The Irkutsk Cross Exaltation Church is one of the most beautiful examples of Siberian architecture. Founded in 1747, it has been a true adornment of the city since its completion. The church is considered an outstanding example of Siberian Baroque and showcases the craftsmanship of local architects. Unfortunately, the name of the project’s author is unknown, but their talent is evident. The construction of the church lasted about thirteen years, and its solemn consecration took place in 1761. Today, the Cross Exaltation Church is the only church that has fully preserved both its exterior appearance and interior decor. This allows us to see the church as it was in 1851, when Gennady Ivanovich Nevelskoy married Yekaterina Ivanovna Yelchaninova.

The architectural value of the church is striking: the decorative design of the facades and intricate ornaments evoke admiration. Even poets of the Soviet era, such as Gleb Pakulov and Rostislav Filippov, celebrated it in their verses. Fortunately, the church avoided the fate of other Irkutsk churches that were destroyed or damaged during the period of anti-religious sentiment. There was no need for restoration here, and the untouched views from the 18th century leave an indelible impression.