Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1. Saint Isaac's Cathedral

Ornate cathedral with a dome inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, housing a large gold-plated sphere.

Iconic Architecture: Distinctive, columned exterior design unique among Russian cathedrals
Historical Significance: Designed by Auguste de Montferrand and completed in 1858
Impressive Interior: Containing more than 40 columns, an iconic mosaic of Christ, and intricate sculptures

Vibrant, colorful church constructed to commemorate Alexander II's assassination, adorned with over 7500 square meters of mosaics.

Exquisite Mosaics: One of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, featuring more than 3 million pieces
Historical Importance: Dedicated to Tsar Alexander II who was assassinated near the site in 1881
Ornate Facade: A unique blend of Byzantine, Moorish, and Russian architecture

Monastery complex outside Saint Petersburg, renowned as the spiritual heart of Russia, with a stunning cathedral and intricate frescoes.

Spiritual Importance: Has been an essential spiritual center since its founding in 1337
Historical Preservation: Maintained its significance throughout the centuries, surviving fires and destruction
Frescoed Walls: Contains beautiful frescoes illustrating biblical stories and Russian history

Neoclassical church on the site of Alexander II's assassination, featuring a striking gold dome and intricate frescoes.

Historical Significance: Commemorates the spot where Emperor Alexander II was mortally wounded in 1881
Exquisite Frescoes: Contains beautiful frescoes by renowned Russian artists such as Vasnetsov, Nesterov, and Vrubel
Stunning Exterior: Features an iconic gold-domed structure with vibrant frescoes on the exterior walls

Part of Peter and Paul Fortress, featuring a golden spire topped with an orb and cross.

Historical Importance: Constructed under the supervision of Peter the Great in the early 18th century
Iconic Structure: One of the most recognizable symbols of Saint Petersburg
Grave Site of Russian Tsars: Burial place for many of Russia's tsars, including Peter the Great and Catherine the Great

Former women's monastery with a beautiful baroque church, now serving as the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Historical Significance: Founded in the early 18th century by Empress Catherine I
Architectural Grandeur: Features a beautiful baroque church and intricate interiors
Political Significance: Has been the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church since the early 20th century

A historic monastery complex on a series of islands in the White Sea, significant for its role during Soviet times.

Historical Significance: Founded in the 15th century and has continued to serve as an important spiritual center
Soviet Gulag History: Used as a prison camp during Stalin's rule, housing notable political dissidents
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by pristine wilderness and offers breathtaking views of the White Sea

Neoclassical church designed by Carlo Rossi, featuring a large golden dome and stunning frescoes.

Iconic Architecture: Features an iconic golden dome and elegant neoclassical design
Historical Significance: Built to commemorate the victory of Alexander Nevsky over the Swedes in 1240
Frescoed Walls: Contains beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Alexander Nevsky

A small church dedicated to Tsar Nicholas II, featuring a colorful onion-shaped dome and vibrant frescoes.

Historical Significance: Commemorates the spot where Emperor Nicholas II was mortally wounded in 1905
Exquisite Frescoes: Features beautiful frescoes by renowned Russian artists such as Vasnetsov, Nesterov, and Vrubel
Ornate Interior: Containing intricate mosaics and a stunning iconostasis

One of the oldest cathedrals in Saint Petersburg, featuring stunning golden domes and beautiful frescoes.

Historical Significance: Constructed in the early 18th century by Peter the Great
Architectural Grandeur: Features striking golden domes and intricate interiors
Frescoed Walls: Contains beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Alexander Nevsky

A beautiful Russian Orthodox church with a striking golden dome and intricate interiors.

Iconic Architecture: Features an iconic golden dome and elegant neoclassical design
Historical Significance: Built to commemorate the return of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan to Russia in 1649
Ornate Interior: Containing intricate mosaics and a stunning iconostasis

A unique, colorful church with an onion-shaped dome, constructed to commemorate Alexander II's assassination.

Exquisite Mosaics: One of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, featuring more than 3 million pieces
Historical Importance: Dedicated to Tsar Alexander II who was assassinated near the site in 1881
Ornate Facade: A unique blend of Byzantine, Moorish, and Russian architecture

A striking cathedral with a tall spire and intricate details, located in the heart of Saint Petersburg.

Historical Significance: Constructed in honor of Russian soldiers who died during the Battle of Smolensk in 1812
Iconic Architecture: Features a tall spire and elegant neoclassical design
Ornate Interior: Containing intricate mosaics and a stunning iconostasis

A historic monastery complex that serves as the spiritual center of Saint Petersburg.

Spiritual Importance: Has been an essential spiritual center since its founding in 1710
Historical Preservation: Maintained its significance throughout the centuries, surviving fires and destruction
Architectural Grandeur: Features stunning golden domes and intricate interiors

A unique church with vibrant colors and an onion-shaped dome, built to commemorate Alexander II's assassination.

Exquisite Mosaics: One of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, featuring more than 3 million pieces
Historical Importance: Dedicated to Tsar Alexander II who was assassinated near the site in 1881
Ornate Facade: A unique blend of Byzantine, Moorish, and Russian architecture