Saint-Petersburg Saint Petersburg cathedrals and churches

Saint Petersburg cathedrals and churches

In many ways, along with its palaces, St. Petersburg’s cathedrals are the face of the city. At the same time, they reflect exactly what Peter the Great intended when he founded the city in 1703: a modern city ready to join Europe. The Kazan Cathedral on Nevsky Prospekt stood in contrast to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with which Emperor Paul I of Russia was so infatuated. The cathedral’s appearance, with its singular dome and massive colonnade, has little to do with former Orthodox architectural tradition. The Peter and Paul Cathedral is similarly unique, constructed in the so-called Petrine Baroque style. All of St. Petersburg’s cathedrals play an important role in the city — they haven’t become lost among the construction of modern high-rises. On the contrary, one of the best panoramic views in the entire country is waiting for you at the top of St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

The most “Russian” cathedral in St. Petersburg is the Spas na Krovi, or the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was dealt a fatal blow by assassins in 1881. Many even confuse the cathedral with St. Basil’s in Moscow. Considering the structure and style of St. Petersburg’s other churches, Spas na Krovi is the most decorative and, indeed, the most Russian, due to its onion domes and arches, among other elements.

As in other cities, St. Petersburg cathedrals were not always safe during the Soviet period. Some were demolished and never restored while others were preserved or rebuilt for new purposes, like a warehouse in the Spas na Krovi, an atheist museum in the Kazan Cathedral, and even a swimming pool in a former Lutheran church.

Below are some of the cathedrals we regularly visit during our tours of St. Petersburg.

Smolny Cathedral and Smolny Convent of the Resurrection in Saint Petersburg

Smolny Cathedral and Smolny Convent of the Resurrection in Saint Petersburg

Smolny Cathedral and Smolny Convent of the Resurrection

This is one of the most outstanding cathedrals in Saint Petersburg, both in terms of its well-known appearance and architectural design. It was also built in the style of Elizabethan baroque. It became the central building that all the others revolved around in the ensemble of the Smolny Convent. Like many cathedrals, in Soviet times it was looted to a considerable degree, incurring losses to its property, and the monastery was shut down. The cathedral functioned as a warehouse for many years, and then a concert hall was opened up there. In 2009, services were resumed.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Tomb of Peter the Great at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

The first cathedral in St. Petersburg, it was laid down by Peter the Great, along with the Peter and Paul Fortress. It was important for the emperor to set the church off against Moscow – both in terms of height (it is higher than the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Kremlin) and style (it was done in the tradition of European architecture, and is not Byzantine).

Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral

This cathedral was done in the so-called Elizabethan baroque style, built in the middle of the 18^th century. It owes its name to its purpose – serving the Russian navy. The cathedral was erected in the area where the naval department and its barracks were located, and later on it was closely associated with the fleet, performing prayer services for its glory that commemorated dead sailors. And it is no accident that it is dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of sailors and travelers.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Bas-relief on Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

This is one of Saint Petersburg’s calling cards, and helps shape its skyline. Its appearance contrasts sharply with traditional Russian religious architecture. The spectacular panoramic view from the colonnaded terrace (360-degree view) is the reward for those who climb up its 262 stairs.

Kazansky Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

Kazan Cathedral

This cathedral, built in the beginning of the 19^th century as a sort of “replica” of the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, primarily due to its massive colonnade.
One of the most prominent features of Nevsky Prospect, we visit this during the sightseeing tours.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This church was built in the place where Alexander II, who was the czar and a reformist, was mortally injured; he repealed serfdom in Russia. This cathedral is often compared to – and confused with – Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.

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