Among all the churches and cathedrals of St. Petersburg the Church of the Savior on Blood truly stands out. It is a unique church built in Russian architectural style, both inside and outside absolutely unlike other city churches. It was built in 1907 on the exact spot where the emperor Alexander II, the most liberal Russian emperor was fatally injured on March the 1st 1881 by a bomb thrown by a radical Ignaty Grinevitsky. The Church was turned into a warehouse during the World War II, was badly damaged during numerous bomb attacks but restored to astonish us with its colorful beauty. The official name of the Church is the Church of the Resurrection of Christ but locals call it the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood.
Why go to the Church of the Savior on Blood
The Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood is the most striking example of the Neo-Russian style in architecture which originated from the Orthodox traditions of church architecture. It is one of Russia’s most outstanding historic and artistic monuments. Contemporaries viewed the Church reminiscent of the Moscow and Yaroslavl churches of the 16th and 17th centuries, as the embodiment of national culture in all its historical uniqueness and significance. When planning the Church of the Savior on Blood the architects were faced with a difficult task: the spot on which the terrible deed has taken place was to be incorporated into the premises of the church. This explains its unusual location on the very edge of the embankment. The church stands at a height of 81 meters and has a total area of 1642 square meters.
Its intricately decorated facades and stunning interior cause the church to resemble a rare and exotic flower blooming on the lands of Petersburg. The domes of the church are covered with gilded or enameled sheets of brass. The decorative enamel covers an area of 1000 square meters - an unprecedented phenomenon in the history of Russian architecture. The interior of the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood is stunning for its abundance of Italian marble and rich variety of Russian semiprecious stones as well as its surfaces and colors, not to mention an exuberance of mosaics covering an area of 6500 square meters as well as bronze and silver! I don’t think you have seen anything similar anywhere else - a visit is strongly recommended!
Notes for the visitors of the Church of the Savior on Blood
Inside visit to the church is usually included in our ready-made tour itineraries, it lasts about 30 minutes. You will definitely see the church during the city tour as well. If you decide to go there on your own, please keep in mind that they don’t offer tours in any language but Russian to individual tourists, audio-guide is also not available.
Closed: on Wednesday
Duration of a tour: 0.5 hours (as part of a tour itinerary)
Official web site: the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood
Please contact us if you would like to arrange a tour.
Please see below the itineraries that cover the Church of the Savior on the Spilt Blood
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This tour includes the landmarks that impress the most while in St. Petersburg according to Trip Advisor's web site rating. They are on your "to do list", aren't they?
9 hours
From: $165
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The tour is very active, including the absolute must-sees of St. Petersburg.
11 hours
From: $285
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This tour includes everything you might want to see having just 3 days in St. Petersburg! Every minute counts!
29 hours
From: $550
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This tour combines active and relaxed activities as well as leaves you time to explore the city on your own.
22 hours
From: $475
