One of the best cathedrals I've ever been to. Remarkable architecture. Amazing exterior and interior. The panoramic view from the top of the cathedral is indeed remarkable and It offers a magnificent view over the Neva River, the St. Isaac’s and the Palace Squares as well as the Peter and Paul Fortress. Make sure that you take into account the fact there is no elevator that could take you up there and will have to mount 262 steps of the spiral staircase by foot. You will be 43 meters above the ground and it could get windy. Saint Isaac’s Cathedral is an absolute must-see tourist attraction in Saint Petersburg. I strongly recommend that you go and see this masterpiece with your own eyes. St. Isaac's Cathedral was originally the city's main church and the largest cathedral in Russia. It was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, who was building it for 40 years. Monferrand passed away a month after he finished the creation to which he dedicated all his life..It was one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. To decorate the interior it was necessary 882 lbs of gold, 16 tonnes of malachite and a thousand tonnes of bronze. The mosaic area took 7108 square yards. The exterior strikes with its imposing appearance, the effect is created by the massive columns and the huge dome (it later influenced the design of the Capitol in Washington, DC). The dome is gilded with 100 kilograms of gold. The golden dome can be seen from any part of the city, and in clear weather, even from the outskirts. Currently functions as a museum with occasional church services . It is dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great, who had been born on the feast day of...
Read moreFirst a word of caution: when I tried to purchase my tickets a younger man was working and I initially told him two tickets, he said 800 rubles. I gave him a 1000 rubles he then asked for 300 rubles I asked him total 800 rubles right? He said yes and then seemed to do something for a few minutes I thought he was trying to get the tickets printed. A few minutes later he asked again for 300 rubles. I said two tickets for 800 rubles, I gave you a 1000 rubles so I need 200 rubles back and the tickets. He said 300 rubles again so I asked for my 1000 back. At that point he immediately gave me the tickets and my 200 rubles, nothing had to be printed. I still wanted to see the colonnade so I accepted that I finally got the ticket for the set price, but the interaction was frustrating and I think he was trying to scam me.
The colonnade: the view was amazing. You had to climb up around 200 steps to get to the top, both going up and down the steps were numbered at every tenth step so you could keep track of your progress. The up and down were two different staircases so you didn't run into each other. We went for the white nights and the view was amazing. I just wish it was open even later but seeing the view with the sun so low was gorgeous. All around the price and frustration of dealing with the cashier was well worth the view of...
Read moreSt. Isaac's Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting St. Petersburg. It's a massive architectural wonder with a rich history and a stunning interior. Here's a bit more about it: History: The cathedral was built between 1818 and 1858, making it one of the largest and most opulent cathedrals in the world. It was designed by Auguste de Montferrand, a French architect who had never built a cathedral before. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great. The cathedral has served as a variety of purposes over the years, including a church, a museum, and a concert hall. Architecture: The cathedral is built in a Neoclassical style, with a large, golden dome that is visible from miles around. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with a lavishly decorated altar, marble floors, and gold-plated columns. The cathedral is also home to a number of mosaics, sculptures, and paintings. Things to do: Climb to the top of the cathedral's dome for panoramic views of St. Petersburg. Explore the cathedral's many exhibits, including the Treasury, the Crypt, and the Bell Tower. Attend a church...
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