Christianity in Russia was adopted in the 10th century and since then became a very important aspect of life in the country. Only during the time of Bolsheviks, atheism prevailed over the religion. During seventy years many of the churches and monasteries of Russia were destroyed, but some of them preserved. There were monasteries in Russian cities, which were turned into museums, and only on the last decades of the 20th century were returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Nearly in any Russian city, tourists will find churches belonging to different historical periods and different architectural styles. Most of the churches belong to the past centuries, but there are also newly built ones. All Russian churches are very beautiful and there are no churches alike. Every church in the country is unique and has its own history.
Tourists coming to the country must surely visit some of the churches, as nowadays religion has become a very important part of the development of the country.
Churches and cathedrals of Moscow
Moscow and St Petersburg are the most popular destinations for the tourists in Russia. This city has always been the religious, cultural and political centers of Russia. Numerous churches, cathedrals and monasteries were built in these cities.
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is one of the most beautiful ones in Moscow. The cathedral was built in the end of the 19th century, but in the time of Bolsheviks it was destroyed. The cathedral was newly built in the last decades of the 20th century. The cathedral is considered by many as a symbol of revival of Russian people and religion.
The church of St. Gabriel the Archangel, known as Menshikov Tower represents one of the oldest churches of Russia. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century by Russian and Italian architects. It is known that terrible disaster (a thunderstorm) caused great fire and damaged the church in the 18th century, but later the church was modified and reconstructed.
Churches and cathedral of St Petersburg
St Petersburg is known for its beautiful churches and cathedrals, some of which have a worldwide fame. The city itself is considered an open-air museum, where numerous monuments can be found.
The Smolny Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals of St Petersburg. It was built by the order of Russian Empress Elizabeth. The Smolny Cathedral was built by an Italian architect Rastelli, who created the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. The facade of the cathedral differs from the interior as the façade was built in the 18th century, while the interiors in the 19th.
The Cathedral of saints Peter and Paul is also considered one of the best ones in St Petersburg. This cathedral is known all over the world and should be surely visited by any tourist, coming to St Petersburg. The graves of Russian Empresses and tsars are situated there. The cathedral was built in a baroque architectural style. St Petersburg is a city, which has many other beautiful cathedrals and churches, which preserved till our times and represent real masterpieces of Russian architecture.
