A peaceful walk at Alexander Nevsky Monastery

The Alexander Nevsky Monastery (Александро–Невская лавра) is located at the heart of St. Petersburg, just at the end of Nevsky Prospect. As many other things in the city, the the idea of the Monastery belongs to Peter the Great. Peter’s purpose was to commemorate the Neva Battle that supposedly took place where now the Monastery is located.

The Monastery contains two churches, a magnificent Neoclassical cathedral and few other structures. The complex also houses two cemeteries, with the tombs of many famous people in Russian history, like novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky (Фёдор Достоевский), scientist Mikhail Lomonosov (Михаил Ломоносов), musician Pyotr Tchaikovsky (Пётр Чайковский). The great grave of St. Alexander Nevsky was previously hosted in the Monastery, but it has been moved to The Hermitage State Museum during Soviet times.

On Alexander Nevsky Square (Плошадь Александра Невского), near the cemetery, shoppers can buy bread baked by the monks. You can see a lot of graves while walking by Obukovskoy Oburoni Street, but many others are hidden by the large walls of the Monastery. However, it is possible to enter it by paying a small fee. If you are a fan of Russian culture, make sure to visit this place of interest. You will not be disappointed.