Khovanskoye Cemetery

Khovanskoye Cemetery: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide to Moscow’s Largest Necropolis

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Khovanskoye Cemetery, also known as Nikolo-Khovanskoye Cemetery, is not only Moscow’s largest burial ground but also one of the largest in Europe, spanning nearly 200 hectares on the city’s southwestern outskirts. Established in 1972 to address the growing demand for burial space during the late Soviet period, it now serves as both a final resting place for tens of thousands and a vivid reflection of Moscow’s evolving cultural, religious, and social landscape. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Khovanskoye Cemetery’s history, significance, visiting hours, ticketing policies, key sites, and practical travel tips, ensuring visitors can navigate and appreciate this remarkable Moscow historical site with respect and understanding.

Origins and Expansion

Founded in 1972, Khovanskoye Cemetery was a response to Moscow’s rapid urban growth and the overcrowding of central cemeteries. Located about 20 kilometers from the city center near the 21st kilometer mark of the Kiev Highway, it was part of a broader urban planning initiative to modernize the city’s infrastructure and meet the needs of a growing population.

The cemetery is structured into three main sections:

Central Section (established 1972): The oldest and largest, combining traditional Russian Orthodox graves with Soviet-era monuments.
Northern Section (opened 1978): Introduced modern layouts and expanded capacity.
Western Section (added 1992): Added dedicated areas for diverse religious and ethnic communities, reflecting Moscow’s multiculturalism.

Each section is subdivided into numbered sectors, with clear signage and maps available at main entrances, making navigation manageable despite the vast grounds. (life-cheb.ru)

Historical Significance and Notable Events

Khovanskoye Cemetery is significant for its role as both a burial ground and a mirror of Moscow’s changing society. Its landscape traces the evolution of funerary practices—from austere Soviet gravestones to expressive contemporary memorials—and accommodates dedicated areas for Russian Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, and other religious communities.

A notable event in the cemetery’s recent history was the violent shootout in May 2016, when rival groups clashed over control of burial and maintenance services. This incident underscored the complex intersection of organized crime and the city’s funeral industry, prompting tighter security and administrative reforms. (RFE/RL)

Khovanskoye Cemetery’s diverse sections reflect Moscow’s multicultural character. The grounds accommodate Russian Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, and other religious communities, each with their own burial traditions, grave markers, and commemorative rituals. Soviet-era sections typically feature minimalist, secular gravestones, while post-Soviet memorials often display elaborate religious and cultural symbolism.

The cemetery is also a site of collective memory, hosting graves of war heroes, victims of political repression, and notable figures from the arts, sciences, and public life. Memorials and mass graves commemorate major historical events, supporting public remembrance and cultural continuity.

Administration, Governance, and Security

Managed by the state-run agency “Ritual” under the Moscow city government, Khovanskoye Cemetery’s operations include burial plot allocation, grounds maintenance, and funeral services. In response to past challenges with corruption and organized crime, reforms have introduced electronic record-keeping, standardized pricing, and increased municipal oversight. Security measures now include surveillance cameras and regular patrols to ensure a safe, respectful environment for all visitors. (RFE/RL)

Visiting Khovanskoye Cemetery: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

May to September: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
October to April: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may be reduced on public holidays or under special circumstances; visiting during daylight is recommended.

Tickets and Entry

Entry is free of charge for all visitors.
Certain guided tours or special events may require advance booking and a fee.
Burial plots are allocated free to Moscow residents, with special provisions for those with state or municipal honors. (life-cheb.ru)

Getting There

Location: 21st km of the Kiev Highway, near Sosenskoye and Mosrentgen settlements.
By Bus: Routes 500 and 502 stop near main entrances; express buses operate during holidays.
By Metro: Closest stations are Troparyovo and Yugo-Zapadnaya, with taxi or bus connections.
By Car: Onsite parking is available near main gates but can be crowded during events.

Accessibility and Facilities

Paths: Paved roads and walkways throughout most areas. Some older or remote sections may be less accessible.
Facilities: Basic amenities (toilets, waste bins), administrative offices, grave search assistance, and maps at entrances.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs can navigate most paved paths; some areas may be difficult for those with limited mobility.

Visitor Guidelines

Dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sections or during services.
Photography is generally permitted but ask permission before photographing individual graves or during ceremonies.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; do not disturb grave markers, flowers, or offerings.
Pets are not permitted.

Notable Burials and Memorials

Khovanskoye Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals, including:

Heroes of the USSR: Vinogradov, Chernikov, Khvostunov
Artists and Performers: Belov, Volyntsev, Karavaeva, Lezhdei
Athletes and Coaches: Bykova, Khomich, Broshin
Scientists: Delaunay, Kostomarov
Infamous Crime Figures: Sergei Timofeev (“Sylvester”), leader of the Orekhovskaya group

The cemetery also features mass graves and monuments dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, as well as memorials to victims of political repression and other significant events. Several Russian Orthodox churches and chapels, including the Church of the Holy Prophet Forerunner and Baptist John, serve as active sites for religious services.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Commemorative Events: Held on Victory Day and Orthodox memorial days.
Guided Tours: Available through the cemetery administration, focusing on history, architecture, and notable burials.
Photography: The grounds offer many atmospheric locations, particularly near chapels and war memorials.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Finding a Grave: Consult maps at entrances or seek assistance at the administrative office.
Language: English-language support is limited; consider arranging a guide or translator.
Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended, particularly in religious buildings.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with stops at nearby parks, Orthodox churches, or other historical sites in Moscow’s Novomoskovsk district.

Contemporary Issues and Security

Following the 2016 shootout, security has been significantly improved. Police patrols, surveillance, and administrative reforms have reduced the influence of organized crime. The cemetery remains peaceful, but visitors should remain alert during large gatherings.

Administrative reforms have also made burial plot allocation more transparent and accessible to Moscow residents. (life-cheb.ru)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours at Khovanskoye Cemetery?
A: May–September: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; October–April: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: Entry is free. Guided tours or special events may require a fee.

Q: How do I find a specific grave?
A: Use maps at entrances or ask at the administrative office.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes, but be discreet and avoid photographing people during ceremonies.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by prior arrangement with the administration.

Q: Is the cemetery accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most paths are paved, but some older sections may be difficult.

Conclusion

Khovanskoye Cemetery is a profound window into Moscow’s past and present—a place where cultural, religious, and historical currents converge. Whether you visit to honor loved ones, explore notable graves, or engage with Moscow’s rich heritage, respecting the cemetery’s traditions and planning ahead will ensure a meaningful experience.

For updated information, maps, and tour bookings, visit the official Moscow Ritual website or the Khovanskoye Cemetery section map. To explore more of Moscow’s historical sites, consider using the Audiala app and following us on social media for tips, virtual tours, and exclusive content.