"The Russian Bishops House" Top 5 Page for this destination Sitka Things to Do Tip by PA2AKgirl

If you like architecture and/or religious history, this place is for you. There are only 4 pieces of Russian colonial architecture in existance in N America today. 2 of which are in Sitka. This is the only one that is restored back to period time. It was completed in 1842 went through a number of uses--of course, as the Bishops house, then until the park service got the property, it was an orphanage, apartments, meeting places for clubs and so on. That was all on the 1st floor, which explains why that park is now a self guided museum. The 2nd floor was home to the bishop of the Russian Orthodox church for 125 years or so. Also, on the 2nd floor there's an amazing chapel called "Chapel of the Annuncation", the private chapel of the bishop. It's still used today for certain occassions--holidays and suck. The house is beautiful--made from Sitka spruce w/ an iron roof...check out the width of the boards and planks. A lot of the furnishings are from the house originally...some made by the Bishop who first lived in it, Father Veniaminov (later known as Bishop Innocent and then Saint Innocent) His story alone is fascinating.

Take a virtual tour of the house using the website provided below

Address: Lincoln Street
Directions: If you are on a large ship, you'll most likely dock at Cresent Harbor--it's right across the street. If you are in town, head out of town to the National Park and you'll see it on the left hand side...it's huge and yellow.
Phone: 907-747-0110