Sitka

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Bishop's House

More Photos
Adelaide
Adelaide
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
3
Photos
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

Russian Bishop's House

  • November 4, 2003
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Colewade from Asheville, North Carolina
Russian Bishop's House

The Russian Bishop's House is the best surviving example of Russian architecture in North America. Imperial Russia was the dominant power in the North Pacific for over 125 years. Sitka (known as New Archangel at the time) was the Russian colonial capital. The Bishop's House was completed in 1842 and was the center of Russian Orthodox church authority in a diocese that stretched from California to Siberian Kamchatka.

After years of decay, the national park service spent sixteen years completely restoring the building. It was donated by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1969. Occasional services are services are held in the chapel to keep it consecrated. You will learn about smart-house building techniques in the 1840s that largely reflect very modern trends. Even a small part of the foundation is on display to demonstrate the quality of this early construction. The solid wood house was built extremely well for harsh winters, but not so well for a very wet climate. The fine furnishings are original to the house. The small chapel is also quite beautiful and complete with icons and candles.

From journal Sitka: Alaska's Most Beautiful Seaside Town

Bishop's house

  • November 9, 2000
  • Rated 2 of 5 by Adelaide from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This is the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka and a National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1842 by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. This preserved buiding houses a collection of photos and items from the Russian period.

From journal Sitka, a piece of Russia in Alaska

Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

Compare Sitka Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Sitka Travel Deals