Russia Saint Peterburg Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

This largest temple of St. Petersburg is included in the list of the most beautiful domed buildings in the world. Its size is forth only to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. The height of St. Isaac’s Cathedral reaches 100 meters, at the same time it can accommodate up to 12 thousand people.

Today St. Isaac Cathedral in St. Petersburg has the status of a museum, but on the days of the most significant Christian holidays, religious services are held here. In 2018, the temple was recognized as the Orthodox symbol of the city.

History of St. Isaac’s Cathedral

The first church in honor of St. Isaac of Dalmatia, a Byzantine saint, was erected in 1710. Peter married here with his second wife, Katerina. In the future, the temple was rebuilt three more times. The solemn consecration of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in the form in which it is known to contemporaries took place in 1858. In honor of such an event, a state medal was even established. The author of the new project was the Frenchman Auguste Montferrand, the cathedral was built in the style of late classicism.

Visitors are struck by the monumentality of St. Isaac’s Cathedral. During its construction, 43 rocks of minerals were used. For the cladding of the basement and walls, materials such as granite and marble were chosen.

No less luxurious is the interior of the cathedral. For the decoration of the walls jasper, porphyry, green and yellow marble were used. Famous artists and sculptors worked on the painting of the temple. In 20 niches, in rich marble frames, there were icons. Through the arched windows of the cathedral, pacifying light pours in.

Outside the cathedral is decorated with more than 350 sculptures. The leading themes of the sculptural complex are the glorification of Jesus Christ and his deeds.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg was badly damaged during the Revolution and World War II, when its wealth was plundered. In 1948, the temple received the status of a museum.

Colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg

The colonnade of the cathedral deserves special attention. At an altitude of 43 meters there is the most famous observation deck of the city. You can climb the colonnade on foot through a spiral staircase. The most spectacular view opens from here on white nights.

To visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg in Russia is the desire of many tourists and connoisseurs of architectural art.