The article considers the organization of the pilgrimage movement to the Holy Land as a factor in the foreign policy of Alexander II. Activity in this direction was considered by the Russian government as a measure capable of providing the unity of the government and the people, improvement of Russian society and the restoration of Russia's international position after the defeat in the Crimean War. The author concluded that the results of this activity has completely changed the image of the Russian Empire, not only in the Middle East, but also in other regions of the world.