ISA Training Day 5: Visiting Kazan Cathedral and Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood by the Griboyedova Canal

The training was getting better each day. The more I participated in this training, the more I got interested in deepsea mineral exploration. So, today it should be three courses we have, but Artyom told me that the third course was postponed until tomorrow. The first lecture was the second part of yesterday's lecture, namely Physical Oceanography which was taught by Ass. Prof. Dr. Victor Ionov still in the same classroom at the Institute of Earth Sciences of Saint Petersburg State University. He explained about the basic laws of physics that are used in oceanography. Some of these laws are Newton's Law of Gravity, Newton 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Law of Motion, and others. A little bit made my head spinning this time, but it was interesting nonetheless.

Architectures on the right and left of the Gribodeyova Canal from the top of the Italian Bridge with the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood in the distance (photo by me)

The second lecture is the lecture that is materially the most interesting so far. Yups, Hydrothermal Vents and Plumes. Among what was studied was how to determine the location of hydrothermal vents based on the chemical content of seawater, for example, iron and manganese content.

After lunch, because there was no more lecture, Artyom advised us (minus Beatriz and Amina because they have to go with him to the airport to pick up the luggage) to visit interesting places to explore. We walked along the Griboyedova Canal to visit the Kazan Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood or Спас на Крови in Russian. Ah, this time we went with our mom, Tatyana.

There are a lot fascinating things we can see along Griboyedova Canal. The first one was St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral. As the name suggests, this church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas (a patron saint of seamen). Built on 1753–1762 to replace an earlier wooden church (source: Wikipedia).

St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral around Nikol'skaya Ploshchad '(photo by me)

One of the scenes on the side of the Griboyedova Canal during our walk that afternoon. (Photo by me)

45 minutes later, we arrived in front of Kazan Cathedral. Located in Nevsky Prospekt, this cathedral is one of the favorable scenic spots for tourists. I can conclude that by how crowded this place even before we even entered the building. That was at around 2-3 pm on Wednesday. I bet it will be more packed during weekend. But even if that's the case, this is one of must-see places in Saint Petersburg if you're planning to visit the city.

The atmosphere in front of Kazan Cathedral. (Photo by me)

From the outside, it doesn't look like a church or cathedral. But wait until you get inside, you'll be impressed by how splendid the architecture is. The atmosphere inside is magical. Just check the photos below captured by Dolo.

The atmosphere inside Kazan Cathedral. (Photo by Dolo)

The dome architecture at the top. (Photo by Dolo)

After enough with Kazan Cathedral, we moved to Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. From there, it's only around 600 meters to the north. I think this place also "you didn't go to that city if you didn't visit that place" kind of place in Saint Petersburg.

We took a selfie before we get there with the Griboyedova Canal and the Church in the background. (Photo by Isuri)

I always laugh whenever I see this picture. I forget whose idea that was, so Jose needs to make a room for Bia and Amina so he can put them there using photoshop. Because he's a photoshop king. I never see the photoshopped version of this photo though. This is your chance to show your skill again, Jose!

Also if you're planning to buy some souvenirs as gifts for your loved ones, you can also buy them here. There are many souvenir vendors along the street to the church. You can buy Russian doll or Matryoshka doll there.

Souvenirs from the street vendors near the Church. (Photo by me)

I was impressed by the design of that church that its construction began in 1883 during the reign of Alexander III. It was two years after the assassination of his father Alexander II. The church was dedicated to be a memorial to his father. Unfortunately, I don't have any chance to enter the church so I can't write about the interior. I'm sure that I will do it next time I visit the city. In the meantime, let's check our photos below.