Visit one of Russia's grandest cathedrals.
The imposing St. Isaac's Cathedral is almost next to the river Neva, in the very centre of the city. Together with the tall spire of the Peter & Paul Fortress its golden dome reigns supreme over all other buildings, punctuating the city's skyline.
St. Isaac's Cathedral was once the main church of St. Petersburg and the largest church of Russia. Built in 1818-58 by a French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, it immediately become a prime landmark in the then Russian Imperial capital. MontferrandÕs instructions had been simple, to build the most spectacular church possible, never mind the cost.
This 180 old cathedral is adorned by facades decorated with sculptures and massive granite columns (made of only single pieces of red granite). Inside, you will almost be dazzled by mosaic icons, paintings and columns made of malachite and lapis lazuli. A large stained glass of "Resurrected Christ" is probably the main attraction, a truly fascinating work of art. The church, designed to allow 14,000 standing worshipers, was closed in the early 1930s and reopened as a museum. Nowadays, church services are held here only on major occasions.
Divento recommends
Don't miss the 300 stair climb to get a bird-eye view of St. Petersburg from the "Collonade" observation point at the bottom of the dome.
St Isaac's Cathedral
St Isaac’s Square, 4