Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery, Orthodox cemetery in Vasilyevsky District, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery is a large burial ground in Vasilyevsky District, Saint Petersburg, spanning over 51 hectares. Along well-maintained pathways, marble and granite tombstones are arranged in orderly rows throughout the grounds.
The cemetery was founded in 1738 by the Holy Synod and officially recognized by Senate decree in 1756. It began as a private burial ground for a specific community.
The chapels scattered across the grounds display Orthodox religious icons and murals reflecting Russian theological traditions. Walking among the graves, you notice religious symbols and inscriptions that reveal the faith of those buried here.
The grounds are open to visitors throughout the year, and guided tours are available to learn about notable people buried here. Wear comfortable shoes since you will spend time walking along the pathways.
A section of the grounds was set aside in 1831 as a cholera cemetery in response to an epidemic of that time. This separate area remains a solemn reminder of a difficult chapter in the city's past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
