Church of Simeon and Anna

The Church of Simeon and Anna is a Petrine Baroque building featuring a distinctive yellow and white exterior with a tall spire and polygonal cupola on Mokhovaya Street. The structure combines European architectural influences with Russian religious design principles that were popular in the early 18th century.

Peter the Great commissioned the original wooden church in 1714, which was later rebuilt as a stone structure under Empress Anna Ioannovna in 1731. This transformation reflected the city's shift from temporary wooden buildings to more permanent constructions.

The church takes its name from Saint Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, figures honored in Orthodox tradition. Its Petrine Baroque design reflects how Russian architects adapted European influences to create a distinctly local religious style.

The church is within walking distance of Gostiny Dvor metro station, making it easy to reach from other parts of the city. Visitors should dress appropriately for entering a functioning Orthodox place of worship and be respectful during services or religious activities.

The building served as a warehouse and meteorological museum during the Soviet era before returning to religious use in the 1990s. This dual life reflects how many Russian religious sites were repurposed during the communist period and later restored.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Architectural style: Petrine Baroque

Website: https://sia-hram.ru

GPS coordinates: 59.93861,30.34576

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21