“Here lies Suvorov.” The simple inscription marks the grave of a military hero. We stand before the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This church holds stories of emperors and empresses, of secret burials and artistic treasures.
The Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra is also known as the Church of the Blessing of the Most Holy Virgin. It also honors the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky. This church is an integral part of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. It stands as one of the earliest structures within the monastery complex. Construction started in 1719. It was completed in 1725.
Originally, the building was designed with two distinct churches. The upper floor was dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky. It was intended to house his relics. The church was consecrated in 1724. The ground floor was initially planned as a monastery refectory. But it was later dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Its consecration occurred in 1725. Both churches were richly adorned. Talented Russian artisans contributed to their beauty. The imperial family also made significant donations of decorations and fixtures.
From its early years, the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra became an important burial ground. Members of the imperial family found their final resting place here. Important associates and Russian nobility were also interred within its walls. Wealthy families paid for elaborate monuments. Several noble families established burial vaults in the church.
During the Soviet period, the church faced closure. It was repurposed into office space. It served as a warehouse and storage area. Funerary monuments were removed from other churches and cemeteries. These were stored here. The State Museum of Urban Sculpture took control of the building. It became a display space for funerary monuments and sculptures. The museum opened to the public in 1950.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Orthodox Church requested the return of the church. In 2013, an announcement was made about handing it back to the monastery authorities. However, the future ownership and display of the monuments complicated the issue.
Domenico Trezzini designed the church. He also created the plans for the monastery complex. Christof Konrad initially oversaw construction. Leonard Theodor Schwertfeger later succeeded him. Construction began on July 21, 1717.
Peter the Great ordered the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky to be brought from Vladimir. They were installed in the upper church on August 30, 1724. Artists like Ivan Adolsky and Ivan Nikitin decorated the church with icons and paintings. Empress Catherine donated a chandelier with crystal pendants. In 1790, the shrine and relics were transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Archbishop Theodosius consecrated the Annunciation Church on March 25, 1725. Ivan Adolsky, Ivan Nikitin and Dmitry Solovyov created the alabaster details and iconostasis. Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov donated a silver chandelier. A crypt was prepared in 1720. Between 1764 and 1765, a staircase pavilion was added.
In 1723, Tsarina Praskovia Saltykova was the first to be interred in the crypt. Peter the Great’s sister and infant son were also reburied here. Anna Leopoldovna and Emperor Peter III were buried in the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov was buried here in 1800. His grave features a simple inscription: “Here lies Suvorov”. It was his own choice of words.
Repairs and reconstructions occurred throughout the 19th century. The church was closed in 1933. The lower Annunciation Church was handed over to the State Museum of Urban Sculpture. During World War II, Suvorov’s grave inspired patriotic feelings.
Today, the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra stands as a testament to history. It reflects imperial grandeur and artistic achievement. It also represents the resilience of faith through turbulent times.