The Irkutsk Epiphany Cathedral is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the city, as well as one of the outstanding cathedrals of Siberia. Its construction began in 1718 in a unique mixed architectural style, dominated by Siberian Baroque. However, the history of this place began earlier: in 1693, a wooden St. Peter and Paul Church was built here. A year before the new cathedral's construction began, the old church burned down, and it was decided to erect a stone building. Funds for the construction were raised from all over, and soon, thanks to the help of Irkutsk merchants, the necessary amount was collected. The construction proceeded in stages: first, the St. Peter and Paul chapel was erected, then the bell tower, and finally, the entire temple complex was completed, becoming a true wonder of Siberia.

The Epiphany Cathedral is surrounded by many stories. In the early 19th century, it suffered from a strong earthquake, which resulted in the fifth dome being dismantled. In September 1812, a second bell tower was built with donations from parishioners, housing the largest bell in the city, weighing 12 tons. However, earthquakes continued, and at the end of 1861, the cathedral was again damaged, requiring repairs.

The third trial for the cathedral came with the arrival of Soviet power, when it was closed and handed over to a bread factory. As a result, the building suffered greatly and in 1960 was under threat of destruction, but fortunately, it survived. In our time, the cathedral was returned to the faithful, and thanks to new donations, it was possible to restore the frescoes and iconostasis. In 2013, the cathedral once again became the cathedral and the main one in the Irkutsk diocese. I hope that in the future it will not face new upheavals.