Saint Isaac's and Church On Spilled Blood

This outing has probably been one of my favorites. It combined the beautiful architecture with they history of Russia, and left an impression on me that I will not soon forget!

 

Corner view of Saint Isaac's.

The beautiful doors

The current model of Saint Isaac's

All four models, side by side.

First model (It was destroyed)

Second model (also destroyed)

Third model

Fourth and final model.

The group. (Me, Sabrina, Marina, Janna, and Michala)

The girls (Frances, Me, Sabrina, Marina, Janna, Michala

Damage during World War II. Many of the "battle wounds" were fixed, but a few, like the one above, was left as a memorial.

Full view of Saint Isaac's

CHURCH ON SPILLED BLOOD!

History of Church on Spilled Blood: This church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881. His carriage was bombed, and he died due to his injuries in the Winter Palace. This church was erected as a memorial to him.

In order to preserve the cobble stones that were covered in his blood, the made the canal narrower. 

All of the artwork in here are mosaics! Breathtaking.

The canopy that covers the cobblestones that were covered in blood.

The Holy Gates (probably the most beautiful ones that I have seen so far!)

Outside view of the church.

The cobblestones

During World War II, a shell entered the church, but did not explode. The took it and exploded it away from the area.

Some of the damage sustained when the shell crashed.

In Jesus' right arm, you can see a hole, that is where the shell entered.

My CUTE LITTLE MONKEY!!

Me, Jasmine, Marina, and Abu