Day Schedule

➤ Breakfast

➤ Guided tour to the Hermitage museum

➤ Guided tour to St. Isaac cathedral

➤ Guided tour to the Church of the Savior on Spilled blood

➤ Kazan Cathedral

➤ The evening is free at leisure

The Church of the Savior on Spilled blood

Built in the late 19th century, the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood is a dramatic feast for the eyes, with an intriguing history. It’s shrouded in mystery and legend, stemming from the assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander II. Designed in the quintessential Russian Orthodox style of extravagant color and texture, it’s not difficult to see why the Church of the Spilled Blood took 24 years to complete. After the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the interior of the cathedral suffered significant damage. By the 1930s, the Soviets closed the church, following a broader trend of shutting down religious institutions across the country. It wasn't until 1997 that the cathedral was reopened to the public, following extensive restoration efforts to restore its former glory.

St. Isaac Cathedral

St. Isaac’s Cathedral, designed by architect Auguste Montferran, is a stunning example of mid-19th century late Russian Neo-Classicism. This magnificent monument captivates visitors not only with its grand exterior but also with its richly decorated interior, showcasing a blend of monumental and decorative arts, including painting, sculpture, mosaic, and colored stonework. The main iconostasis is particularly remarkable, featuring striking columns made of malachite and lapis lazuli. Additionally, the main altar boasts a unique stained glass depiction of Christ Risen, a feature that is rarely found in Orthodox churches. This combination of artistic elements makes St. Isaac’s Cathedral a true masterpiece and an essential highlight of any visit to St. Petersburg.

Kazan Cathedral

Kazan Cathedral, located on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg, is an impressive example of Russian architecture and a key religious site. Designed by architect Andreyan Zakharov and completed in the early 19th century, the cathedral is known for its striking neoclassical style, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.