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 that saint .