Vladimirskaya Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, is an Orthodox church in St. Petersburg, located in Vladimirskaya Square, one of the oldest in the city. It was built in the 18th century and became the first church in the Palace Suburb, which was just beginning to develop. The Vladimirskaya Church in St. Petersburg appeared in the 18th century. Construction began in 1761 on the site of the old wooden church of the same name. The Vladimirskaya Church was consecrated only a few years after its construction, in 1783. Initially, all services were held in the main five-domed church, but later it was expanded, with porches, chapels, and side extensions being added. The heyday of the church came at the end of the 19th century. It underwent restoration, and large religious festivities were held here. At that time, the church had many parishioners, its own charitable society, shelters for children and women. After the revolution, Vladimirskaya Church awaited the same fate as other churches in Russia. However, it continued to function for several years - the church was closed only in 1932. The domes were stripped of their gold leaf and painted black, and the church buildings housed the "Lenmashuchyot" factory. Vladimirskiy Sobor was returned to the Orthodox Church only in 1990. The building and interiors were restored for several years, old icons were restored, and the domes were regilded. Today, Vladimirskiy Sobor is one of the main monuments of church decorative and applied art of the 18th-19th centuries in Russia. Believers come here to worship the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, the "Non-Handed Salvation," and the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Arina Rodionovna, Pushkin's nanny, was buried in Vladimirskaya Church. Fyodor Dostoevsky was a regular parishioner of Vladimirskaya Church. Funeral services are still held in his name in the cathedral. Vladimirskaya Cathedral was granted cathedral status only in 2000. The observation deck is located in the bell tower. Opened in the summer of 2022, it is one of the tallest in the city, at an altitude of 41 meters above ground level. To get to the top, you need to climb 212 steps. The ascent takes place in several stages - on a metal staircase, then on a wooden staircase. And at each level, new views of the city unfold. At the first level, there is an exhibition of historical photographs and a bell ringer simulator. At the intermediate level, between the columns of the bell tower, the domes of Vladimirskaya Cathedral are clearly visible. The staircase to the upper level is the steepest and most challenging to climb. Address: Vladimirsky Prospekt, No. 20.