Three Cathedrals of St. Petersburg

After your cruise from Helsinki to St. Petersburg docks at the shore, you’ll have time to settle in at the hotel before embarking on a walking tour of this magnificent city. Our guide will meet you at the hotel, and we’ll head out on foot to tour many fascinating streets and structures.

Kazan Cathedral

A stroll down Nevsky Prospekt, the energetic avenue of St. Petersburg, will bring you to the Kazan Cathedral. Constructed in the first decade of the 1800s, this cathedral is situated in Kazanskaya Square, a lively gathering spot for tourists, families and street performers. The architecture of Kazan Cathedral was inspired by the famous Basilica of St. Peter, in Rome. The exterior features an impressive stone colonnade across the front, a picturesque central garden with fountain, and an 80-meter high dome with gilt cross that soars over the site. There are three monumental entranceways into the Kazan Cathedral. Once inside, you’ll be awe-struck by the grandiose mosaic floors, red granite pillars and silver candelabra that stand in front of the main altar.

Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood

On the other side of Nevsky Prospekt is the spectacular Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. This architectural landmark stands as a monument to Alexander II the Liberator, as it was the location where he was fatally wounded by assassins in 1881. In 1932, the church was closed down and sat neglected until 1970, when it was made into a branch of the St. Isaac’s Cathedral Museum. A full restoration of this marvelous structure was completed by 1997, and a dramatic re-opening was held. Russia’s largest collection of mosaics is housed here, and one of the most striking parts of the church is the shimmering shrine to Alexander II.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

We aim to maximize your time in Russia after your relaxing cruise from Helsinki to St. Petersburg! Also on our schedule is a visit to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which was originally the main church of St. Petersburg. Nowadays, its glowing dome still prevails over the city’s skyline. Massive granite columns, golden mosaics and lovely sculptures adorn the facades of the cathedral, and a colorful stained glass window of the Resurrected Christ will take your breath away. St. Isaac’s Cathedral was closed in the 1930s and reopened to the public as a museum.

This walking tour is a magnificent way to view the attractions of the city after you enjoy your cruise from Helsinki to St. Petersburg.