RUSSIA POSTCARDS COLLECTION

SAINT ISAAC'S CATHEDRAL OR ISAAKIEVSKIY SOBOR
Famous Landmarks of St. Petersburg
Largest Orthodox Basilica
Fourth Largest Cathedral in the World
RUSSIA

Saint Isaac's Cathedral or Isaakievskiy Sobor in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral (sobor) in the city. It is the largest orthodox basilica and the fourth largest (by the volume under the cupola) cathedral in the world.  It is dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great, who had been born on the feast day of that saint.

The cathedral took 40 years to construct, under French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand's direction, from 1818 and completed 1858.

The cathedral is a Late Neoclassical rendering of a Byzantine Greek-cross church. The main dome rises 101.5 metres (333 ft), plated with pure gold dominates the city skyline.

St Isaac's Cathedral is one of the most famous attractions in St Petersburg.  It is the fourth largest cathedral in the world following St Peter’s in Rome, St Paul’s in London and Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence; and the major Orthodox basilica in Russia.

Thanks to Egoshina Maria of Russia

Received: June 28, 2016