Russian Orthodox Church, Geneva

Research Status: Moderate Last Updated: 2026-05-31 Diary Coverage: Carnet 005 (May 1873)

Overview

The Russian Orthodox Church in Geneva (formally: Cathédrale de l'Exaltation de la Sainte-Croix / Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) is located at Rue De-Beaumont 18, between the Old Town and the Boulevard des Tranchées. The church was authorized by Geneva's authorities in 1859 after a growing Russian Orthodox community had established itself in the city. Funded in part by Grand Duchess Anna Fyodorovna (sister-in-law of Tsar Alexander I), it was designed by the architect Grimm (professor at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts) and completed in 1866. (Source: Wikipedia, "Russian Church, Geneva"; Sacred Destinations.)

In the 19th century, Geneva attracted a significant Russian expatriate and student community, partly drawn by Nikolai Karamzin's earlier travelogue descriptions of the city. The church served this community.

Relevance to Marie

During the Bashkirtseff family's brief visit to Geneva in late May 1873 (to resolve a business dispute with the jeweler Krumling), Marie attended Sunday services at this church. She notes the congregation was large but not elegant ("rien d'élégant"), that she was the best-dressed person present, and that she encountered Mme Beketoff and M. Abramovitch there.

Diary References

• May 25, 1873 (005.0044): "Après déjeuner, nous sommes allés à l'église... Il y avait beaucoup de monde, rien d'élégant." Marie encounters Mme Beketoff and Abramovitch.