Saint Sampson's Cathedral

Saint Sampson's Cathedral is a baroque church in Saint Petersburg with white walls and five golden onion domes rising from a single drum. A three-story bell tower featuring Tuscan pilasters frames the front, creating a balanced and well-proportioned structure.

Built between 1728 and 1740, the cathedral was created to honor the Russian victory at the Battle of Poltava in 1709 under Peter the Great. The construction came decades after the battle, as a way to commemorate this decisive moment in Russian history.

Inside, you find an ornate wooden iconostasis and religious paintings that follow Orthodox Christian traditions. These elements shape the spiritual experience visitors encounter when entering the sacred space.

The cathedral opens daily for services and guided tours, with the entrance located on Sampsonievsky Prospekt in northern Saint Petersburg. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon if you prefer a quieter experience without crowds.

From 1938 to 1984, the building served unexpected non-religious purposes, including as a clothing store and book storage facility for the Academy of Sciences. This unusual transformation reflects the dramatic changes the cathedral underwent during the Soviet period.

Location: Vyborgsky District

Inception: 1740

Architects: Pietro Antonio Trezzini

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 59.96837,30.34281

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07