St. Isaac's Cathedral, or, as St. Petersburg residents call it, St. Isaac's Cathedral, is a place that deserves your attention, even if you have been to St. Petersburg for the millionth time. I have been to St. Petersburg a huge number of times, and every time I could not pass by this building. Its beauty and its greatness will not leave even the most sophisticated soul indifferent. This is an Orthodox cathedral, a museum, and an architectural monument. Isaac is a place that every guest of the city on the Neva must see at least once.
Opening hours of St. Isaac's Cathedral
Entrance to the museum is possible only with hygienic masks and is regulated by a time interval of 15 minutes . The museum administration has the right to change this interval depending on the occupancy of the cathedrals. When visiting museum objects, you must follow the designated one-way inspection route, adhering to the recommendations of museum specialists and observing social distancing standards (1.5–2 meters) .
Programs for people with disabilities, as well as the exhibition “To Remember...” are temporarily unavailable.
The St. Isaac's Cathedral Museum-Monument is open all year round, from 10:30 to 18:00.
During the high tourist season, that is, from May 1 to September 30, evening programs are held. At this time, entry is possible later, until 21:00, but without excursion service. The complex closes at 21:30.
The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the cathedral closes.
Wednesday is a day off, any time of the year.
Opening hours of the colonnade and observation deck of St. Isaac's Cathedral
The Colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral is open from 10:00 to 18:00, in high season (from May 1 to September 30) - until 21:30. The entrance to visitors and the ticket office close half an hour before the end of the working day.
From May 1 to September 30, the colonnade is open daily. At other times, that is, from October 1 to April 30, every third Wednesday of the month is a day off.
Orthodox church
Since St. Isaac's Cathedral is not only a museum, but also an Orthodox church, it would be a good idea for women to take a scarf to cover their heads. Dresses with a low neckline, as well as short skirts or shorts should be avoided. It would be optimal to wear a modest dress of medium or maximum length. However, even if you come in jeans, they will let you through, and if you forgot your headdress, they will kindly provide it for free at the entrance to the monastery, but still, from a hygiene point of view, it is optimal to have your own scarf.
The church holds morning and evening services at 9.00 and 16.00, every day except Wednesday. A more detailed schedule can be found here.
Ticket price to St. Isaac's Cathedral
Tickets to St. Isaac's Cathedral can be purchased at the box office.
In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, it is recommended to purchase tickets online:
Buy a ticket to St. Isaac's Cathedral
Buy a ticket to the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral
Buy a ticket to St. Isaac's Cathedral with a climb to the colonnade
Book an audio tour with tickets to the cathedral and colonnade
Price:
- standard ticket – 350 rubles;
- ISIC card holders – 200 rubles;
- children and teenagers from 7 to 18 years old – 100 rubles;
- women over 55 years old, men over 60 years old and other pensioners – 100 rubles (only citizens of Russia and Belarus);
- students, graduate students, residents - 100 rubles (only citizens of Russia and Belarus).
Entrance in the evening (after 18:00) – 400 rubles. The reduced price does not apply to evening visits.
The right to visit St. Isaac's Cathedral free of charge can be used by:
- heroes of the USSR, Russia and full holders of the Order of Glory;
- members of large families (citizens of Russia and Belarus);
- children under 7 years old;
- combatants;
- disabled people of group I or II with one accompanying person;
- persons undergoing military service upon conscription;
- workers of Russian museums.
Children under 18 years of age, as well as undergraduates, graduate students and other students, can visit the cathedral for free on the third Thursday of every month.
To receive a discount or a free ticket, you must provide a supporting document.
Ticket price for the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral
The cost of a ticket to the colonnade is 200 rubles. Additionally, the tourist receives an audio tour “Panorama of St. Petersburg”.
Entrance in the evening (after 18:00) – 400 rubles. The entrance ticket price to the observation deck and the roof of St. Isaac's Cathedral is the same; discounts do not apply to it.
To avoid standing in line, tickets to the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral can be purchased online
Entrance tickets at a reduced price cannot be booked online; they must be purchased on the day of the visit at the box office upon presentation of documents confirming the right to the discount.
Cost of excursions in St. Isaac's Cathedral
Tourists can go on both group and individual excursions. If you choose an individual program, the start time of the guided walk depends on your wishes. The schedule of group excursions is agreed upon in advance.
St. Isaac's Cathedral outside and inside
A sightseeing tour that will allow you to learn everything about one of the main attractions of St. Petersburg. The guide will tell you about the construction stage, history, and about those whose names are forever associated with the cathedral. You will learn how the cathedral became a home for the children of Leningrad during the siege, and how it helped preserve the main treasures of Russia during the war. Of course, the guide will tell the excursion participants not only verified facts, but also the secrets that shroud this place.
Duration: 2 hours.
Cost: 590 rubles. This is a group tour, the price is per person. Maximum group size is 10 participants. Entrance tickets are paid separately. Schedule: every Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00.
Read more about the excursion “St. Isaac's Cathedral outside and inside”
Around St. Isaac's Cathedral
St. Isaac's Cathedral is beautiful not only inside, but also outside. Around it there are no less sights and interesting details than under the arches of the domes. On this excursion, the guide will tell you about all the details of St. Isaac's Square that are not noticeable at first glance. You will see the cathedral, palaces, streets, ancient buildings from a different angle, and you will be able to feel the historical atmosphere of this place.
After the program, if you wish, you can independently visit the cathedral and colonnade.
Duration: 1 hour.
Cost: 520 rubles for a group of up to 5 people.
Read more about the excursion “Around St. Isaac’s Cathedral”
Sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg with a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral
This excursion will help you get acquainted with the main attractions of St. Petersburg, accompanied by an experienced guide who will tell you in detail about each of them.
At the beginning of the program - a trip along the Neva embankment, where you will see the main squares of the city - Palace and Senate, admire Vasilyevsky Island, the Bronze Horseman, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, the Summer Garden and the Field of Mars. In the process, you will learn about the history of the city.
After the sightseeing trip, you will visit St. Isaac's Cathedral. The guide will tell you about its construction, decoration, unusual facts and mysterious legends. Inside you will find frescoes, mosaics, statues and other works of art.
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Cost: 1200 rubles. This is a group tour, the price is per person. Maximum group size is 25 participants. Entrance tickets are included in the price.
Schedule: excursions are held on Fridays, starting at 10:30.
Read more about a sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg with a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral
Architecture and legends of St. Isaac's Square
This excursion will allow you to get acquainted with the architecture of one of the most beautiful places in St. Petersburg - St. Isaac's Square. You will learn about the construction of buildings and monuments, their styles and the eras in which they were created. The guide will tell you about the purposes of the buildings, as well as the secrets and legends living around the architectural monuments.
Duration: 1 hour.
Cost: 600 rubles per person. This is an individual excursion for a group of 1 to 7 participants.
Read more about the excursion “Architecture and Legends of St. Isaac’s Square”
Reviews
Most guests of St. Isaac's Cathedral speak positively about their visit. Many people note the signs installed at each element of the structure. Their accessibility allows you to make your visit interesting even without a guide. A tour of the cathedral is included in the ticket price ; the group gathers at the main entrance to the hall. According to visitors, musical concerts and liturgical chants in the church deserve special attention. Among the disadvantages are the crowd of tourists and a large number of excursion buses near the cathedral during the White Nights season .
How to visit St. Isaac's Cathedral for free, visiting rules, useful tips
The cathedral is active, as services are held there. Entry to them is free. If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, please be respectful of other parishioners by dressing modestly and not drawing attention to yourself or distracting others from the service.
Please be aware of the visiting rules at all times. In the cathedral you are not allowed to be intoxicated, bring food and drinks with you, make noise, or use flash. All bags and suitcases, including city backpacks, will need to be left in the storage room.
If possible, it is better to purchase your ticket online. This way you won't have to stand in line.
In addition, if you plan to climb the colonnade, choose comfortable shoes - the climb is self-guided. But for people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, all the necessary conditions have been created - a special elevator will help you get to the observation deck.
A route has been created for blind and visually impaired visitors, allowing them to explore the cathedral without barriers. If necessary, escort can be arranged (by prior arrangement).
Please note that operating times may vary due to technical and other reasons. This rarely happens, however, it is better to check the official website before visiting the cathedral.
Colonnade
The colonnade is located at a height of 43 meters around the drum of the dome.
It consists of 24 columns, 14 meters long and weighing up to 67 tons. The drum has 12 giant windows.
Two spiral staircases of 200 steps lead to the colonnade and from there a beautiful panorama of the city opens up.
You will see the following attractions:
- Kunstkamera
- Vasilyevsky Island
- Menshikov Palace
- spire of Peter and Paul Cathedral
- Hermitage
- St. Nicholas Cathedral
- sea port
- Alexander Garden
- Solid roofs of ancient houses
The entrance to the colonnade is from the south side of the cathedral, and the exit is from the north
How to get to St. Isaac's Cathedral
St. Isaac's Cathedral is located at St. Petersburg, St. Isaac's Square, 4 . The closest metro station to the cathedral is Admiralteyskaya . Can be reached by public transport:
- buses No. 3, 22, 27;
- trolleybuses No. 5 and 22.
Official website of the museum: https://cathedral.ru
Phone numbers for inquiries:+7
Driving directions:
St. Isaac's CathedralOrthodox Church in St. PetersburgMuseum in St. Petersburg
Short description
Saint Isaac's Cathedral —
The largest Orthodox cathedral in St. Petersburg, with a rich history and stunning architecture. Like the Catherine Palace, the Exchange building and many other sights, St. Isaac's Cathedral was created by foreign architects. The cathedral colonnade is one of the calling cards of the city. This article contains all relevant and useful information for 2021.
History of the cathedral
The temple was built by order of Peter I. It was erected in honor of Isaac of Dalmatia, because the emperor was born on the day of memory of this saint - May 30. The first building was a small wooden church, consecrated in 1710. In it, in 1712, Peter the Great married Catherine I. A few years later, the church was dismantled, as it became too small for the rapidly developing St. Petersburg.
The second temple was built of stone, the first of them was founded in 1717 by Peter himself. After the foundation was laid, the architect Georg Mattarnovi, who led the project, died. His role was transferred to Nikolai Gerbel. Under his leadership, the vaults were erected, but due to mistakes they cracked. After that, 4 more people became chief architects.
The second church was struck twice by lightning, causing fires. Then the soil sank. Experts came to the conclusion that it was impossible to restore the church. Therefore, a new building was designed.
The third cathedral was built where St. Isaac's Cathedral stands today. The architects proposed building a cathedral that was different from the previous one, but Catherine II approved the project of recreating the appearance. The Empress did not live to see the completion of construction - they managed to erect the structure up to the cornice. Paul I ascended the throne, and the architect was replaced. Due to lack of funding, he changed the plan of the cathedral, and as a result, the structure caused ridicule. A few years later, the already ruling Alexander I came to the conclusion that the cathedral needed to be rebuilt.
Construction of the fourth cathedral began in 1818. The work lasted 40 years. This project became one of the most complex of its era, and its cost was estimated at 23.26 million silver rubles.
Architectural features, what to see
Every corner of the cathedral deserves attention - more than 400 thousand workers were employed in its construction.
The domes are the first thing that catches your eye. While gilding them, 60 craftsmen died from mercury poisoning. The casting required 490 tons of iron, 990 tons of cast iron, almost 50 tons of copper and 30 tons of bronze. Surprisingly, the domes were built entirely of metal, without bricks. Before this, there were only 2 similar structures in the world.
St. Isaac's Cathedral is often called the Museum of Colored Stone. Russian, Italian and French marble of 3 different colors are used here, using jasper and porphyry.
The painting of the temple is especially beautiful. Famous artists Bryullov, Bruni, Burukhin, Riess and Shebuev worked on it. Pay attention to the main dome - it depicts the 12 apostles, as well as stained glass windows, mosaics and sculptures.
