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Gettysburg National Military Park Summer Ranger Programs

Summer Ranger Programs at Gettysburg begin on June 6 with a full schedule of programs, battle walks, children’s programs, tours and evening campfires taking place throughout the park and at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. A daily schedule of program offerings is available at the park information desk and kiosk outside of the visitor center.

The Battle of Gettysburg

Ranger programs that focus on the three days of this iconic Civil War battle, perfect for our first time visitors.

“Key Moments” Programs

These ranger-guided programs explore climatic moments and turning points during the three days of battle.

The Living and the Dead

Ranger programs that reveal the human cost and significance of the Battle of Gettysburg.

10:00 am – The Battle of Gettysburg: The First Day 10:30 am – Spangler’s Spring 11:00 am – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 11:30 am – First Shots on McPherson’s Ridge 1:30 pm – Cemetery Hill: The Key to Gettysburg 2:00 pm – Civil War Soldier 2:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Second Day 3:00 pm – Culp’s Hill 3:00 pm – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 3:00 pm – Care of the Wouned 4:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Third Day & Beyond 6:00 pm – Long Remembered

10:00 am – The Battle of Gettysburg: The First Day 10:00 am – Devil’s Den 11:00 am – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 11:30 am – Little Round Top 2:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Second Day 2:00 pm – Civil War Soldier 3:00 pm – Pickett’s Charge 3:00 pm – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 3:00 pm – Care of the Wouned 4:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Third Day & Beyond 7:00 pm – Sunset on Cemetery Ridge

10:00 am – The Battle of Gettysburg: The First Day 10:30 am – Spangler’s Spring 11:00 am – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 11:30 am – First Shots on McPherson’s Ridge 1:30 pm – Cemetery Hill: The Key to Gettysburg 2:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Second Day 2:00 pm – Civil War Soldier 3:00 pm – Culp’s Hill 3:00 pm – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 3:00 pm – Care of the Wouned 4:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Third Day & Beyond

10:00 am – The Battle of Gettysburg: The First Day 10:30 am – Spangler’s Spring 11:00 am – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 11:30 am – Little Round Top 1:30 pm – East Calvary Field 2:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Second Day 2:00 pm – Civil War Soldier 3:00 pm – Pickett’s Charge 3:00 pm – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 3:00 pm – Care of the Wouned 4:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Third Day & Beyond 7:00 pm – Sunset on Cemetery Ridge

10:00 am – The Battle of Gettysburg: The First Day 10:00 am – Devil’s Den 11:00 am – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 11:30 am – Little Round Top 2:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Second Day 2:00 pm – Civil War Soldier 3:00 pm – Pickett’s Charge 3:00 pm – Lincoln and The Soldiers’ National Cemetery 3:00 pm – Care of the Wouned 4:00 pm – The Battle of Gettysburg: The Third Day & Beyond 6:00 pm – Long Remembered 7:00 pm – Sunset on Cemetery Ridge

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Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours with Licensed Battlefield Guides

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The Best Way to Tour the Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park encompasses nearly 6,000 acres with over 26 miles of roads connecting major battlefield landmarks including Cemetery Hill and the “High Water Mark”. There are over 1,300 monuments, markers and memorials, 400 cannons and numerous historic houses.

Over 1,300 Monuments, Markers and Memorials

Trails & Tours

Plan Your Gettysburg Trip

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159th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg Ranger Walks & Talks

Last Date: 7/3/22

Time: Schedule Varies

Price: Free and open to the public

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center 1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA

The three-day Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point not only in the course of the American Civil War, but also for the future of the United States of America.

Join National Park Service Rangers during the 159th Anniversary for a series of free guided walks and talks to explore and reflect on this important chapter in our nation’s history.

For a complete schedule of Ranger walks, talks and program information, visit nps.gov/gett or the Information Desk inside the Museum & Visitor Center.

Weather permitting. Vehicle parking is on the right side of the road, unless otherwise directed, with all wheels on the pavement.

Get the Gettysburg, PA Inspiration Guide

Check out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015

Gettysburg is nearby!

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ALERT: Little Round Top is currently closed to all visitation for rehabilitation. The National Park Service estimates Little Round Top to reopen to the public in late Spring or early Summer 2024.  Learn more .

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Tour the Battlefield

Help preserve history..

Proceeds from tickets and other purchases in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. 

The statue of General Gouverneur Kemble Warren on Little Round Top

Significance

Why tour the battlefield, guided battlefield tours.

Tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.

Rigorously tested and licensed through the National Park Service, Licensed Battlefield Guides provide you with an informative, engaging and enlightening perspective of the battle, the people, the monuments and landmarks.

Car Tours Bus Tours

Save & Purchase the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience + Bus Tour Value Package

At A Glance

The National Park Service and the Gettysburg Foundation partner to enhance the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg through the Foundation's public outreach and private financial support.

National Park Service website

Gettysburg Battlefield Tour by Car

Guided Car Tour

Meet your Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Museum & Visitor Center for your personal tour of the battlefield.

• See the monuments and hear the stories as you tour with your Licensed Battlefield Guide across the battlefield. 
• Your Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car on the tour of the battlefield (on board). 
• Personalize your tour with a focus on specific actions, units or events of the battle.
• Reserve your tour at least 24 hours in advance of your visit.
• Call to reserve your guided car tour.

Reservations:  877-874-2478 | 717-334-2436

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

Guided Bus Tour

• Start your tour and board your bus at the Museum & Visitor Center.
• Step onto hallowed ground and enrich your experience as your bus makes stops at some of the battlefield’s most legendary locations.
• Get more than just the facts. Gain an insightful picture of the personalities, places and events at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Exhibits & Tours

Film, cyclorama & museum experience, the film, cyclorama & museum experience introduces you to the civil war before, during and after the battle of gettysburg and prepares you for a more meaningful tour of the battlefield., battlefield value package, film cyclorama & museum + battlefield bus tour.

Make the most of your Gettysburg visit. Package the Film, Cyclorama and Museum with a battlefield bus tour for one memorable Gettysburg experience.

By Bus. By Car.

Step onto the hallowed ground and experience Little Round Top (when available, after the rehabilitation project is completed), Devil's Den and the Angle beyond the history books and movies. You'll tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.

Battlefield Car Tour

Personalized experience.

Don’t miss a thing on your guided Battlefield Car Tour. Either onboard or point to point, your License Battlefield Guide will provide you with plenty of stops to answer your questions and enjoy your own private tour of the battlefield.

Call to reserve your guided battlefield car tour: 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436

Gettysburg Cyclorama

Experience pickett's charge.

Originally displayed in 1884, the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama is a massive fully-restored, 360-degree painting that places you in the middle of Pickett’s Charge on the decisive third day of the Battle. 

Experience the Cyclorama as part of the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Package.

Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys

The new virtual reality experience at the gettysburg lincoln railroad station™.

All aboard for Gettysburg's first immersive virtual reality experience. During your visit, you will join one of three historic figures on a virtual journey to the railroad station following the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath in July 1863.

Children of Gettysburg 1863 ®

Family-friendly adventure.

Gettysburg's most family-friendly, interactive children's history museum. More than a typical children's museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863 ® tells the engaging stories of the children, teens and young adults who lived in and near Gettysburg during and after the 1863 battle.

Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit. 

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Gettysburg National Military Park | GUIDED TOURS

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTER
• BATTLEFIELD TOUR
• CYCLORAMA AND FILM
• DAVID WILLS HOUSE
• GETTYSBURG MUSEUM
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Visitors board the bus for a tour of Gettysburg National Military Park

Guided tours, walks, and talks are provided daily at Gettysburg National Military Park by the National Park Service, the Gettysburg Foundation, and the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides. The programs conducted by the National Park Service meet at various locations around the battlefield and tend to focus on that particular location, whereas the Gettysburg Foundation and the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides provide tours of the entire battlefield.

National Park Service Ranger conducts a tour of McPherson Ridge at Gettysburg

For a list of daily Ranger programs, visit the National Park Service’s Ranger Programs at Gettysburg web page. A schedule is also posted at the National Park Service information desk inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center . The National Park Service also sponsors special events throughout the year. See the Special Events and Programs and Calendar web pages for a schedule. Most programs are provided free of charge.

National Park Service information desk in the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center

Since 1915, guides at Gettysburg have had to pass a written examination to lead tours of the battlefield. Shortly thereafter, the Battlefield Guide Association was established to manage the process (the name was changed to the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides in the 1980s). Today, visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park can hire a guide to give them a personal tour of the battlefield in their own vehicle. Guides can be booked at the Visitor Center or directly through the Association. See the Licensed Battlefield Guides website for pricing and how to make a reservation. It is always best to make a reservation at least one week in advance. There is no guarantee of guide availability if you try to book one on the day of your visit, especially during the tourist season. There is a charge for guide services.

The Gettysburg Foundation, the organization that owns and operates the Visitor Center, works with the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides to provide tours of the battlefield by bus. Visit the Foundation’s Tour the Battlefield web page for more information and pricing.

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Gettysburg National Military Park

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A Local's Guide To Visiting Gettysburg In The Summer (2024)

13 insider tips for the perfect gettysburg summer trip.

Since I’m a lifelong resident of Gettysburg, I get asked a lot of questions about visiting Gettysburg in the summer.

It’s a good time to visit because there are lots of things to do, but you should also be aware of other factors before you book your stay.

Come along as we look at the pros and cons of visiting Gettysburg in the summer. Once you have the facts, you can decide if it’s the best time to visit Gettysburg for you.

Don’t have time to read the whole post?

Visiting Gettysburg in the summer has benefits, like longer business hours and more activities, but it also entails crowded venues, uncomfortable temperatures and higher prices for hotel rooms.

Past Lane Travels Contains Affiliate Links And Is A Member Of The Amazon LLC Associates Program. If You Make A Purchase Using One Of These Links, I May Receive Compensation At No Extra Cost To You. Read My Disclaimer For More Information.

How Many Days Did The Battle Of Gettysburg Last?

First of all, let’s cover the basics. The Battle of Gettysburg took place over three grueling days, July 1-3 in 1863.

It occurred as a result of Confederate (South) General Robert E. Lee’s ambitious invasion into the North, and ended in a Union (North) victory.

The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in more than 50,000 casualties and was the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” which he delivered at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863.

Tips For Exploring Gettysburg In The Summer

1. pack your patience and allow enough time.

The Gettysburg National Military Park encompasses 6,000 acres and includes approximately 1,328 monuments, markers and memorials .

That’s just the battlefield! There are also a wide range of museums , shops and unique restaurants in downtown Gettysburg , as well as interesting sites to see within 10 miles of the town.

During the summer months, many of the park roads are busy, so travel will be slow. Museums and restaurants will also be busy so pack your patience and leave plenty of time.

Did you know that I can design a customized itinerary in Gettysburg for you? If you don’t have time to plan your trip, find a hotel, decide where to eat, I can help! Check out my Itinerary page and find out how I can help create a vacation that caters to your personal travel style and preferences.

2. Book Your Trip Early

There are plenty of hotels in Gettysburg, but only a handful that are located downtown or in the tourist district of Steinwehr Avenue. These fill up quickly.

There are also campgrounds just outside of town that offer everything from tent sites to cottages. Bed and breakfast options are plentiful, as are historic and unique places to stay .

Decide what type of accommodations you would like, and take the time to book immediately! Whether you need a hotel that takes pets , or want one with a pool , if you book early, you’ll be sure to get one that fits your needs.

3. Pick Your Tour: There’s More Than One Option

There are all kinds of ways to tour the Battlefield , from using an an audio tour to hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide to accompany you in your car.

I highly recommend the two-hour bus tour , especially if you’re short on time. It gives a good overview of the entire 3-day battle so you can find places that you want to visit on your own later.

Pro Tip: For those who are visiting Gettysburg in the summer, the bus tour offers an open-air double-decker bus that kids love. There is even a sunset bus tour !

Other ways to see the battlefield include by bike, Segway and by horseback . The horseback tours are my personal favorite, and luckily there are a number of different options for rides in Gettysburg.

You can choose a long, scenic ride or one that includes a Licensed Guide riding with you.

(There are carriage rides too ).

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And I have to mention the ghost tours ! They take place all year and there are lots of different options, from family friendly to deep investigations in the dead of night.

Check out these Gettysburg Ghost Tours .

4. Get Your Bearings

View a map ahead of your visit to see where landmarks and locations are so that you get a sense of where they are in relation to each other.

You can pick up a park map at the visitor center or download it onto your phone .

You may want to avoid driving through town if visiting Gettysburg in the summer months, unless it’s necessary to get to your destination.

Taking the streets parallel to Baltimore Street (Stratton or Washington streets), can help relieve congestion in the downtown area.

5. Dress For The Weather

Many out-of-state visitors don’t realize how hot and humid it gets in Gettysburg during the summer months. Dress comfortably with light clothing and drink plenty of water.

Also use sunscreen generously and wear a hat if you’re going to be exploring outside.

6. Timing For Your Summer Visit To Gettysburg

Want to know when to visit Gettysburg during the summer months? Well, the peak tourist season is March through October, with April through the second week of June being very busy with school trips.

If you are visiting during the busy summer months, plan to get an early start or explore late in the afternoon. Sidewalks, parking lots, restaurants and museums are usually most crowded in the middle of the day.

7. Take Advantage Of Seasonal Activities

If you visit Gettysburg during the Battle of Gettysburg anniversary week (Jul 1-3), you will have the opportunity to see a Civil War reenactment , as well as living history events that don’t take place all year.

Check the Gettysburg National Park Service website for special events on the dates you are visiting.

8. Go Off The Beaten Path

There is so much to see in Gettysburg, that many visitors miss the history that is hidden plain sight.

In fact, even locals are often unaware of some of the historical artifacts that they pass every day. Did you know there is a cannon from the War of 1812 that is embedded in the sidewalk downtown?

The Gettysburg Handbook is a great resource for finding hidden gems.

9. Don’t Know Where To Start?

If you’re visiting Gettysburg in the summer, the best place to start is the Visitor Center at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg. It has an Information Desk, ticket sales, Museum Bookstore, Refreshment Saloon and restrooms.

Entrance to the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg National Cemetery are free, however, there is a fee to enter the exhibit galleries at the visitor center, see a Civil War film and experience the Cyclorama program.

Don’t forget to grab a copy of my TRAVEL PLANNER . This 16-page PDF guide helps you organize your trip, from what to pack, to preparing a budget and keeping a schedule.

I recommend that you save time in line by buying your tickets online. This is especially useful when visiting during peak season. (It gets very busy!)

Backpacks and big parcels are not allowed inside the Museum and Visitor Center. Leave them in the trunk of your car.

Pro Tip: Allow plenty time to browse the Gift Shop/Book Store. It’s big!

10. Beware Of Ticks

Be aware that ticks are common in the Gettysburg area, especially in tall grass and around trees. Reduce your chances of getting a tick-borne disease by using repellents, checking for ticks, and showering after being outdoors.

Tip : If you have a tick bite followed by a fever or rash, seek medical attention.

11. Where Should I Park In Gettysburg?

Parking in Gettysburg is scarce especially during the busy summer months, so familiarize yourself with the location of lots beforehand.

In addition to the limited (and expensive) metered street parking, you can find Horse Alley Parking Garage  behind the Gettysburg Hotel.

There are a few other metered Short-Term Parking Lots , and some free parking options if you don’t mind walking. The Gettysburg Rec Park on Long Lane is one option, as is the Gettysburg Middle School off Baltimore Street.

Need Help Planning Your Trip? Find the perfect accommodation in Gettysburg with Booking.com . From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, they have a room for every preference, including pets and pools.

Discover the best tours and activities with Viator or Get Your Guide . Explore iconic landmarks, take guided tours and immerse yourself in history.

Rent a car with Discover Cars and enjoy the freedom to explore the town at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, explore the countryside and make the most of your trip.

   Need a flight? Check FareDrop for the best deals.     

12. Tips For Traveling With Kids

For younger children, make sure you visit the Kids of 1863 Museum on Baltimore Street. It’s free for the children with a paying adult and provides lots of hands-on fun.

Another great experience to get the kids involved is to pick up an Activity Guide for Junior Ranger Candidates at the information desk in the Visitor Center. Kids can receive a patch and certificate making them a Junior Ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park.

If you need a place to let the kids get out and stretch their legs, plan to spend some time exploring Devil’s Den and Little Round Top .

Special Note : Monuments and cannon were placed to honor the sacrifices made by our brave ancestors. Please help preserve these irreplaceable historic objects by not climbing, sitting or hanging on them.

13. Tips For Saving Money In Gettysburg

Everything is expensive these days and especially travel! For my last tip, I’d thought I’d give you some tips about free things to do in Gettysburg .

Believe it or not, there are some things to do in the summer in Gettysburg that won’t leave you broke.

As mentioned before, the battlefield is free and it’s worth exploring to see the beautiful monuments, many of which are works of art.

The Gettysburg Museum of History at 219 Baltimore Street, is also free of charge. Make sure you read the post about free things to do for a full list.

FAQs About Visiting Gettysburg In The Summer

Can you drive through gettysburg battlefield at night.

National Park Service roads are open dawn to dusk. There are state roads through the battlefield that can be used at any time.

Is Little Round Top Free?

Yes, Little Round Top is free to visit. Keep in mind if visiting Gettysburg in the summer that the area will be congested during the day and weekends.

Where Can I Walk In Gettysburg?

You can walk anywhere you want on the Gettysburg Battlefield although it is advised to stay on trails to protect vegetation. The town of Gettysburg is very safe and walkable.

Wrap-Up: Visiting Gettysburg In The Summer

While the warm weather and diverse range of activities make summer an enticing time to visit Gettysburg, visitors should be prepared for larger crowds and higher costs.

This increased foot traffic may lead to longer wait times for attractions and dining establishments, requiring visitors to plan their itinerary accordingly and exercise patience.

With proper planning and flexibility, however, a summer trip to Gettysburg can still be a rewarding and memorable experience.

The post A Local’s Guide To Visiting Gettysburg In The Summer (2024) appeared first on Past Lane Travels .

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Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park is an easy day trip while staying in Cumberland Valley. The national park includes an interactive museum and visitors center with galleries, exhibits, bookstore, Refreshment Saloon, the famous Cyclorama painting and a 22-minute film title "A New Birth of Freedom." This facility is designed to immerse visitors in the story of the Battle of Gettysburg and offer a new hands-on experience of the Civil War.

After exploring the expansive facility, visitors can travel are better prepared to travel the hallowed grounds of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Tours include self-guided by car or walking and guided tours by van, bus, on horseback or Segway. 

If visiting during the summer the park offers evening campfire programs, and other special events including living history and concerts to preserve and bring to light this important piece of American history.

Please Note: Hours for Museum and Visitors Center: April 1-October 31 from 9 am to 4 pm (closed Tuesday & Wednesday) and November 1 to March 31 from 9 am to 5 pm. Hours for the park grounds: Aprrl 1 to October 31 daily from 6am to 10pm & November 1 to March 31 daily from 6 am to 7 pm.

Information

• Hours: Apr-Oct 6am-10pm Nov-Mar 6am-7pm
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• Temporary Hours of Operation: Museum & Visitors Center Thurs-Mon 9am-4pm
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• Masks Required-Guest:

An Evening with the Painting

May 25, 2024 - May 25, 2024

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tour

May 26, 2024 - May 26, 2024

Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024

Museum & Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park

Encounters with History: Higher Ground Leadership Experience

Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024

Museum & Visitor Center @ Gettysburg National Military Park

Jun 29, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024

Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024

Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024

Sep 28, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024

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Alerts in effect, a new birth of freedom.

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address".

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Have you experienced Gettysburg? This video shows you what it's like to visit Gettysburg National Military Park. From the veil of early morning fog through the day's setting sun, visitors experience all the incredible history of the battlefield.

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is the place to begin your visit to the battlefield.

Beginning March 30, Ranger programs will be offered sporadically on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays. Check at Information Desk for more details.

Stay in a historic home on the Gettysburg battlefield during your next visit!

On Saturday, May 10, "Doors Open Gettysburg" will offer an insider’s look at the history of four magnificent battlefield structures.

We offer all our visitors the opportunity to experience the battlefield, no matter where you are, with our park-wide virtual tour!

Little Round Top CLOSED TO ALL VISITATION on July 26, 2022. It's estimated to reopen to the public in late Spring or early Summer, 2024.

Take a 3D tour of various buildings at Gettysburg NMP and Eisenhower NHS.

From the roar of artillery to the flash of bayonets, living history demonstrations help bring the past to life.

Use the slider to show what the battlefield looked like over 150 years ago compared to what it looks like today!

Last updated: May 10, 2024

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1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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News Release

Eisenhower national historic site marks the 80th anniversary of d-day with a naturalization ceremony and commemorative programming.

Contact: Jason Martz

Contact: Daniel Vermilya

Gettysburg, PA—Join Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS) staff to remember and honor the men and women, who 80 years ago, who took part in General Dwight Eisenhower’s “great crusade” to liberate Europe. From June 6-9, park staff will host special programming at Eisenhower NHS and in Gettysburg National Cemetery to commemorate the 80 th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Eighty years ago, General Dwight D. Eisenhower led the Allied Expeditionary Force as it began the liberation of Western Europe from fascism and tyranny during World War II. With the eyes of the world upon them, soldiers, sailors, and airmen from over a dozen Allied countries braved the dangerous seas, skies, and sands of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Special events will begin on June 6 with a naturalization ceremony at Eisenhower NHS at 10 am. Join National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services staff to welcome new citizens at General and Mrs. Eisenhower’s Gettysburg home. This ceremony will feature keynote remarks from retired Air Force 3-star general Christopher Burne, whose father participated in the Normandy campaign as a member of the Mighty 8 th Air Force. The Gettysburg Choral Society and Junior ROTC cadets from Gettysburg High School will also take part in the commemoration, along with additional remarks from NPS staff. Visitors interested in attending the ceremony are asked to bring a lawn chair with them, as seating may be limited. Additional programming will include:

Ranger-guided walking tours of WWII burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery at 5:30 pm on June 6, 7, and 8. The tours will meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to Gettysburg National Cemetery. Each tour will last approximately one hour. Tours will be followed by the 100 Nights of Taps ceremony at the Soldiers National Monument.

Living history at Eisenhower NHS on June 8 and 9. Living historians will portray Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago. Their display will include guided talks by expert living historians at 11 am and 1 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

A special family reading adventure program on Saturday, June 8, at 10 am. This interactive reading adventure for children and families will explore what citizenship means and how citizens make a difference in our communities. This program is best suited for young learners ages 4-10 and will include an activity with one of our living history volunteers.

Ranger programs at Eisenhower NHS from June 6 through June 9 will include the debut of “D-Day: Battlefield in a Box.” Join park staff for this new program, where visitors help build an interactive map of the Normandy battlefield and see how General Eisenhower led the Allies to victory 80 years ago.

Open-house-style tours of the Eisenhower home will be ongoing during these commemorations. Open house tours will take place from 10 am through 4 pm, from Thursday June 6 through Sunday June 9.

All Eisenhower NHS commemorative programming and events are free of charge. A full schedule, as well as program and event updates, can be found at https://www.nps.gov/eise/d-day-anniversary.htm. Visitors may drive directly to Eisenhower NHS for on-site events. Please use 250 Eisenhower Farm Road for GPS and follow on-site signs for parking directions. Visitors are advised to check the park website and social media pages for updates to the program schedule.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at  www.nps.gov , and on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Twitter , and  YouTube . 

Last updated: May 13, 2024

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