We moved to Wiesbaden a few months ago and have been very busy. Between work, dealing with the boys, and unpacking we haven't had much time to explore our new surroundings. Our first excursion was to the Russian Orthodox church called St. Elizabeth's. It was built in 1847 by Duke Aldolf when Elizabeth Mikhailovna, his 19 year old wife and Grand Duchess of Russia, died. They had married when she was 18. Sadly, she died during childbirth, as did their newborn daughter. He was consumed with grief and decided to build a church around their graves. The church was dedicated in honor of St. Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, and the patron saint of deceased children.

The church has two entrances: the south and the west entrance. The south entrance was originally only for members of the nobility. It offered visitors leaving the building a panoramic view of Wiesbaden, which stood at the feet of the church. After the fall of the last Tsar, Nicholas II, in 1917, this entrance was sealed forever. The entrance for the "ordinary people" is the only one in use today.

The church has been used mainly by Russian visitors in the 19th century who would vacation in Wiesbaden and is still used by members of the community.

There were no pictures allowed inside, but I bought a booklet to put in our scrapbook.