Saint Isaac's Cathedral

St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia is the largest cathedral in that city and was the largest church in Russia when it was built (101.5 meters high). It was dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great who had been born on the feast day of that saint.

History

The church was ordered by Tsar Alexander I, to replace an earlier Rinaldiesque structure. A specially appointed commission examined several designs, including that of the French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand (1786 - 1858), who had studied in the atelier of Napoleon's designer, Charles Percier. Monferrand's design was criticised by some members of the commission for the dry and allegedly boring rhythm of its four identical colonnades. It was also suggested that despite gigantic dimensions, the edifice would look squat and not very impressive. The emperor, who favoured the ponderous Empire style of architecture, had to step in and solve the dispute in Monferrand's favour.

Related Topics:
Alexander I - Rinaldi - Architect - Auguste de Montferrand - Charles Percier - Empire style

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The cathedral took 40 years to construct, under Montferrand's direction, from 1818 to 1858. Under the Soviet Russian government, the building was abandoned, then turned into a museum of atheism. The dove sculpture was removed, and replaced by a Foucault pendulum. During World War II, the dome was painted over in gray to avoid attracting attention from enemy aircraft. Worship activity has since resumed in the cathedral, but only in the left-hand side chapel, and in the main body of the cathedral on feast days only.

Related Topics:
1818 - 1858 - Soviet Russia - Atheism - Foucault pendulum - World War II

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