Saturday, August 10, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed
The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood
St. Petersburg, Russia
Topic: Philatelic Photographs


GPS: N59° 56.395; E030° 19.707

Quick Description: 

The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood is located on the north end of the Griboedov Canal in St. Petersburg.

Long Description:

This famous church in St. Petersburg goes by many names. When first constructed between 1883 and 1907 it was known as the Resurrection of Christ Church. It was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated and therefore on spilled blood. Thus, it became to be called the Church of the Savior on Blood or more commonly the Church on Spilled Blood.

The style of the church was inspired by St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. The onion domes, mosaics and intricately decorated facade are characteristic of 16th to 17th century Russian architecture. Thus, it differs in from most of the buildings of St. Petersburg which follow the western traditions of Neo-Classical and Baroque architecture.

As a result of the Russian Revolution the church was closed for services in the late 1920s and fell into disrepair. In 1970, the St. Isaac's Cathedral began the management and restoration of the church. Work lasted for 27 years, until restoration was complete in August 1997, and the church, once again, re-opened.

The church is one of the top tourists attractions of St. Petersburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular spot for taking photographs and acquiring Russian souvenirs.

The official stamp was issued by France in 2003 for use on mail posted from the UNESCO Building in Paris.

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