St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A Must-See in St. Petersburg

If you’re in St. Petersburg, don’t miss St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
It’s not just another church — it’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and the views from the top? Absolutely worth the climb.

🕍 Inside: the interior is breathtaking — columns of malachite and lapis lazuli, golden icons, detailed mosaics. It’s a mix of art, faith, and pure imperial ambition. You don’t have to be religious to be impressed.

🥾 Climb the colonnade: 262 steps (no elevator!) take you to the observation deck. On a clear day, you’ll see the entire historic center, the Neva River, and even the Gulf of Finland in the distance.

🎫 Tickets: You’ll need separate tickets for the interior and the colonnade — or get a combo. You can buy them on site or online to skip the line.

📸 Best time to visit:
— Morning for fewer crowds.
— Sunset for golden light over the rooftops — pure magic.
— In winter, the dome covered with snow looks surreal.

🧥 Tip: It’s colder and windier at the top, even in summer. Bring a light jacket or sweater.


#northerneurope #russia #saintpetersburg #localguides #historicallandmarks

Post by Andrey Vasiliskov | Aug 1, 2025