Peter and Paul Cathedral
Within the fortress walls, the first building to appear was the Church of Ss. Peter and Paul, a wooden version of which was consecrated on 1 April 1704. A Lutheran church to St. Anne existed next to it until 1710, but was destroyed to make way for the stone Cathedral (1712-1733). The Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul is the oldest surviving church in St. Petersburg, and also the second-tallest building in the city (after the television tower). It is intimately linked to both the history of the city and to the Romanov dynasty, as it is home to the graves of nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great. The Peter and Paul Cathedral marked a radical departure from traditional Orthodox churches, being built in early Baroque style. Its rectangular shape, bell-tower, and landmark needle are all features borrowed from the protestant churches of Western Europe - the influence of Dutch architecture is particularly visible - all of which was in accordance with Peter's wishes. The graves of the former rulers and their families are very extravagant. For example, monoliths carved from delicate and valuable stones including grey and green Altai jasper, rise over the graves of Alexander II and his wife, Maria. Top craftsmen from Peterhof worked on the decorations for 17 years.
Peter and Paul Cathedral
Within the fortress walls, the first building to appear was the Church of Ss. Peter and Paul, a wooden version of which was consecrated on 1 April 1704. A Lutheran church to St. Anne existed next to it until 1710, but was destroyed to make way for the stone Cathedral (1712-1733). The Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul is the oldest surviving church in St. Petersburg, and also the second-tallest building in the city (after the television tower). It is intimately linked to both the history of the city and to the Romanov dynasty, as it is home to the graves of nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great. The Peter and Paul Cathedral marked a radical departure from traditional Orthodox churches, being built in early Baroque style. Its rectangular shape, bell-tower, and landmark needle are all features borrowed from the protestant churches of Western Europe - the influence of Dutch architecture is particularly visible - all of which was in accordance with Peter's wishes. The graves of the former rulers and their families are very extravagant. For example, monoliths carved from delicate and valuable stones including grey and green Altai jasper, rise over the graves of Alexander II and his wife, Maria. Top craftsmen from Peterhof worked on the decorations for 17 years.