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 guided tour during which you will not only observe the magnificent interiors of The Cathedral but also hear its thrilling history in full detail.
The tour of The Cathedral of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood will take 30-40 minutes. You can also include it into the City tour or combine the visit with St. Isaak's Cathedral and/or the Peter and Pall Fortress.