St Simeon and St Anne's Cathedral, Jelgava

St Simeon and St Anne's Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church in Jelgava distinguished by its golden domes with blue stripes and a brick structure of significant scale. The building features a bell tower containing nine bells of varying sizes and sits in a central location within the city.

The site began as a wooden church in 1726, commissioned by Anna, niece of Peter the Great, to establish an Orthodox presence in the region. The current stone construction replaced this original structure in 1774 and has remained the centerpiece of the Orthodox community since.

The cathedral serves as a gathering place for the Orthodox community, where traditional liturgical practices continue within its ornate interior spaces. The building stands as a visible expression of Russian cultural influence in the region.

The cathedral sits on Akadēmijas Street in central Jelgava, making it easy to reach on foot from nearby areas of the city. Visitors should plan their visit outside of service times to explore the interior spaces comfortably.

The main bell in the tower was cast with considerable weight, reflecting the craftsmanship and materials available at the time of its creation. This scale demonstrates the investment made in the cathedral's acoustic and ceremonial presence.

Location: Jelgava

Inception: 1726

Architects: Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Nikolai Chagin, Leonid Viner

Architectural style: Russian Revival architecture

Made from material: brick

Address: Akadēmijas iela 12

GPS coordinates: 56.64897,23.72959

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40