Borisovskoye Cemetery

Borisovskoye Cemetery Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Borisovskoye Cemetery

Borisovskoye Cemetery, located in southeastern Moscow’s Orekhovo-Borisovo district, stands as a significant historical and cultural site. Established in the early 1970s, the cemetery reflects Moscow’s demographic growth and urban expansion during the late Soviet era. Over time, it has become not only a burial ground but also a place of remembrance for many prominent individuals—including scientists, artists, Soviet veterans, and, most notably, the opposition leader Alexey Navalny, whose burial in 2024 elevated the cemetery’s international profile (Meduza News).

Today, Borisovskoye Cemetery serves as a space where Moscow’s past and present intersect—offering visitors both a tranquil environment for reflection and a lens into the city’s evolving social, cultural, and political landscape. This guide provides comprehensive details on the cemetery’s history, notable burials, visiting logistics, accessibility, etiquette, and nearby attractions.

Historical Development
Notable Burials and Memorials
Cultural and Political Significance
Architectural and Landscape Features
Role in Moscow’s Urban Fabric
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Directions
Accessibility and Facilities
Security and Visitor Etiquette
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
Seasonal Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References

Historical Development

Opened in the early 1970s, Borisovskoye Cemetery was established to accommodate Moscow’s rapidly growing population, which had surpassed 7 million by the decade’s end (Moscow City Statistics). The cemetery’s layout follows Soviet urban planning principles, with wide avenues, orderly plots, and a mix of traditional and modern gravestone designs. Over the decades, it has become the final resting place for thousands of Muscovites from various walks of life.

Notable Burials and Memorials

Borisovskoye Cemetery is the burial site of many distinguished individuals, including Soviet-era veterans, cultural figures, and scientists. The most internationally recognized recent burial is that of Alexey Navalny in 2024. His grave has become a focal point for both domestic and international visitors, symbolizing ongoing movements for political reform and freedom of expression (Meduza News). Memorials range from modest markers to elaborate monuments, reflecting the diversity and legacy of those interred.

Cultural and Political Significance

The cemetery’s role has grown drastically in the 21st century. Navalny’s burial transformed Borisovskoye into a site of civic solidarity and political expression. In the weeks following his funeral, thousands of people lined up to pay their respects, and authorities implemented crowd-control measures to manage the influx (The Moscow Times). The site continues to attract visitors motivated by both personal and political reasons, underscoring the cemetery’s place in Russia’s ongoing dialogue about freedom and memory.

Architectural and Landscape Features

Borisovskoye Cemetery is characterized by its orderly grid of burial plots, tree-lined paths, and landscaped green spaces. The main entrance features a modest gate, with administrative buildings and a small chapel nearby. Gravestones vary from simple granite slabs to ornate monuments, often incorporating Orthodox Christian symbols, as well as secular and other religious markers. The grounds are maintained by the city, with mature trees and seasonal plantings contributing to a tranquil, contemplative atmosphere.

Serving the densely populated southeastern districts, Borisovskoye Cemetery is both a practical and symbolic fixture in Moscow’s urban landscape. Accessible by public transportation and major roadways, it is visited regularly by families, historians, and those interested in Russia’s recent history. The site frequently hosts funerals and memorial gatherings, and its growing significance following Navalny’s burial has made it an important venue for public expression in contemporary Russia.

Visiting Borisovskoye Cemetery: Hours, Tickets, and Directions

Hours: Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hours may be extended or restricted during major events.
Entry: Admission is free. No tickets are required, but security checks and ID verification may occur during sensitive periods (RFE/RL).
Location: Borisovskiye Prudy Street, 26, Moscow, Russia, 115516.
Public Transport:
- Metro: Nearest stations are Orekhovo (Line 2, Zamoskvoretskaya) and Domodedovskaya. Both are within a short bus or taxi ride from the cemetery.
- Bus: City routes 217, 275, and 298 stop near the entrance.
Parking: Limited street parking is available; public transport is recommended during busy periods.

Accessibility and Facilities

Wheelchair Access: Main pathways are paved and suitable for wheelchairs. Some older areas have uneven terrain; no on-site mobility aids are available.
Restrooms: Basic public restrooms are located near the main entrance.
Seating: Benches and a few covered shelters are scattered throughout the grounds.
Flower Stalls: Vendors at the entrance offer flowers and candles.
Refreshments: There are no cafés or vending machines on-site; bring water and snacks.
Information Boards: Maps are posted at the entrance, but English-language signage is limited.
Guided Tours: No official guided tours at present. Informal guidance may be available during memorial events.

Security and Visitor Etiquette

Security: Heightened presence, especially around anniversaries and public gatherings. Surveillance cameras are in use, and police or security staff may be present. Carry ID and comply with any instructions (The Moscow Times).
Behavior: Dress conservatively, keep voices low, and avoid stepping on graves. Smoking, eating, or drinking alcohol is discouraged unless part of a private memorial tradition.
Photography: Permitted for personal use; avoid photographing mourners or ceremonies without consent.
Political Sensitivities: Navalny’s grave is a politically sensitive site. Laying flowers is allowed, but overt demonstrations may draw police attention (The Moscow Times).
Religious Customs: Visitors to the Church of the Hieromartyrs Blasius and Charalampios (built 2015) should observe Orthodox etiquette—women bring a headscarf, men remove hats.

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve: A former royal estate with historic churches and gardens, about 5 km northwest (Touropia).
Tsaritsyno Park and Palace: Neo-Gothic palace complex and landscaped park, 3 km from the cemetery.
Gorky Park: Moscow’s central park, known for art installations and festivals.
Christ the Savior Cathedral: Landmark Russian Orthodox church in central Moscow.
Novodevichy Cemetery: The city’s most famous burial ground, home to many historical figures.

Seasonal Events

Nearby parks like Kolomenskoye and Tsaritsyno host annual festivals, including spring blossom celebrations and winter markets (ETS Russia Travel). These can be combined with a visit to the cemetery for a fuller cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Typically 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hours may vary during special events.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, entry is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not officially, but informal guidance may be available during memorial events.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Use Orekhovo or Domodedovskaya metro stations, then take a short bus or taxi ride.

Q: Is the cemetery accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Main paths are accessible, but some areas are uneven.

Q: What security measures should I expect?
A: ID checks, surveillance, and heightened security during major memorial dates.

References and Further Reading

Summary and Visitor Tips

Borisovskoye Cemetery has evolved from a Soviet-era burial ground into a pivotal site of remembrance and civic engagement. Visitors can experience both the serenity of its landscaped grounds and the resonance of its contemporary significance, particularly in connection to the memory of Alexey Navalny. Free admission, public transit options, and proximity to other historical sites make it an accessible destination for those seeking to explore Moscow’s layered history. For a meaningful visit, observe respectful conduct, stay informed about current security measures, and consider extending your exploration to neighboring parks and landmarks.