Smolny cathedral concert hall

The state concert and exhibition hall "Smolny Cathedral" is located in a former cathedral for all educational institutions. Smolny Cathedral was originally intended to be the central church of a monastery, built to house the daughter of Peter the Great, Elizabeth, after she was disallowed to take the throne and opted instead to become a nun.

However, as soon as her Imperial predecessor was overthrown during a coup, carried out by the royal guards, Elizabeth decided to forget the idea of a stern monastic life and happily accepted the offer of the Russian throne.

Smolny Cathedral's stunning blue- and- white building is undoubtedly one of the architectural masterpieces of the Italian architect Rastrelli, who also created the Winter Palace, the Grand Catherine Palace in Pushkin, the Grand Palace in Peterhof and many other major St. Petersburg landmarks.

The cathedral is the centerpiece of the convent, built by Rastrelli between 1748 and 1764. The building was only finished 1835 with the addition of a neo- classical interior to suit the changed architectural tastes of the day.

Hours : Vary.

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Contact Information

Smolny cathedral concert hall
Rastrelli Ploshad, 3, building 1
191011 St. Petersburg, RU

Tel. +78122717632

http://www.ticketsofrussia.ru/theatres/smolny.html