Smolny Convent

Smolny Convent of the Resurrection (Voskresensky Novodevichy) was founded in St. Petersburg in 1744-1764 and enjoyed the special attention of Empress Elizabeth, who wanted to retire at the end of her life. Elizabeth ordered to build the monastery on the place of a small palace at Smolny Court, where she often lived in her youth. The monastery complex was to include a temple with house churches and an extremely high bell tower, as well as an institute for girls from noble families.

Smolny Cathedral, 1890 – 1900. The postcard

The court architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli worked on the project. The Smolny Cathedral was founded in 1748. The foundations were built and the walls were raised. But soon the war with Prussia began, the financing of the construction decreased. The construction stopped. The cathedral was completed by the architect Vasily Stasov in 1835.

Dolgorukovsky Lane (Kvarengi Lane), 1900 – 1902

The Smolny Cathedral was built in the style of lush Elizabethan Baroque, using a combination of blue, gray and white colors. The height of the cathedral is 93 meters. The cathedral is an active Orthodox temple. The bell tower of the cathedral is available to visit. Excursions are held at weekends on schedule, the rest of the days on preliminary requests. From the observation deck offers a beautiful view of the Neva River panorama and towards the central part of the city.