This summer, a new observation deck became available for visitors in Saint Petersburg. The attraction is located on the bell tower of the Vladimir Cathedral, offering a great view of the central part of the Northern capital and its architectural landmarks.
How to Get to The Observation Deck
I didn't manage to visit the observation deck on my first try, as it wasn't open every day immediately after its opening. However, the bell tower is now open to visitors daily, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursdays and Saturdays, and from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on other days.
Climbing the bell tower is a paid activity. The entrance fee is 200 rubles, and payments can only be made in cash (summer 2022). Tickets are sold in a small building of the chapel at the corner of Vladimirsky Prospect and Kolokolnaya Street.
The address of the cathedral is Vladimirsky Prospect, 20.
A Bit of History
The Vladimir Church was built between 1761 and 1769. The probable author of its design is Pietro Antonio Trezzini, who oversaw the construction of several churches in Saint Petersburg.
In the 1830s, the church building was expanded by architect A. I. Melnikov. One of the master's most famous works, the Nikolskaya Uniate Church, is located nearby and is clearly visible from the observation deck. The former church building now houses the Russian State Museum of the Arctic and Antarctic.
The construction of the bell tower of the Vladimir Cathedral, where the observation deck is now located, was carried out by D. Quarenghi, and later, it was extended by F. I. Ruska.
The height of the observation deck on the bell tower is 41 meters. When heading here, keep in mind that there is no elevator, so you will have to climb the stairs yourself. From my experience, it’s much easier to climb here compared to the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral, even though the latter is only two meters higher than this observation deck.
From the bell tower, you get a stunning panoramic view of the city. You can see St. Isaac's, Kazan, and Peter and Paul Cathedrals, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Mikhailovsky Castle. Of course, from the observation deck, you can also see the main landmark of modern Saint Petersburg—the giant building of the Lakhta Center.
The climb to the bell tower and sightseeing took me about half an hour, so you can combine a visit to the observation deck with a tour of other interesting places in the area. Nearby, for example, is the F. M. Dostoevsky Museum, the house of architect N. N. Nikonov, and the mansion of V. S. Kanshin. The grand staircase of the latter has long been one of the most popular photo spots in beautiful Saint Petersburg.
Have a nice trip!
