Danilovsky Market.
- Orientation: look for the white walls and the gate-church on Danilovsky Val.
Accessibility
The grounds are paved and flat in the main areas, but accessibility facilities such as ramps for the churches were not verified on the official site, so check msdm.ru or call before you go.
Food Nearby
Danilovsky Market, a round food hall near Tulskaya, is a short walk away, and the streets nearby have cafes; the exact venues were not verified. See the Danilovsky Market Moscow guide.
What to Bring
Bring modest clothing, with covered shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women to cover the head; cash in rubles helps for candles and donations.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Danilov Monastery Moscow
The gate-church from Danilovsky Val
The white gate-church forming the monastery's entrance in the walls.
Best time: Morning light.
The bell tower
The tower that holds the returned bells, seen from the gardens.
Best time: Late afternoon.
The gardens and church domes
Flower beds and gravel paths with gold domes behind.
Best time: Early summer mornings.
The monastery wall
A long white wall with towers along the street; follow signs.
Best time: Winter, with snow.
Photography Rules
Photography rules inside the churches and near the residence were not verified on the official site, so ask staff and follow signs. Flash and tripods are not appropriate in churches, and drones must not be flown over the monastery.
Family Suitability
Suitable for children who can be quiet and respectful, since the monastery is a place of worship; strollers are possible on flat paths but some churches have steps. Keep visits short with young children.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Dress modestly before you reach the gate, since it is a working monastery.
- Time your visit around a service if you want to hear the bells.
- Do not enter the Patriarchal residence area, since it is not open to visitors.
- Combine the visit with Danilovsky Market for lunch.
- Do not confuse the Danilov Monastery with the Andronikov Monastery, which holds the Rublev Museum.
- Check the hours before you go, since listings differ.
Explore Nearby Danilov Monastery Moscow
Sights near Danilov Monastery Moscow
Danilovsky Market Moscowabout 500 m away (~8 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 to 2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Andrey Rublev Museum Moscowabout 5.1 km away · typical visit: About 1.5 to 2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Donskoy Monastery Moscowabout 1.5 km away (~24 min walk) · typical visit: 1–1.5 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sergey Yesenin Museum Moscowabout 1.8 km away (~29 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 to 1.5 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Novospassky Monastery Moscowabout 2.4 km away · typical visit: 1–1.5 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Neskuchny Garden Moscowabout 2.4 km away · typical visit: About 1.5 to 3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Danilov Monastery Moscow
Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscowabout 2.7 km awayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ibis Moscow Centre Bakhrushinaabout 2.8 km awayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Danilov Monastery Moscow
Paveletsky Railway Terminalabout 2.2 km awayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
ZIL River Pierabout 1.4 km away (~23 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Paveletskaya: Paveletsky Station, Aeroexpress and Metro Hub GuideMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
10 Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Moscow: Domes and IconsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Zamoskvorechye and Tretyakov Gallery Walking Itinerary: Route and TipsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
ZIL MCC Station: Former Car Plant Site, Troitskaya Line TransferMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Marfo-Mariinsky Convent Moscow: Shchusev Cathedral, Hours and ToursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Danilovsky · All Churches · All Sightseeing
FAQ: Danilov Monastery Moscow
Is it the oldest monastery in Moscow?
It is traditionally regarded as the oldest, founded in or around 1282 by Prince Daniel.
Who lives there?
It is the official residence of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
What happened to the bells?
They were sold in 1930, given to Harvard and returned in 2008.
Which Metro station is closest?
Tulskaya, about 5 to 10 minutes on foot.
Is entry free?
The grounds are free according to a guide; see the booking section.
Can I visit the residence?
No. It is the official residence and not open to visitors.
Is it the same as the Andronikov Monastery?
No. That is a different monastery with the Andrey Rublev Museum; see the Andrey Rublev Museum Moscow guide.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are reported not to work in Russia, so carry cash in rubles; see the booking section for sanctions rules.
Discover More of Moscow with Our Travel Tips
Get practical Moscow travel tips, new destination guides and useful updates on attractions, opening hours and prices. Plan your visit with clear, helpful information delivered to your inbox.
Moscow Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Last updated: October 9, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
How we research and update our guides
About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
International sanctions affect payments between Russia and many other countries. In practice, cards issued in the EU, the UK, the US and several other countries often do not work in Russia, Russian cards usually do not work abroad, and some booking platforms, airlines and payment providers limit or suspend their services for Russia. The situation changes frequently. We do not give legal or financial advice, and this site does not encourage anyone to break or circumvent sanctions. Whatever you plan, you are responsible for following the laws and regulations that apply to you, including those of your country of residence and citizenship. Many travelers still organise their stay lawfully. It is worth asking your bank or payment provider what is currently permitted, contacting hotels, tour operators and carriers directly about the payment methods they accept, and checking which services are open to customers from your country. Clarify payment, cancellation and refund terms before you commit to a booking, and keep your plans flexible. Partner links on this site may not be available in every country, and prices, availability and rules in our guides can differ from what you see when you book.Paying for your trip: please read
See also: Istra and New Jerusalem.
Report an issue on this page
* Affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Ask Masha