Smolny cathedral

The Smolny Cathedral is part of the architectural ensemble of the Smolny Monastery, which is considered a historical and architectural monument of world scale.

In the middle of the 18th century, by order of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the Smolny Cathedral and the Smolny Monastery were built. In the monastery, built on the site of the “Resin House”, the Empress wanted to spend the last years of her life.

The ensemble of the monastery was made according to the sketch of the architect Rastrelli, for whom this work was the last. The magnificent blue and white temple complex is made in the Baroque style. Striking style of temple buildings, directed upwards. The highest point of the monastery was the Resurrection Cathedral – 94 meters.

Subsequently, at the Smolny Monastery, Catherine II organized the Institute of Noble Maidens, which became the first educational institution for women in Russia.