Things to Do at Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Complete Guide to Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg

About Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Admission: 350 rubles ($4.50 USD). Inside, thousands of mosaic tiles shimmer across every surface, creating a kaleidoscope that shifts as afternoon light filters through stained glass windows. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid tour groups and hear the echo of your footsteps on marble floors instead of competing with crowd chatter.

What to See & Do

Interior Mosaics

The impressive mosaic work covering walls and ceilings, depicting biblical scenes and created by some of Russia's finest artists using millions of tiny colored stones

Colorful Onion Domes

Nine uniquely decorated cupolas, each with different patterns and colors that create the church's iconic silhouette against the Petersburg sky

Memorial Shrine

The exact spot where Alexander II was killed, marked by a special shrine with a canopy made from precious stones and metals

Iconostasis

An impressive screen of religious icons separating the nave from the sanctuary, crafted with remarkable detail and religious significance

Exterior Architecture Details

Intricate Russian Revival facades with colorful patterns, carved details, and the famous inscription bands that tell the story of Alexander II's reign

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Wednesdays). Summer hours might extend to 10:00 PM, but it's worth checking current schedules as they tend to change seasonally

Tickets & Pricing

Around 350-400 rubles for adults, with discounts for students and children. You can buy tickets on-site, though online booking might save you some queue time during peak season

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The mosaics look particularly striking when natural light streams through the windows

Suggested Duration

Plan for about 1-2 hours to properly appreciate the mosaics and architecture, though you could easily spend longer if you're into the historical details

Getting There

You'll walk past this church anyway-it sits dead center in the historic district. The nearest metro station is Nevsky Prospekt, about 10 minutes along the Griboedov Canal. Coming from the Hermitage or Palace Square means a pleasant 15-minute walk with good canal views. Trams and buses stop nearby. But walking through this area is half the experience anyway.

Things to Do Nearby

Russian Museum
Just across the street, housing the world's largest collection of Russian fine art in a beautiful neoclassical palace

Mikhailovsky Garden
A peaceful park behind the Russian Museum, perfect for a quiet break with tree-lined paths and seasonal flowers

Arts Square
The elegant square in front of the Russian Museum, surrounded by cultural institutions and featuring a statue of Pushkin

Nevsky Prospekt
Saint Petersburg's main avenue, just a few blocks away with shops, cafes, and the pulse of city life

Kazan Cathedral
Another impressive church about 10 minutes' walk away, with a completely different architectural style and its own fascinating history

Tips & Advice

Photography inside requires a separate ticket, but it's worth it if you want to capture those incredible mosaics

The church can get quite crowded during cruise ship season (roughly May through September), so early morning visits tend to be more peaceful

Don't just focus on the interior - walk around the entire building to appreciate how the architecture changes from different angles

Combine your visit with the nearby Russian Museum for a full day of Russian art and culture, since you're literally across the street