Migrash HaRussim (Hebrew for the 'Russian Compound'), one of the oldest districts in Jerusalem (keeping the Old City out, of course), presents some marvelous old buildings and a bustling nightlife scene

Including a few government buildings and one large church (The Church of the Holly Trinity), the Russian Compound covers an area of 17 acres in the very center of Jerusalem. Additionally, the area boasts a wide selection of bars and bar-restaurants that make it one of the trendiest nightlife venues in Jerusalem.

The compound's construction from 1860-1864 was initiated by the Russian Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society to serve the large number of Russian pilgrims who came to the holy city. Designed by Russian architect Martin Ivanovich Eppinger in a Byzantine-influenced style, it included a consulate, a hospital, and a hostel.

The compound became a centre of government administration at the time of the British Mandate in Palestine. The Russian pilgrimage center served as the Mandate's central jail and, due to underground activities aimed against the British Mandate, the area was announced top security zone. The Israeli government purchased the Russian Compound in the 1960's. Today, the municipality's headquarters are located at the edge of the compound in Kikar Safra (Hebrew for Safra Square), and several government departments also have their offices in this area.

However, in the past decades (since the 80s) the area is most well-known for its many nightlife venues and boasts some of the most popular pubs and bar-restaurants in Jerusalem.