Description
This cathedral attached to Smolnyi Monastyr (Smolnyi Convent) was built according to the design of, V. Rastrelli, a famous 18th century architect. Work was begun in 1748 and the final touches and interior decoration were finished during 1832-1835 by V.P. Stasov. The cathedral is designed in the shape of a cross. The main part of the building is topped by a central dome joined on four sides by belfries and topped off with onion-domed cupolas. The building dominates the convent complex and surrounding cityscape.