Churches, Cathedrals and Monasteries
The Kazan Cathedral
The cathedral named after the miraculous Kazan icon. It is one of the largest cathedrals of Russia
and the most magnificent temples of St. Petersburg. Kazan Cathedral was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross:
the side facing Nevsky Prospekt boasts a colonnade of 96 columns. Regular exhibitions are held concerning the
Orthodox Church and ecclesiastical art. In the cathedral are resting the remains of field-marshal M. Kutuzov,
the Russian general who defeated Napoleon.
St. Nicholas' Naval Cathedral
is a splendid monument in the late Russian Baroque style. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with scenes
from the history of the Russian Navy. The cathedral houses 10 spectacular icons in gold frame that were a gift
from Catherine the Great. The icons portray saints who are celebrated at Russian Navy celebrations.
One of the most revered places in the cathedral is the image of Nicholas the Miracle-Worker, given to the church
by Greek sailors, which was taken from Russia by the French in 1812, and returned to Nicholas I by the Prussians
in 1835.
St. Samson's Cathedral
The tradition of ancient Russian architecture is preserved in the cathedral's composition.
The magnificent wooden carved gilding iconostasis of the main throne of the temple was built in 1737-39.
It has five tiers and is decorated with straight and winding columns. The composition of the iconostasis uses
characteristically Baroque sculpture and ornamental carving. The interior of the iconostasis is painted in emerald
green. The cathedral and bell tower are worth a look for lovers of Baroque architecture and Russian history.
Transfiguration Cathedral
It is one of the most visited cathedrals in the city. Bartolomeo Rastrelli was actively involved
in the construction of the cathedral as well as the furnishing of its interior, designing the outstanding gold
iconostasis of the cathedral and the altar vestibule. The cathedral was never closed after the revolution,
and today remains one of the most visited cathedrals in the city.
Vladimir Mother of God Icon Church
Completed in 1783, the beautiful and historic Vladimir Mother of God Cathedral is one of the oldest churches
in St. Petersburg and presents a truly fascinating combination of baroque and classical architectural styles.
The church is crowned with five onion-shaped cupolas, which rise into the sky. The church is also home to one
of the oldest and most elaborate iconostases in Russia. With its unique combination of baroque and classical
features, the church is an important addition to St. Petersburg's architectural history. No other church in
the city can claim a design quite like the Vladimir Mother of God Church.
Vladimir Mother of God Icon Church is located in one of the favorite areas of the city's intelligentsia,
and has had many notable parishioners, including Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
Trinity Cathedral
The enormous Classical dome of Trinity Cathedral is located just south from the gleaming Baroque cupolas of St.
Nicholas' Cathedral. Trinity Cathedral is a fine example of Classical architecture.
It can accommodate up to 3,000 visitors. The cathedral rises to a height of more than 80 meters,
and dominates the skyline of the surrounding area.
Alexander Nevsky Monastery
Founded by Peter I in July 1710, it was given the official title of "The Alexander Nevsky Monastery of the Holy
Trinity" in 1797. At the turn of the century there were 16 churches in the monastery complex, of which five still
survive.
For many visitors one of the major attractions is the monastery's graveyards, home to the final resting places
of many of the great names of Russian culture. The Tikhvin Cemetery contains many of the most famous graves:
In the far right-hand corner from the gate is an impressive bust of Tchaikovsky over his grave, while close
by are Rubinshtein, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Glinka. Dostoevsky lies further back along the wall,
towards the gate. The other main cemetery, the Lazarus Cemetery, is the resting place of several of the great
architects who left their indelible mark on the city, including Stasov, Quarenghi and Rossi.
The Smolny Cathedral
The blue-and-white building of the Smolny Cathedral is one of the most fabulous works of Rastrelli (the creator of the Winter Palace, the Grand Catherine (Yekaterininsky) Palace in Pushkin, the Grand Palace in Peterhof, and other major landmarks). Smolny Cathedral was one of Rastrelli Jr.'s last projects, and one that the great architect left unfinished Nowadays, the Smolny Cathedral is used mostly as a concert hall. The chambers of the convent are used by some local government institutions and offices. A half-circle cast-iron tracery fence with meticulous posts and gates fenced in the entrance to the cathedral. The steps in front of the altar were decorated with a cut-crystal balustrade, while the walls and the columns of the cathedral were finished with white marble and covered with sculpted images. The regal throne was located on the right side of the cathedral under a canopy, while on the other side there was a pulpit carved of white Urals marble and decorated with various carvings. The cathedral's Ark of the Covenant was made of 180 pounds of silver. There were numerous icons and paintings including Alexander Venetsianov's famous Resurrection of Christ.
