Watch: How a Cathedral Became a Swimming Pool—Then Changed Back Again
National Geographic reporter Sergey Gordeev explores both the unique history of Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and his own personal memories of the site. The church, built in 1883 as the main cathedral in Russia, was destroyed during the communist war on religion in 1931 and for a time was the site of the world’s largest outdoor swimming pool. In 1994, the pool closed and the church rebuilt, almost entirely on donations from the Russian people.
This summer, as the soccer world turns its attention to Russia for the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament, National Geographic is partnering with Fox Sports to go beyond the matches and showcase some of the country’s most unique people, places, history, and culture. Follow along as our reporter and Moscow native Sergey Gordeev takes you on a daily journey through his home country.
Videos originally broadcast during Fox Sports coverage of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 in Russia.