The Naval cathedral of Saint Nicholas

The heart of the town of Kronstadt is the Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas located on Anchor square. As the main architect of the cathedral was appointed V. A. Kosyakov, and after the plan was approved by Nicholas the Second the construction works started in May 1903. A decade later in 1913 the cathedral was solemnly sanctified.

The plan of the cathedral mostly resembled Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, the interior of the church was Byzantine stylish and abounded with marine symbols.

During Soviet Union period the Naval Cathedral, like many other churches, lost its status of cultural and religious sacred site. At the end of the 1920-s church services stopped and the building started to function as cinema lounge named after M. Gorky. Icons, rizas and other valuable property was confiscated and partly stolen.

It took several decades to return the cathedral to the status of a major church of the Russian Navy. In 2002 there started structural restoration works, in 2013 the Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was sanctified again and gained eparchial independence.

Today the Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas is one of the most beautiful ones not only in Russia, but in the whole Europe. You also have an opportunity to capture its beauty going on hydrofoil excursion to Kronstadt. Arriving from the Gulf of Finland you will be opened to the most picturesque view, and a breath-taking water tour with a fast motorboat will become an unforgettable experience.