St.Isaac Cathedral St.-Petersburg

St.Isaac Cathedral

Address:
1 Isaakievskaya pl.,
Open: 11.00 - 17.00 (from 10:00 summer time)
Closed on WED.
Actual visit approx. 45 min
One of the most stunning structures in the world, the interior decoration of the cathedral is a symphony of gold, marble, lapis lazuli, malachite and porphyry. The walls and vaults are covered with painted and mosaic compositions, and the cathedral itself dominates the central part of the city. In 1931, the cathedral was converted into a museum. Numerous schemes, documents and models speak of the work performed by the talented architects, engineers and stonemasons.

Designed by the French architect Montferrand between 1818 and 1858, is the largest church in St. Petersburg with the capacity of 13,000. Even after the cathedral was finished, constant repair work was done on it for many years. It is believed these repairs were prolonged due to a superstition among circles of the Romanov dynasty. This superstition stated that once the repairs were finished, the dynasty would fall. The interior is richly adorned with marble, malachite, lapis lazuli, and porphyry, as well as numerous paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. Approximately 220 pounds of precious metal were used in gilding its magnificent golden dome. The high relives seen on the eastern and western pediments depict the story of St. Isaac who was considered Peter the Great's patron saint. According to legend, St. Isaac, in the 4th century, protected Christians from the heretic Roman Emperor Valens. For this he was punished but later set free by Emperor Theodosius. This grand and lavish church is now open as a museum and is a very popular sight of the city.

Its the biggest temple of St.Petersburg. Its height is 101,5 meters, and the golden dome of a cathedral is seen from all points of the city. Around the cathedral, stand 112 columns, each of granite monolith weighs 114 tons. The temple was constructed from 1818 to 1858 under the guidance of architect O.Monferan.
The inner area of the temple is 4000 square meters, and in the old days around 14000 persons used to offer the prayer. In 1931 the temple became the MUSEUM and now its basic visitors are tourists.
The interior appearance of the cathedral strikes by its greatness. Paintings and mosaic work of Russian and foreign artists decorate the huge arches and the walls of temple. The plafond of cathedral was painted by the great Carol Breullov. The huge doors, each weighing 10 tons, are decorated with magnificent bronze bas-reliefs. People say that the past never returns. But by visiting this place, feels like a real touch to history. Even a small part of the temple conveys mood and thinking of the people, who are not with us any more. And you will never forget this sensation ...