Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with a 315m-high Palace of Soviets never got off the ground - literally. Instead, for 50 years
the site served an important purpose: the world's largest swimming pool.
The Cathedral replicates its predecessor in many ways. The central altar is dedicated to
the Nativity, while the two side altars are dedicated to Sts Nicholas and Alexander Nevsky.
Frescoes around the main gallery depict scenes from the War of 1812, while marble plaques
remember the participants.
The original cathedral was built on a hill (since levelled). The contemporary Cathedral
has been constructed on a wide base, which contains the smaller (but no less stunning)
Church of the Transfiguration
. This ground-level chapel contains the venerated icon
Christ Not Painted by Hand,
by Sorokin, which was miraculously saved from the ori-
ginal cathedral.
DON'T MISS…
Fresco-covered interior dome
Christ Not Painted by Hand
in the Church of the Transfiguration
Views from the Patriarshy footbridge
PRACTICALITIES
ul Volkhonka 15
1-5pm Mon, 10am-5pm Tue-Sun
Kropotkinskaya
