Troyekurovskoye Cemetery

Troyekurovskoye Cemetery. It is one of the most prestigious and well-known modern cemeteries in Moscow, established in 1962 on the site of the former village of Troyekurovo. The necropolis is renowned for its park-like setting and serves as the final resting place for numerous prominent figures from Soviet and post-Soviet Russia, including politicians, military leaders, scientists, and cultural icons. Its extensive memorial sections and sculptural monuments make it a significant site of memory and a notable landmark within the Western Administrative Okrug.

History

The cemetery's history begins with the 1962 decision by the Moscow City Council to establish a new burial ground to alleviate overcrowding at older Moscow necropolises like Novodevichy Cemetery. It was developed on lands historically associated with the Troyekurovo estate, located near the Setun River. During the 1970s and 1980s, it became a designated burial site for the Soviet elite, with many graves relocated from other cemeteries slated for redevelopment. A pivotal moment in its development was the creation of a special section for Heroes of the Soviet Union and Hero of Socialist Labour, solidifying its status. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it continued to be the chosen burial ground for high-profile figures from the new Russian Federation.

Notable burials

The cemetery contains the graves of a vast array of notable individuals from the latter half of the 20th century and the 21st century. Political and military figures include Boris Yeltsin, the first President of Russia, and his wife Naina Yeltsina, along with former Soviet Premier Nikolai Tikhonov. Renowned scientists and academics interred here include physicist and Nobel laureate Vitaly Ginzburg and mathematician Vladimir Arnold. The cultural section is equally distinguished, holding the graves of film director Eldar Ryazanov, ballerina Olga Lepeshinskaya, and actor Vyacheslav Tikhonov. Sports legends such as hockey goalie Vladislav Tretiak and figure skater Lyudmila Belousova are also buried here.

Layout and features

The cemetery is designed with a park-like layout, featuring broad alleys, manicured lawns, and numerous trees, creating a serene environment. It is divided into several numbered sections, with specific areas dedicated to different groups, including a prominent memorial section for Heroes and a separate plot for Orthodox clergy. A central feature is the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy", which serves as the cemetery's primary religious structure. The necropolis is noted for its diverse and often elaborate funerary sculpture, ranging from traditional Socialist realist monuments to more modern and personal artistic creations, reflecting the stature of those interred.

Cultural significance

Troyekurovskoye Cemetery holds considerable cultural significance as a mirror of late-Soviet and contemporary Russian society, chronicling the nation's history through its inhabitants. It is frequently featured in media reports during state funerals, such as those for Boris Yeltsin and Lyudmila Gurchenko, becoming a site of national mourning and memory. The cemetery is often mentioned in the same context as Novodevichy Cemetery and Vagankovo Cemetery as a pantheon for the nation's elite. Its artistic tombstones, created by noted sculptors, are considered part of Moscow's open-air museum of memorial art, attracting visitors interested in history and culture beyond mere mourning.

Administration and access

The cemetery is administered by the Government of Moscow's specialized funeral services department, Ritual. It operates as an open municipal cemetery, though plots are highly sought after and regulated. It is accessible via public transportation, including buses from the Kuntsevskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar stations on the Moscow Metro. The main entrance is located on Ryabinovaya Street, with clearly defined visiting hours. Security and maintenance are managed by the cemetery's own administration, ensuring the preservation and order of the grounds as a key municipal institution.

Category:Cemeteries in Moscow Category:1962 establishments in the Soviet Union