Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra or Saint Alexander Nevsky Monastery was founded by Peter I of Russia in 1710 at the eastern end of the Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg on the site of the Neva Battle in 1240 when Alexander Nevsky, a prince, defeated the Swedes; however, the battle actually took place about 20 km away from that site.
It is located on the left bank of the Neva river at the mouth of the River Chernaya (Black river).
The construction of the monastery began in 1703. The project was designed by D. Trezzini.
The oldest buildings are the “Blagoveshenskaya” (Anunciation) Church and the North-Eastern part of the monastery cells built during 1710-1720.
The south-eastern aisle was erected after 1740. The buildings surrounding the monastery courtyard were erected in 1757-1771 by M. Rastorguev.
The project of the impressive Troitsky (St. Trinity) Cathedral is the work of the architect I. Starov. The Cathedral was finished in 1790.
Three cemeteries are disposed on the territory of the ensemble.
Today the Alexander Nevsky Lavra sits on Alexander Nevsky Square, where shoppers can buy bread baked by the monks. Visitors may also visit the cathedral and cemeteries for a small admission fee.
While many of the grave sites are situated behind large concrete walls, especially those of famous Russians, many can be seen by passers-by while strolling down Obukhovskoy Oborony Street.
Address: Russia, St. Petersburg, Monastyrka river embankment, 1 Coordinates: 59.920833°, 30.38958°.
Working hours: daily from 6:00 to 23:00. The entrance is free.
