Church of the Savior on Blood

About this place

The Church of the Savior on Blood is a Russian Orthodox church in Saint Petersburg that works today as both a museum and a church. It is one of the city's major attractions, with bright domes closer to the old churches of Moscow than to the European buildings around it. It stands on the Griboedov Canal, its image reflected in the water, quite unlike the rest of the city. It was built from 1883 to 1907 on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was killed in March 1881 by members of the Narodnaya Volya group, which is where the name «on Blood» comes from. His son Alexander III ordered it, and the cost is put at about 4.5 million rubles, funded by the imperial family and private donors. From outside you see onion domes covered in enamel, in green, blue and gold, above red brick walls with fine coloured decoration. The best view is from the bridge over the canal. Beside it runs the ornate iron fence of the Mikhailovsky Garden, with metal scrolls and brick posts. Inside it is famous for its vast mosaics. It is about 800 metres from the Winter Palace in a straight line, so it is an easy walk. Dress modestly, women should cover their heads during services, and ask about photos. Opening hours and closing days vary, so check before you go. It is least crowded early in the morning. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia, and non-Russian bank cards may not work, so read the current advice before you plan.