Experts' Choice Award St. Isaac’s Cathedral
What the experts agree on
St. Isaac's iconic gilt dome dominates St. Petersburg's skyline. Climb 250 steps to the colonnade for sweeping city views, then admire the cathedral's massive interior frescoes, including Karl Briullov's 800-square-meter masterpiece.
“Climb the 250 steps to the colonnade surrounding the gilt dome for 360-degree views of the city.”
– Travel + Leisure
Fodor's "The grandly proportioned St. Isaac's is the world's third-largest domed cathedral and the first monument you see of the city if you arrive by ship." Full review
Frommer's "St. Isaac's mighty, somber facade rose only in the mid-19th century but has become an indelible part of St. Petersburg's skyline since then. Critics of the day called it "The Inkwell"..." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The golden dome of St Isaac’s Cathedral dominates the St Petersburg skyline." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Admire the frescoes and murals, such as the one by Karl Briullov covering 800 m2 of the main dome." Full review
U.S. News & World Report3.0
"The construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral was ordered by Alexander I in the early 1800s. This neoclassical marvel was finally completed in 1858 after 40 years of construction. St. Isaac's..." Full review
The Telegraph "The gold-domed, 19th-century St Isaac’s Cathedral is one of St Petersburg’s most famous landmarks and offers wonderful views of the city from its gilded viewing platform." Full review
Rough Guide "Admiralteyskiy District is also home to St Isaac's Cathedral, whose gilded dome glistens on the St Petersburg skyline. Be sure to climb the 262 steps to the outside colonnade to soak up..."
National Geographic "The gold dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral rising beyond them in gilded magnificence. I tell her about climbing up to the lookout beneath the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral."
