Travel bucket list idea:
The stately dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral — the fourth-largest domed cathedral in the world — dominates the low skyline of St. Petersburg. Though deliberately designed to integrate into the Western European style of the city, the interior of the cathedral is magnificently decorated with traditional Orthodox icons and frescoes and has recently reverted to the Russian Orthodox Church. Note the scarred exterior columns, which were damaged during air raids in World War II.
For a magnificent panoramic view of St. Petersburg, climb up to the cathedral’s colonnade, which stays open much of the night during the White Nights.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral is located on Isaakievskaya Square in the heart of the historic center. Plan on about 45 minutes – 1 hour for a visit. A visit the colonnade takes 30-50 minutes depending on crowds.
Tickets may be purchased on the cathedral’s website (currently under reconstruction) or at the kiosk outside the cathedral.
The cathedral is closed on Wednesdays and may limit access during high season or religious holidays, so it is best to check the website for any announcements. They extend access to the colonnade from May to September and during the White Nights festival.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Northwestern Region, Russia
On the shores of the Baltic, Russia’s dazzling cultural capital – and former home of its lavish Tsars – is a treasure trove of art, music, literature, and history. Home to one of the world’s greatest museums, the State Hermitage.
