Smolny Cathedral, Cathedral in Tsentralny District, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Smolny Cathedral is a baroque church with a museum in the Tsentralny District of Saint Petersburg, Russia. The building displays five domes above light blue and white masonry and rises to a height of approximately 94 meters.
Construction started in 1748 under the direction of architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli on orders from Empress Elizabeth. Completion came only in 1835 after several interruptions and changes to the original design.
The name comes from a former tar production facility that once stood on this site, with the Russian word smola meaning tar or pitch. Today visitors encounter regular classical concerts in the space, which blends its monastic origin with use as a performance venue.
Access is possible on weekdays, with opening times starting slightly earlier on Sundays. Guided tours are offered daily during summer and suit guests who want to learn more about the architecture and history.
The bell tower houses an observation deck at around 50 meters high, which ranks as one of the tallest accessible viewing points in the city. From there visitors can enjoy a wide view over the historic quarters and waterways of Saint Petersburg.
Location: Tsentralny District
Inception: 1748
Architects: Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli
Architectural style: baroque architecture
Website: http://smolnyspb.ru
GPS coordinates: 59.94888,30.39559
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:41
These orthodox churches and monasteries represent Russian religious architecture. The buildings display various architectural styles from medieval to modern times, with characteristic onion domes, mosaics and frescoes. The cathedrals in Moscow and Saint Petersburg are centers of orthodox faith.
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