Overview:

Kazan Cathedral is an Orthodox Church in the capital of Russia, St. Petersburg. Located right in front of the main building of the State Hermitage Museum and overlooks Saint Isaac's Square, it is one of the most important and recognizable symbols of the city. Constructed in the early 19th century, the impressive Kazan Cathedral is a tribute to the victory of the Russian army over the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. With a richly decorated exterior, the church is a classic example of the grandeur Russian architecture. Inside the church there are 16 grand marble columns, in addition to multiple demi-columns and window frames. Remnants of the original 19th-century interior decorations, including numerous icons, chandeliers, frescos and gilded works of art still exist in the cathedral. It is also home to a large collection of paintings, religious artifacts, and other objects of art. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

1. Neoclassical façade: Designed by Andreyan Zakharov between 1801–1811, the façade of Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg features an impressive Neoclassical design with columns, pilasters, a pediment, and a grandiose portico. 2. Statues of saints: At the top of the portico, there are four statues of four important Russian saints – saint Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, Saint Prince Vladimir, Saint Sergius of Radonezh and Saint Alexander Svirsky. 3. Iconostasis: Inside the cathedral, 17th-century iconostasis, which is a decorative wooden screen, stands in front of the altar. It has three parts, and each part is 1.7 meters high and 1.3 meters wide. 4. Frescoes: Decorating the interior of Kazan Cathedral are the frescoes of Ivan Vishnyakov and his assistants. They represent some Biblical scenes, such as a cherub's chorus greeting the Holy Trinity. 5. Stained-glass windows: The interior also features ten 19th-century stained-glass windows, which were installed in 1903. They depict scenes from the lives of saints. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

The Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia was designed by Andrey Voronikhin and erected between 1801 and 1811. The cathedral is an important part of the city’s skyline, as it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Petersburg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, an icon of the Virgin Mary venerated by Russian Orthodox Church. The Kazan Cathedral was built in 1801 to honor a victory by Russian General Mikhail Kutuzov over Napoleon’s armies in the Battle of Borodino. This battle was part of the French Invasion of Russia in 1812-1814, which ultimately ended in failure. The cathedral also served as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the war. The façade of the Kazan Cathedral is topped with a distinctive golden dome, which is surrounded by four smaller domes. Inside, the cathedral has a domed ceiling, columns, arches, frescoes, and stained glass windows, as well as religious and cultural artifacts relating to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral also contains several relics, including a large rock believed to be the house where Mary was born, a blanket that protected her during her flight to Egypt, and a staff with which Jesus was said to have cured the sick. Although the Kazan Cathedral is no longer used for religious services, it is an important cultural symbol in St. Petersburg, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Kazan Cathedral was built in 1811 to commemorate the victory of Russian forces over Napoleon in 1812. 2. The cathedral was designed by Andrei Voronikhin in the neoclassical style and is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan. 3. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in Russia and is a popular tourist site for both locals and travelers. 4. Inside the cathedral, there are several shrines and relics, including the original icon of Our Lady of Kazan, a spear said to have been used by Alexander Pushkin, and the tunic of Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. 5. Over the walls of the cathedral hangs five red banners that were painted in 1812 to celebrate the expulsion of French troops from the city — they are still visible and remain a reminder of the victory that day. 6. The cathedral was closed for many years due to the Soviet rule, but after the fall of communism in 1991 itwas re-opened and is now a popular tourist attraction. 7. The square in front of the cathedral is also of great significance, as it was the site of the failed uprising of the Decembrists in 1825 who wished to establish a constitutional monarchy in Russia. 8. The square is now known as Decembrist Square and is often filled with young people protesting against the government. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era