ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

A short transfer will take us to the Cathedral of Resurrection on Spilled Blood – one of the most noted landmarks of St Petersburg. For many years this splendid Cathedral was closed to the public but opened again in the late 1990’s as a museum, after a 25 year renovation.

A short transfer will take us to the Cathedral of Resurrection on Spilled Blood – one of the most noted landmarks of St Petersburg. For many years this splendid Cathedral was closed to the public but opened again in the late 1990’s as a museum, after a 25 year renovation. This Cathedral has quite a remarkable history. The Cathedral on Spilled Blood was built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. A bomb was thrown into his carriage while he was riding along the canal and it was Alexander II’s blood that gave the name to the Cathedral – Saviour on Spilled Blood. The original cobblestones, where Alexander II’s blood fell, are kept intact inside the Cathedral. The temple is one of the finest examples of the Russian Revival Style. The design of the Cathedral, selected after a two year search, was by architect Alfred Parland. In a strikingly original way Parland incorporated all the features of Old Russian wooden churches and translated them into stone. The result was startling and beautiful. With its golden domes, coloured spirals and textured cupolas it is a structure that bewilders and enchants the eye. Jeweller’s enamel was used to cover the 1,000 square metre surfaces of the five domes. The 144 mosaic coats of arms on the bell tower represent the regions, towns and provinces of the Russian Empire. Mosaic panels showing scenes from the New Testament adorn the exterior – based on designs by the renowned Russian artists Vasnetsov and Nesterov. The interior of the Cathedral is a riot of colour. Over 7,000 square metres of mosaics embellish the church’s extravagant interior. More than 20 types of semi-precious stones including jasper, rhodonite, porphyry and Italian marble are lavished on icon cases, canopies and the floor. When it was built, the temple belonged to the Ministry of the Court and was not intended for daily officiating and crowds of worshipers. It was open only a few times a year and used for services in memory of Alexander II. After the 1917 revolution the Cathedral was closed and served as storage for theatrical sets and scenery props. Following our internal visit to the Cathedral we will have some free time – an opportunity to see the colourful Cathedral from the outside or do some shopping at the neighbouring flea market.

This tour involves walking at the Cathedral (the visit will last approximately 45 minutes), and a few steps at the entrance. Walking during free time is at passengers’ own discretion, however it should be noted that the Nevsky Prospekt in approximately 500 metres (1,640 feet) away. There are no special dress requirements for this visit, as the Cathedral no longer holds religious services. It should be noted that there are no planned comfort stops during this tour. Euros and US Dollars are accepted at the flea market but not credit cards. Please be mindful of pickpockets in the city.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES