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About this activity

The tour starts from the impressive St. Isaac’s Cathedral, commissioned by Tsar Alexander I in 1918. It was built in celebration of Alexander’s victory over Napoléon. The grand facades of St. Isaac’s are richly decorated with beautiful sculptures. Inside, the cathedral features painstakingly detailed mosaics and vibrant columns of striking green malachite and blue lapis lazuli. St. Isaac’s is the third-largest domed cathedral in the world.

The tour continues onwards to the equally magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. Constructed between 1801 and 1811, this cathedral is simply enormous. The exterior stone colonnade was inspired by that of the iconic Roman Basilica; it surrounds a landscaped garden and central fountain. The cathedral’s interior is adorned with columns, sculptures and religious icons.

The final cathedral of the tour is by no means the least important. A symbol of nationalism, the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood was built on the spot where Alexander II was killed. Outstanding mosaics and brilliantly ornate domes decorate the facade of this majestic church. Inside, the exceptionally beautiful marble flooring, elaborate mosaics and gilded columns are the finishing touches on a day of architectural brilliance.