St. Andrew's Cathedral on Vasilievsky Island was built in honor of the first Archbishop of Constantinople, the Apostle of Rus, who saw Russia and blessed it from the hills of Kyiv, where he himself erected a cross. After traveling along the Black Sea coast and the Dnieper to Novgorod, he returned to Thrace, where he founded a Christian church in Constantinople. The first church in his honor was erected by the son of Yaroslav the Wise. Peter I established the highest order and the St. Andrew's flag, and also planned to build a church in memory of the patron saint of Russia.

History of the Foundation of St. Andrew's Cathedral

Peter I commissioned the design of the cathedral in Sweden, which was executed by architect Tessin the Younger, who never visited Russia. According to the emperor's vision, St. Andrew's Cathedral on Vasilievsky Island was to reach a length of 130 meters. The site for construction was chosen deliberately: here the emperor envisioned the center of the city, where important business and administrative buildings were located. However, Peter I's plans were not realized due to his untimely death.

The history of the construction of the current building was long and complex, involving both high-ranking officials and ordinary people of the Russian Empire. In the 1720s and 30s, a wooden church was built according to a design attributed to K. Trezzini, funded by Count F. Apraksin, where a magnificent iconostasis was moved from A. Menshikov's palace. Later, the status of the cathedral led to the establishment of a cemetery nearby. The bequest of funds for construction by Admiral Apraksin was not coincidental, as he was one of the first knights of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.

In the second half of the 18th century, the wooden building was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning strike, but the iconostasis was saved. Catherine II donated a significant sum for the construction of a stone church. Other donations were collected, and a solemn ceremony for the laying of the foundation took place. However, before the completion of construction, the stone dome collapsed due to poor-quality bricks according to A. Vista's design.

The construction of the church was continued by A. Ivanov, but the opening took place only in the 1780s, and the bell tower was built six years later. Eleven years later, Emperor Paul I made the cathedral an order church, and at that time a chapel was built and a royal place was arranged in the interior. Some parts were additionally decorated with stucco. In the mid-19th century, heating was installed, the Assumption and Nikolsky chapels were added, and at the end of the century, the chapel was rebuilt and a fence was erected, uniting the cathedral and the Church of the Three Saints.

After the revolution, the building housed a warehouse, library, ministry, and ethnography museum funds. In 2001, eleven years after the cathedral was returned to the parishioners, an obelisk was opened in honor of the knights of the order. Two years later, the destroyed chapel was restored. The church was dedicated to St. Andrew the First-Called, whom Peter I considered his patron and laid a reliquary with a part of his relics at the foundation of the fortress when the city was founded. The award established by him was given for military feats and service to the state. A bust of F. Golovin, the first Russian admiral and knight of the order, is also installed in the cathedral square.

Description of St. Andrew's Cathedral

Peter I wanted the building to resemble St. Paul's Cathedral in London. However, specialists believe that the stone structure is more associated with St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome due to its four domes and bell tower. Some sources claim that the project was executed in the style of Baroque and early Classicism, but there are opinions that the style is rather eclectic, reminiscent of both the Renaissance and Russian traditions.

Exterior of St. Andrew's Cathedral

The building has a main dome and four smaller domes. It is currently painted in a pastel pink color, and the refectory connects it to the later-built tent-shaped bell tower. The impression is enhanced by semi-circular windows piercing the walls with pilasters. The complex also includes other objects, such as the new chapel of Prince Vladimir with an icon above the entrance. The adherence to classical style is achieved through columns and a portico. The Church of the Three Saints, located to the north, has hardly changed over two and a half centuries and is designed in red and white tones. Services are regularly held there.

The bust of F. Golovin and the obelisk to the knights of the order are harmoniously integrated into the complex. The monument is located on the southern side, and the gilded fence is dedicated to the 275th anniversary of the laying of the temple. The impression is further enhanced by gilded titanium crosses installed on the domes after renovations in the 1990s. Restoration work in the early 21st century gave the cathedral even more brilliance.

Interior Decoration of St. Andrew's Cathedral

The iconostasis, moved from the possessions of A. Menshikov, is over 17 meters high and consists of three carved gilded tiers. It is the main decoration of the interior, but the impression is also created by semi-circular windows, the original ceiling, ancient and new icons, frescoes, and stucco. The faithful are drawn to the church's relics.

Relics of St. Andrew's Cathedral

The main relics are two icons of Andrew the First-Called: one from the destroyed Trinity-Petrovsky Cathedral, and the other on the altar holds a piece of the apostle's relics. The icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, the Unexpected Joy, is especially revered. Believers also come to pray to two images of Nicholas the Wonderworker and A. Nevsky, transferred from the church at Menshikov's palace.

Visitor Information for St. Andrew's Cathedral

Since its return, the cathedral has been restored and updated, with the first consecration taking place in 1993. The temple is now open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM, with services held at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Residents of St. Petersburg can bring their children to learn about the Orthodox faith; there is a Sunday school and a church choir class.

During major holidays, solemn services are held. The temple is included in the list of objects of architectural and historical heritage of federal significance. Reviews from the faithful note the spaciousness and solemnity of the interior, brightness, and beauty. For many, the connection of this landmark with the name of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg is important. The angels adorning the entrance to the temple rank among the Petersburg angels.

How to Get to St. Andrew's Cathedral?

For those visiting St. Petersburg for the first time, visiting the cathedral may be a priority due to its history and connections with the names of famous individuals. The cathedral is located in the historical center of the city on Vasilievsky Island. Address: 6th Line of Vasilievsky Island, 11, 500 meters from Vasileostrovskaya Street and 230 meters from the 8th and 9th lines. It is easy to reach by metro, getting off at Vasileostrovskaya station and walking a short distance. For those who arrived by personal car, a map or navigator can be used.