Lutheran Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Petrikirche, officially called the Lutheran Church of Saints Peter and Paul, is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran churches in Russia, located in St. Petersburg at 22-24 Nevsky Prospekt. It was founded in 1728 by decree of Peter II, who allocated land to the German Lutheran community. The first Baroque-style building was consecrated in 1730. By the 1830s, the old building had become dilapidated, and the architect Alexander Bryullov built a new church in the classical style with elements of the neo-Romanesque style. The church could accommodate up to 3,000 people and became the largest Lutheran cathedral in Russia. The facade is adorned with sculptures of the apostles Peter and Paul, reliefs of the evangelists, and a figure of an angel with a cross on the pediment. In 1937, the church was closed, the pastors were arrested, and the interiors were looted. Brullov's altarpiece was transferred to the Russian Museum, and the Wälker organ disappeared. From 1962 to 1992, the Dynamo swimming pool was located in the building. The pool's bowl is still visible under the current floor, which had to be raised by 4 meters during the restoration process. In 1993, the building was returned to the Lutheran community. Today, services are held in Russian and German on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The church has two organs, a small one (Steinmann) and a large one (Willi Peter, 2017), and hosts classical music concerts. The unique acoustics of the hall allow for organ concerts and opera performances. Petrikirche is not only a religious center, but also a symbol of cultural heritage that combines the history of the German community, Soviet realities, and modern public consciousness.

Lutheran Church of Saints Peter and Paul in the very center on Nevsky Prospekt. The church constantly hosts events for everyone, I advise you to attend one of the organ concerts, they take place quite often and they are simply mesmerizing! Next to the church is the Kazan Cathedral, the passage through the arch of the main headquarters to the Hermitage and other main attractions of the city.

The Lutheran Church of St. Peter is one of the churches you can visit along Nevsky Prospekt. The church was built to serve the German community between 1833-37 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Russia. The facade is conservative with twin towers and the interior is very simple and modest, typical of Protestant churches. A visit inside is short affair as there isn't much to see in the main worship area. However, there are guided tours that you take as well if arranged. Historically, the church was closed during the Soviet period but reopened in the early 1990s. Now it is open for services, concerts and visits. Check the website for service and concert times if interested. You can conveniently visit for 15-20 minutes while spending time along Nevsky Prospekt then be on your way with intended sightseeing endeavours.

This German Lutheran church was first built in 1728, but faced a lot of reconstructions during its history. One of the most beautiful protestant churches in saint Petersburg, the exterior of the main entrance is guarded by two marble statues.

The oldest Protestant church located in Nevsky Avenue St Petersburg, then it was turned into a swimming pool by Soviet Government, and re open early 1990. Now it is open for services, concerts and visits.The building is totally different with Orthodox church.

What an amazing exterior this church has, it's a little hidden but worth looking for it

The great place to make a brief look at history of German neighbourhood and events of Soviet times that led to construction of a pool inside the church. That's quite interesting to explore a basement with pics on the walls and then stand on the middle of the pool. Also you can attend some organ concerts in the evenings there or attend church services on Sundays.

Very nice church with great acustica for conconcerts and, as they say, the best organ in town. It is also interesting to note that during Soviet times the church was transformed into a swimming pool