On March 20, 1719, Peter I issued rules for the treatment concerning the mineral waters found in Olonets and their use for various diseases. This became the first document dedicated to the Olonets mineral waters, and therefore, March 20, 1719, is considered the founding date of the first Russian balneological resort, known today as "Marcial Waters."

During his third trip on February 18, 1722, Peter I attended the consecration of the church of Saint Apostle Peter, the design of which, according to legend, he developed himself. The emperor paid special attention to this temple, and during his stay at the resort, he personally crafted an ivory chandelier and wooden candlesticks on a lathe. The candlesticks can still be seen in the church, while the chandelier and the altar cloth embroidered by Catherine Alexeyevna are housed in the Hermitage.

After the death of Peter I, the resort was abandoned, and the church of Saint Apostle Peter remained almost the only architectural monument of that time. The interior decoration of the temple, dating back to the early 18th century, has also been preserved. The church underwent several repairs and restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries but retained its original appearance. In 1829 and 1831, the temple was completely dismantled and restored. Until the early 20th century, regular repairs were conducted under the guidance of architects, and the church was visited by notable figures such as academician N.Ya. Ozeretskovsky and poet F.N. Glinka.

In the 20th century, the temple was repaired in 1949, 1964, and 1975, and lightning protection was installed in 1952. In 1988, comprehensive restoration work was carried out under the guidance of V.G. Kopnin: foundations were replaced, rotting wall sections were restored, icons were renovated, and the ceilings and roof were completely replaced.

The church has a single-domed structure typical of the Peter the Great era. The walls are hewn from timber, the roofs are shingled, and the domes and spires are covered with iron. Inside the church, above the entrance, there are closed galleries, a favorite spot of Peter I during services. The architecture and interior reflect Western European influence, expressed in the multi-faceted dome with a spire, high windows, and elegant stoves cast in 1721.

The main decoration of the temple is a two-tiered iconostasis. The icons are made in a traditional manner and in the spirit of Peter's painting. Special attention is drawn to the icon of Saint Nicholas, depicting the Russian tricolor on the mast of a ship, highlighting the artist's patriotism and hopes for Russia's future. All icons of the local row are made in tempera technique, while those of the festive row are oil on canvas. The iconostasis was transported from the church at the Lodeynoye Pole shipyard and does not fully fit into the interior of the church in Marcial Waters.

The church of Saint Apostle Peter remains in federal ownership and is part of the exhibition of the Karelia State Local History Museum. However, once a year, on July 12, the day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, a service is held in memory of Peter I and his contribution to the development of Russia.