Russian Bishop's House

Russian Bishop's House

Russian Bishop's House
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural Buildings
About
Located within the Sitka National Historical Park, this is one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America.
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  • Jess_the_TravelBug
    232 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating history of the Russian influence on Sitka
    Fascinating history shared about the bishop and Russian occupation of southeast Alaska. I was completely unaware of the turnover of the land as well as the relationships that existed between the local tribe and the Russian colonizers. The tour is about 30 minutes long. Recommend that you head over early to get a ticket (free) for the tour before doing other sightseeing as there are limited slots per tour. Well worth the time.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 26, 2024
  • Kim G
    Pacific Grove, California3,741 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historically Educational & Entertaining
    A highlight visit for both my husband and I on our brief visit to Sitka. This historic, 2 story log building is one of the oldest surviving Russian structures in Alaska and should not be missed. Built between 1841-1843 it has an interesting history and is staged for the way of life during its heyday. It is on the U.S. National Register of Places and is designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Our Ranger Guide was well educated, entertaining and knowledgeable.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 30, 2024
  • vox69nn
    Medina, Ohio2,237 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming museum offering much insight into the Russian period
    Just a block east of downtown Sitke, the bishop's house is a component of the Sitka National Historical Park and is staffed with park service guides. The ground floor has a detailed exhibit with much information about the local tribes and the period of Russian occupation. The upper floor is decorated and furnished with items of the Russian period and includes dining and reception areas, the bishop's bedroom and his chapel. Access to that level is only with the guide and you need to reserve a space for the tour. This means you will not be crowded with other museum -goers and will be able to take you time and ask questions.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 30, 2024
  • ITRT
    46,553 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Discover What it Was like to Live in Russian America
    The Russian Bishop's House served as a residence, school, and chapel. The Bishop's House was built in 1842 and became the center of Russian Orthodox church authority. However, in 1969 it was closed. The National Park Service took over ownership and began a 16-year project to restore the building to its original appearance. Today, visitors can do a self-tour to learn about the history of the house, and its inhabitants. The second floor is the living/working quarters and chapel of the bishop. Tours are offered at certain times of the day and admission is charged. Because of the onboard time, I did not have an opportunity to tour upstairs. I enjoyed my visit, and I believe you will too. Enjoy.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written November 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles286 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
102
Average
23
Poor
2
Terrible
0

Alicia D
Oviedo, FL328 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
Such a great gem in town! Considering admission is free, it's even better! The tours are extensive and leave every 30 minutes. The tour guide, Matt Booth, was so knowledgeable and friendly. It was obvious he was invested in the history he was presenting. Everyone visiting town should visit this attraction and learn a little more about this town's rich history.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChinaShrek
Maine443 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Friends
I wasn't expecting much when we decided to go here but I'm glad we did. It is one of four surviving Russian structures in Alaska today. The National Park Service gives tours every 30 minutes and you can just show up or sign up in advance. The tours are free. The chapel is a real highlight. All of the icons are original to the house and they still have a prayer service there periodically.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WeLoveDisneyland
Forked River NJ296 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
Beautifully restored by the National Park Service, tours are given every half hour with a park ranger. The house dates back to 1842. Try to read its history before you arrive- it will make your visit more meaningful!
Written May 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PBTravelstheWorld
Lynden, WA387 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
Part of the US National Park system and the ranger gave a very good tour of the building and Russian Orthodox Church that part of the second floor. Traditions and people wo lived in this building and town were covered by the rangers. Very well done and a lot of history! The first floor was free flow and there were displays and furnished rooms to view.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JohnnyV01077
Southwick, MA63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
One of the last remaining structures from the Russian occupation in the 1800s. Interesting tour and video available. These free tours leave every half hour. They do limit the number on each tour. First floor was closed due to renovations.
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

YuontoGo
Huntsville, AL165 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
We visited the Russian Bishop's House and spent about an hour. We were not able to take the upstairs tour because it filled up. We were not aware of Russian influence on the community of Sitka and the school.

The exhibits were interesting and we learned so much about the history of Sitka.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

colt123
Bonney Lake, WA456 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
This national monument had some interesting history that is best learned on a free tour offered throughout the day. There is a small museum downstairs, accessible without a tour, but the best sights are upstairs.
Written September 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DaisyB7
Chicago, IL125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Solo
I walked over here immediately after getting off the shuttle about two blocks away. Although they had just opened, they were very friendly and accommodating about giving a tour right away. It was so interesting to see and hear about the lives of Russian Orthodox bishops in Sitka. The still-active chapel upstairs was beautiful and a highlight of the visit.
Written July 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thomas O
Black Diamond, WA8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Friends
Too many people walk by this best display of the history and cultural heritage of Sitka. The exhibits and knowledge of the park rangers is excellent and will give you a clearer image of how important Sitka was to the history of both Russia's involvement in Alaska, native culture and the acquisition by the United Staes .
Written August 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sylwia S
San Diego, CA57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Couples
Great educational experience! Well maintained and cherished enclave of Sitka and Tlingit people history.
Written August 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Russian Bishop's House - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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