Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra – the grandest Orthodox Temple complex. It is the largest and the first monastery in our city. It will take several hours to get around every amazing place in the laurel.
The Lavra consists of a whole complex of structures in the architectural appearance of which the Baroque style dominates. The construction of the entire complex as a whole was entrusted to the architect Domenico Trezzini (1670-1734). Among them are the most beautiful Trinity Cathedral, the Annunciation Church, Fedorovskaya, as well as the first thing we can see at the entrance is the Gate Church.
There are four cemeteries on the territory of the monastery, where such eminent people as the scientist Mikhail Vasilievich Lomonosov (1711-1765), the writer Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821-1877), the composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). And in the Annunciation Cathedral the great Russian commander Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov (1730-1800) are buried.
Tsar Peter I (1672-1725) ordered to construct the monastery in 1710. The Alexander Nevsky Lavra is named in honor of Prince St. Alexander Yaroslavovich Nevsky (1221-1263).
During the construction of the monastery there was built a road from the monastery to the city, now it is part of the well-known Nevsky Prospect. Undoubtedly, the central point of the laurel is the Trinity Cathedral. There is an interesting story related to this cathedral. During the reign of Catherine II (1729-1796) it was necessary to disassemble all the walls of the cathedral due to cracks and rebuild them. In the Trinity Cathedral are the relics of St. Alexander Nevsky.
On the opposite to the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra stands the Moscow Hotel, which draws a stream of tourists into it. Also it is convenient that the place is situated practically at the center of the city. You can get to the laurels by reaching the metro station Alexander Nevsky Square, and then cross the road where we will be met by the Gate Church – the entrance to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. For excursion purposes, visiting the laurel is better in summer. Here you can eat at the refectory, and also buy real monastery pastries. On the territory of the laurel there is a couple of shops with souvenirs and religious attributes.
If you are in St. Petersburg and want to get acquainted with the culture of this city, then you should definitely visit the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Once in this place, you can understand why the laurel is often called the soul of St. Petersburg.
Author: Christina Stein
Location : St.Petersburg
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