Located on Preobrazhenskaya Ploschad just a few steps from Liteiny Prospect, Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Saint Petersburg was once a base to the Russian Army's esteemed Transfiguration Regiment. The charming square just in front of the cathedral harbors an impressive array of cannons that were used by the army to drive back the Turks at Varna. With a lavishly decorated boundary wall, and two historic icons the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Saint Petersburg is one of the most visited Tourist Attractions in Saint Petersburg.
The history of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Saint Petersburg dates back it the 18th century when Peter the Great's daughter Elizabeth arrived here in 1741. The princess came here in order to get the support of the Transfiguration Regiment for her coup against the then Empress Anna and her successor. As soon as she gained the throne in the same year she decided to construct a church to show her gratitude. The construction of Cathedral of the Transfiguration began in the middle of 1743 and the new empress Elizabeth laid the first foundation stone.
The renowned architect of that time, Mikhail Zemtsov was assigned the task of designing and building the church. But unfortunately he died halfway during the construction. From then on architect Antonio Trezzini carried out the construction work which ended in 1754. The church was dedicated on the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration. Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Saint Petersburg was actually declared a 'cathedral' by order of Empress Elizabeth on August 5, 1754.
The interior decoration of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration was mostly done by Bartolomeo Rastrelli. He was actively involved in furnishing the interior, designing the spectacular gold icons in the cathedral and the altar vestibule. The famous artist M. L. Kolokolnikov painted the icons. The church has undergone a mishap in 1825 when it was almost burnt down to ashes. Though most of the icons were rescued but the cathedral lost many features of its old architecture. The Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Saint Petersburg was completely renovated and again consecrated in 1829. At this time a square was built around the church building housing an array of cannons surrounded by an ornate fence. The cathedral is always open to all and is one of the most visited churches in St. Petersburg in Russia.
Online information about Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Saint Petersburg is provided by travel.mapsofworld
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