Among the numerous Orthodox churches in St. Petersburg stands the Lutheran Church of St. Anna, built in the 18th century. This unique architectural monument holds significant historical and religious importance and deserves the attention of researchers and local historians. The emergence of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the imperial capital was not accidental. The city has always been home to many foreigners who practiced Western forms of Christianity, and they could freely follow their beliefs. Russian emperors adhered to the principle of religious tolerance, ensuring a comfortable life and spiritual needs for all segments of the population, often building churches at their own expense. The stone Church of St. Anna was erected by the decree of Catherine the Second and retained the name given to the previous wooden church in honor of Empress Anna Ioannovna.

The first wooden Lutheran church in St. Petersburg was built in 1704-1705 at the initiative of the city's first chief commandant, Roman (Robert) Bruce, a Russian general of Scottish descent. The number of parishioners quickly grew, including both German officials and captured Swedes after the Russo-Swedish War. Soon, the wooden temple became too small for all who wished to attend, so it was moved and rebuilt from wood, and then it was decided to construct a stone church.

The Church of St. Anna was laid in 1775 and opened to parishioners in 1779. The new temple, built in the classical style, features many remarkable architectural elements, such as a semicircular rotunda, Ionic columns, and a spacious hall for worshippers. In the pre-revolutionary period, the parish numbered about 12,000 people. However, after the Bolsheviks came to power, the church was closed and converted into a cinema. The return of the church was long: in the 1990s, services were held in the building while films were shown. After a court decision to return the church, it 'suddenly' caught fire and remained in that state for a long time. Only in 2013 did the first service take place in the church, and the parish was restored.