Church of the Savior on Blood, Kazan Cathedral, Saint Isaac's Cathedral
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
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
This cathedral was done in the so-called Elizabethan baroque style, built in the middle of the 18th 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
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.
Kazan Cathedral
This cathedral, built in the beginning of the 19th 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
This church was built in the place where Alexander II, who was the czar and a reformist, was mortally injured; he repealed serfdom in Russia.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.