'Sanctuary of the Spirit within the Temple of Science' guided tour
SPbU hosts weekly guided tours of its museums.
On 23 February, Metropolitan Varsonofy of St Petersburg and Ladoga performed the Rite of the Great Consecration of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul reopened in the Twelve Collegia building after restoration in autumn 2024.
In Imperial Russia, nearly every educational institution had its own church. The 'Sanctuary of the Spirit within the Temple of Science' at St Petersburg University was established between 1834 and 1837 during the reconstruction of the Twelve Collegia building by architect A. Shchedrin. Consecrated in honour of Saints Peter and Paul — the patron saints of St Petersburg and Emperor Peter the Great, the University’s founder — this church became an integral part of Russia’s first institution of higher education.
During the tour of the university’s house church, visitors will enjoy interiors designed in the Late Neoclassical style, discover biographies of distinguished scientists, cultural figures and artists who helped to build the church and prayed within its walls, and learn about key milestones in St Petersburg University’s history.
Tour schedule
- 5, 12, 19, 26 May 2 pm
- 17 May 12.45 pm
Duration: 45 minutes.
Please bring a valid form of identification to enter the University campus. Please note that places on tour are limited. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.