Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

The Annunciation Church is a two-level building with white walls, baroque decorations, and a tall bell tower rising above the Alexander Nevsky Lavra complex. It combines an upper worship space with a lower burial vault beneath.

Built between 1717 and 1725 under Peter the Great, it was the first stone religious building in Saint Petersburg. This construction marked the beginning of the city's religious architecture.

The lower vault contains graves and sculptures of Russian nobles and famous figures, crafted by prominent artists. These burials reflect how the society honored its most respected members.

The church opens daily to visitors, with separate entrances for the upper church and lower burial vault accessed through the monastery grounds. Plan time to visit both levels, as each offers a different experience.

The burial vault holds the remains of General Alexander Suvorov and members of the Russian imperial family. These graves make this place a memorial for important figures in Russian history.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Inception: 1717

Founders: Peter the Great

Architects: Leonard Theodor Schwertfeger, Christof Konrad

Architectural style: Petrine Baroque

Website: https://lavra.spb.ru/annunciation-alexander-nevsky-church

GPS coordinates: 59.92233,30.38795

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23