Visiting St. Petersburg and viewing its many sights will not be complete without visiting the large Naval Cathedral in Kronstadt . This magnificent structure attracts the eye from afar. The beauty, richness and splendor of the finish testify to the former greatness. Even those who are not particularly interested in history will be amazed to see this unique cathedral. The patron of the church is St. Nicholas. Huge in size, light and one of the most beautiful cathedrals, it always attracts thousands of tourists.
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History of the Cathedral
The history of the Naval St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kronstadt began in 1897, with permission to collect donations for the construction of this temple. In May 1901 a construction project was approved, headed by architect Kosyakov. The project was made in the likeness of the Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople.
Two years later, in the presence of the entire family of the emperor and vice-admiral NI Kaznakova, the first stone was laid in the foundation of the future cathedral and 32 young oaks were planted around the construction site around the construction site. Before the construction began, John of Kronstadt performed a prayer service.
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In the idea of building a temple, the idea of a monument to all sailors who died defending their homeland was embodied. On the huge marble slabs were carved the names of people who fell for the Fatherland. On black - the names and surnames of sailors, on whites - the names of priests who died at sea.
Features of architecture and style
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The interior decoration of the temple copies Byzantine style with marine themes. The floor is a real work of art - on it are mosaic outlandish sea inhabitants and drawings of ships.
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The cathedral-monument is located on the Anchor Square and is visible from the sea from afar. He served as a guide to the sailors. But with the advent of Soviet power, which destroyed everything that concerned religion, the cathedral was closed and converted into a cinema of Maxim Gorky. Part of the room was occupied by warehouses. The altar was dismantled and defiled, the domes were dropped, the crosses were removed. The inner surface of the walls, the vaults, once fascinating with the beauty of the painting, were painted over with paint.
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In the early fifties, the building began to be reconstructed. A suspended ceiling was built, which reduced the height of the room by one third. Now a naval club has settled here, accommodating 2500 people. Subsequently, the building of the cathedral changed its owners several times. At different times there were concert halls and clubs.
And only the efforts of museum workers and sailors were saved and a small part of the relics and interior decoration were not destroyed.
Only in 2002, with the blessing of His Holiness Alexy II, the gradual revival of the Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Kronstadt began. A cross was erected on the main dome and on the birthday of John of Kronstadt on November 2, 2005 the first Divine Liturgy was held.
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This symbol of the Russian navy, thanks to the fees for the restoration of the church and state subsidies, was successfully restored.
Since April 2012, there are regular services here. The consecration of the temple was performed in 2013 by His Holiness Patriarch Cyril and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.
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Those who want to visit this gem of the history of the Russian navy should know the address by which to find the Naval Cathedral in Kronstadt - Kronstadt, Anchor Square, 1, St. Petersburg, Russia. The mode of operation of the sea cathedral in Kronstadt is daily from 9.30 to 18.00 without days off. The visit is completely free. Be sure to visit this museum of the Russian fleet, built on a square in the shape of an anchor.