Isn’t the skyline beautiful? We are standing before the Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent. This convent is a serene and historically rich landmark in Saint Petersburg.
Welcome to the story of the Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent. It is also known as the Smolny Convent. This Russian Orthodox convent was built to house Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Peter the Great.
Originally, Elizabeth wanted to become a nun after being disallowed succession to the throne. However, history had other plans. Ivan VI, the then-Imperial predecessor, was overthrown. This happened during a coup carried out by the royal guards in 1741. Elizabeth then decided to accept the offer to take the Russian throne. Despite her change of heart, she continued to support the convent’s construction.
The main church, or sobor, of the Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent is a blue-and-white masterpiece. It is considered one of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s best works. Rastrelli redesigned the Winter Palace. He also created the Grand Catherine Palace.
Construction of the cathedral at the Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent occurred between 1748 and 1764. The bell-tower was planned to be the tallest structure in St. Petersburg and Russia. Sadly, Elizabeth’s death in 1762 stopped Rastrelli from completing his grand design.
Catherine II, the new Empress, did not like the baroque style. Funding for the convent was cut. Rastrelli could not build his planned bell-tower. He also could not finish the interior of the cathedral. Vasily Stasov finished the building in 1835. He added a neo-classical interior. The cathedral was consecrated on July 22, 1835.
The church was closed in 1923 by Soviet authorities. It was looted and left to decay. However, in 1982, the cathedral became a concert hall.
In April 2015, the Smolny Cathedral was given back to the Russian Orthodox Church. It is now an active Orthodox church. The Divine Liturgy is held every day.
The name “Smolny” comes from the early days of St. Petersburg. Pitch was processed here for shipbuilding. “Smola” means pitch in Russian. So, the area was called “smolny,” the place of pitch.
Today, the faculties of sociology, political science, and international relations of the Saint Petersburg State University are in buildings around the cathedral. The nearby Smolny Institute is named after the convent.
This remarkable building stands as a testament to changing tastes. It reflects political shifts and enduring faith. The Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent continues to inspire awe. It also offers solace to those who seek it.