The Church of Our Savior on Spilt Blood The Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ, more often known as The Cathedral of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood, or just the Spilt Blood Cathedral, is called so because it was constructed as a memorial church in the place where the Russian Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. This tragic event took place in 1881. The Cathedral was under construction from 1883 to 1907. It is a unique example of a Russian style cathedral in the centre of St. Petersburg. Its coloured onion domes are so famous, that they are recognized today as one of the symbols of the city, and in the last 10 years this place has become the favorite cathedral of our guests.
The Cathedral is a unique masterpiece combining the old Russian style of architecture, talent of the best Russian artists and Italian stone carvers, and the art of Roman mosaic. Mosaics cover almost all the surface of the walls and ceilings there are 7,500 square meters of mosaics all in all.
The soviet period history of The Cathedral is nearly as dramatic as the history of its construction. Despite its great artistic and historical value, it was turned into a warehouse after it stopped functioning as an active church in Soviet times. The unique interior was robbed and there were even intentions to blow it up. Luckily this never happened but The Cathedral survived almost by miracle. When eventually the restoration did start, it went on for 27 years (longer than it took to construct The Cathedral). The Cathedral was finally open to public in 1997.
Now you have an opportunity to see the Spilt Blood Cathedral in all its beauty. Do not miss it — it is really worth seeing! We recommend you to take a one-day tour in St Petersburg or other guided tour during which you will not only observe the magnificent interiors of The Cathedral but also hear its thrilling history in full detail.
