Walking along the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal in St. Petersburg, it is impossible not to notice a majestic structure with bright domes, resembling a fabulous tower. This is a famous temple, which is popularly called “on the Blood”, although its official name sounds different and carries a deep historical meaning. Many tourists mistakenly believe that it is just a beautiful church, but in fact it is a unique memorial dedicated to the tragic events of the late XIX century.
It was here, on the site of the mortal wound of Emperor Alexander II, that this architectural masterpiece was erected. Save on Blood. It is radically different from other St. Petersburg cathedrals in its style, which is more characteristic of ancient Russian architecture than for the imperial classicism of the Northern capital. Visiting this place allows not only to take impressive photos, but also to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era, feeling the tragedy that became a turning point in the history of Russia.
Inside the temple, visitors are greeted by one of the largest mosaic ensembles in the world, whose area exceeds 7000 square meters. Every detail of the interior was thought out by the best artists of the time to create a single spiritual space. The Temple of the Resurrection of Christ It survived a revolution, blockade and many years of oblivion before opening its doors again to worshippers and tourists from all over the world.
History of the origin and tragic event
The history of the construction is directly connected with the assassination attempt on the liberator Tsar Alexander II, which occurred on March 1, 1881. The terrorist-people’s volunteer Ignatius Grynevitsky threw a bomb at the imperial carriage as it passed through the Catherine Canal. Alexander II He was fatally wounded and died in the Winter Palace on the same day. His son, Alexander III, decided not to build the place of his father’s death, but to create a memorial that would forever preserve the memory of this event.
The architectural competition lasted several years, and the winner was Andrei Leontievich Parland, who proposed a project in the Russian style. Construction began in 1883 and lasted more than 24 years, which is an incredibly long time for even such large-scale projects. The funding was made from the personal funds of the imperial family, as well as from donations from all over the Russian Empire, which emphasized the popular importance of the temple.
⚠️ Note: Unlike most temples, the Savior on Blood does not have deep foundations in the traditional sense, since part of the design relies on the bank fortification of the canal, which requires constant monitoring of the soil condition.
The consecration of the temple took place in August 1907, already under Nicholas II. By this time, the building had become not just a church, but a symbol of repentance and memory. The uniqueness of the project was that under the church was preserved section of the pavement and granite parapet wall of the canal, where it fell wounded Emperor. This fragment was fenced with silver gilded grille and became the main shrine of the cathedral.
The mystery of numerology in architecture
The number 81 is not found in the architecture of the temple by chance – it symbolizes the year of the death of the king (1881). The height of the main coupe is 81 meters, which is a hidden architectural code, understandable only to those who are devoted to the details of the Parland project.
Architectural features and style
The appearance of the temple contrasts sharply with the surrounding classical ensemble of St. Petersburg. The building is made in the "Russian style", which was actively developed in the second half of the XIX century. Architects sought to recreate the spirit of Yaroslavl and Moscow architecture of the XVII century, using characteristic tent finishes, kokoshniks and rich decor of facades. Mosaic panels on the outer walls are made according to sketches of famous artists such as Vasnetsov, Nesterov and Ryabinin.
The facade is decorated with more than 20 coats of arms of provinces and regions of the Russian Empire, as well as images of the patron saints of the royal family. Natural materials were used for cladding: granite, marble, brick and semi-precious stones. The roof is covered with colored tiles, and the domes are lined with gilded copper, so they shine in the sun, attracting attention from afar.
- 🏛️ Hidden composition The central part of the temple ends with a high tent, which is a reference to the church of Basil the Blessed in Moscow.
- 🎨 Mosaic decoration The outer walls are covered with mosaics of more than 400 square meters, which makes the facade incredibly durable and bright.
- 💎 Decorative elements - the use of enamel, gilding and stone carving creates the effect of "carpet" covering the walls.
The interior of the temple is also made in the Russian style, but with elements of modernity. The columns are lined with marble of various shades, and the floor is lined with patterned tiles. However, the main treasure is the mosaic, which covers the walls and vaults with a continuous carpet. It is one of the largest mosaic monuments in Europe, created by the workshops of the Frolov brothers and other eminent masters of that time.
The Savior on Blood is the only Russian-style church in St. Petersburg, making it an architectural exception in a city full of classicism and baroque.
Unique mosaic interior
Once inside, the visitor finds himself in a space completely devoid of traditional oil painting. All surfaces, from floor to dome, are covered with mosaics. This decision was dictated by the desire to create an eternal image that will not fade or fly over time. The best monumental artists of the late XIX - early XX century worked on the creation of mosaics.
At the bottom of the temple, in the aisles, there are kyots with icons written on copper boards. Central place is occupied by the wound of Alexander II, fenced with a haze of jasper and rhodonite. There is a plaque with the text of the manifesto of Alexander III, calling for repentance and unity. iconostasis The temple is also made using mosaics and marble, which gives it a special solemnity.
| Interior element | Materials | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Walls and vaults | Smalt, stone | Area of more than 7000 sq.m., 30 types of smalt |
| Paul | Marble, granite | Complicated geometric pattern, 45 grades of stone |
| Columns | marble | Covering with multicolored marble at the bottom |
| Dome | Mosaic, gold | Image of Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels |
The restoration of the mosaics after the war and the long closure of the temple took almost 30 years. The masters had to recreate the lost fragments using ancient technologies and recipes. The present appearance of the temple is as close as possible to the original of 1907, which allows us to assess the scale of the artistic plan of the creators.
The temple during the Soviet era and restoration
After the 1917 revolution, the temple miraculously survived, although it was closed for worship in 1930. Unlike many other churches, it was not blown up, possibly due to its complex construction and location above the canal. However, the interior decoration suffered: the icons were seized, and valuables were taken away. During the siege of Leningrad, the temple was used as a morgue, where the bodies of the dead residents of the city were taken.
In the postwar years, the building housed a warehouse of vegetables and fruits, for which the people called it “Savior on Spending”. This use threatened to destroy unique mosaics due to high humidity. Only in 1970 the temple was transferred to the Museum of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and work began on its conservation and partial restoration.
⚠️ During the period of use under the vegetable store, the humidity inside the building reached critical values, which led to the detachment of part of the mosaic layer from the walls, the restoration of which became the main task of restorers.
Full restoration began in the 1970s and lasted several decades. The most difficult work was carried out to strengthen the foundations, clean the facades of soot and dirt, as well as to recreate the lost elements of the mosaic. In 1997, the temple was consecrated and opened to the public as a museum, and since 2004, it has again begun to hold regular services.
When visiting, pay attention to the lower part of the walls at the entrance - there you can see traces of restoration work, where the new smalt is slightly different in hue from the original, which is the norm for such large-scale projects.
Practical information for tourists
The temple is located in the historical center of St. Petersburg, at the address: embankment of the Griboyedov Canal, house 2a. You can get here by metro (station "Nevsky Prospect", "Gostiny Dvor", "Spasskaya") or by ground transport. The Griboyedov Canal stop is literally two minutes walk from the entrance. For visitors with limited mobility, the entrance is equipped with a ramp, but there are stairs inside.
The museum’s schedule depends on the season. In summer, during the period of tourist influx, the temple is open daily from 10:30 to 18:00, except Wednesday. In winter, the schedule can be shortened, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the temple is often closed for sanitary day. Tickets. You can buy at the cashier or online on the official website, which is recommended to do in advance, so as not to stand in line.
- 🎫 Entrance ticket For adults, the cost is about 450 rubles, for students and schoolchildren there are benefits.
- 📸 Photography - Inside the temple is allowed only without flash and tripod, video shooting can be limited during worship services.
- 👗 Dress code As it is an active temple, women are advised to wear a headdress and clothing covering their shoulders and knees.
Near the temple there is a small garden, where kiosks with souvenirs and cafes are installed. It is a great place to relax after a walk in the city center. Also nearby is the Russian Museum and the Summer Garden, so a visit to the Savior on the Blood is convenient to combine with a visit to other sights.scenicism.
☑️ What to take with you on a tour
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the temple called “on the blood” if it is not red?
The name is not derived from the color of the walls, but from the event to which the temple is dedicated. It was built on the site of the shedding of the blood of Emperor Alexander II. The word “Blood” in the title indicates the martyrdom of the king, not the color scheme of the facade.
Can I go inside for free?
Visiting the main exhibition of the temple is paid, as it is a museum. However, during regular services, entrance for worshippers is free, but tourist inspection may be limited or inaccessible.
How long does it take to inspect the temple?
On average, the inspection of interiors and the study of information materials takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour. If you plan to take a lot of photos or participate in a guided tour, it is worth pawning about 1.5 hours.
Is there a toilet or wardrobe inside?
There are no toilets in the temple itself. The wardrobe for outerwear is mandatory in winter and is located at the entrance. Storage rooms for large luggage are also available at the entrance to the museum.
Is there a crypt under the temple?
Yes, under the main volume of the temple is the lower temple-monument, where the place of the wound of Alexander II. This part is historically the first and most important memorial area of the complex.