St. Isaac’s Cathedral is the largest church in the city, but few visit it compared to the Winter Palace and the Hermitage.
It was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, under command of the Tsar who wanted it to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital.
Although the cathedral is considerably smaller than the newly rebuilt Church of Christ the Savior in Moscow, it boasts much more impressive facades and interiors.
One hundred and eighty years later, the gilded dome of St. Isaac’s still dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg. Below is a Google Earth shot of the Cathedral today ( alas a little washed out). You can explore the area here. Cool, isn’t it?
In my anguish... 