Old Fair Transfiguration Cathedral
A stunning architectural twin to St. Isaac's Cathedral, this historic church is the last remnant of Nizhny Novgorod's grand fair.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Old Fair Transfiguration Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning architectural twin to St. Isaac's Cathedral, this historic church is the last remnant of Nizhny Novgorod's grand fair.
"The resemblance to St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg is striking!"
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture the stunning exterior resemblance to St. Isaac's. Best light in the afternoon.
🚶♀️ Walk from Alexander Nevsky
Enjoy a scenic 20-min walk from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to reach this gem.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Resemblance to St. Isaac's
Nizhny Novgorod
See the stunning likeness to St. Isaac's Cathedral, a testament to architect Auguste Montferrand's genius.
Historic Old Fair Site
Yarmarochny Proezd
Explore the last surviving building of the grand Nizhny Novgorod fair complex, a hub of commerce in the 19th century.
Sacred Icons and Relics
Interior
Admire icons and church vessels from the Kremlin, including relics of revered saints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Old Fair Cathedral
Architectural Twin in Nizhny Novgorod
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture the stunning exterior resemblance to St. Isaac's. Best light in the afternoon.
🚶♀️ Walk from Alexander Nevsky
Enjoy a scenic 20-min walk from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to reach this gem.
🕰️ Historical Significance
Learn about its past as the main cathedral of the Nizhny Novgorod fair.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this active Orthodox cathedral.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture the stunning exterior resemblance to St. Isaac's. Best light in the afternoon.
🚶♀️ Walk from Alexander Nevsky
Enjoy a scenic 20-min walk from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to reach this gem.
🕰️ Historical Significance
Learn about its past as the main cathedral of the Nizhny Novgorod fair.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this active Orthodox cathedral.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Old Fair Transfiguration Cathedral's stunning resemblance to St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, a testament to architect Auguste Montferrand's design. Its historical significance as the last surviving building of the grand Nizhny Novgorod fair also adds to its appeal. While it's a functioning church, many find the interior equally captivating with its icons and sacred relics.
"Famous orthodox church in Nizhny Novgorod. The building is almost looks like the Saint Isaac's Cathedral (Isaakievskiy Sobor) in Saint Petersburg. It is because they both were built by the same architect, Henri Louis Auguste Ricard de Montferrand"
Alexander Burtsev
"Top"
medved real
"If you find yourself in the Zarechnaya part of Nizhny Novgorod, take the time to walk (20 minutes at a leisurely pace) from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to Yarmarochny Proezd. There you will see a miracle! This is the Spassky Staroyarmarochny Cathedral, built in the first third of the 19th century. Until recently, it was a cathedral. It was called "Old Fair" because it was located on the territory of a huge fair complex built by order of Alexander I. Today, the cathedral is practically the only surviving building of the "old fair". Anyone who has been to St. Petersburg will notice a strong resemblance between the Spassky Cathedral and St. Isaac's Cathedral. This is not surprising - both cathedrals were designed by the same architect, the famous O. Montferrand. True, the Spassky Cathedral is significantly lower, its height is slightly less than 40 m. Today, all three chapels of the cathedral are active, and among the shrines of the temple are icons with particles of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov, Alexander Nevsky, Grand Duke George, Peter and Fevronia."
Ксения Хлыстун
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cathedral is located in the Zarechnaya part of Nizhny Novgorod. Many visitors enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to reach it. Public transport options are also available, with local buses and trams serving the area.
Parking can be challenging in this area, especially during peak times. It's advisable to check for local parking regulations or consider using public transport to avoid any hassle.
While it's a bit of a walk from the absolute city center, it's a scenic route if you're coming from nearby landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Plan for about 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the cathedral is generally free, as it is an active Orthodox church. Donations are always appreciated to help with its upkeep.
As an active place of worship, hours can vary. It's best to check locally or look for specific service times. Generally, it's open during daylight hours for visitors.
No, there is typically no admission fee. It's a functioning church, and visitors are welcome to enter and admire its beauty.
You can visit during services, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers. Some areas might be less accessible during religious ceremonies.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted inside, but it's always a good idea to be discreet and respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services.
The late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Inside, diffused light from the windows can create a serene atmosphere for photos.
Generally, no strict restrictions for personal use, but commercial photography might require permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The cathedral was designed by Auguste Montferrand, the same architect who designed St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg. This is why the resemblance is so striking.
It's the oldest surviving building from the grand Nizhny Novgorod fair complex, which was a major trading hub. It was consecrated in 1822.
It earned this name because it was the main cathedral of the historic Nizhny Novgorod fair, which was a significant event in its time.
Its most notable feature is its strong architectural similarity to St. Isaac's Cathedral, showcasing Montferrand's distinctive style on a slightly smaller scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making the visit part of a larger exploration of Nizhny Novgorod's historical sites. The walk from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral can be a good way to burn off some energy before entering the cathedral. Remember to dress modestly and explain the importance of quiet behavior in a place of worship.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delve into the stories of its construction, the collaboration between Betancourt and Montferrand, and its transformation from a fairground cathedral to a warehouse and back to a functioning place of worship. The architectural parallels with St. Isaac's offer a fascinating study of Montferrand's work.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Tale of Two Cathedrals
Montferrand's influence is evident in the proportions, the dome structure, and the overall classical style. Visiting the Old Fair Cathedral offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the architect's vision on a different scale and in a distinct historical context. It's a fascinating architectural dialogue between two of Russia's most important cities, showcasing Montferrand's enduring legacy.
Many visitors are captivated by this architectural connection, often remarking on the uncanny similarities. It’s a testament to Montferrand's consistent design philosophy and his ability to create awe-inspiring religious spaces.
From Fairground Hub to Sacred Space
Its location on the picturesque spit at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers was strategic for trade. The construction was overseen by engineer Augustin Betancourt, who envisioned the fair as a progressive, European-level trading platform. Montferrand was brought in to design the centerpiece – the cathedral – ensuring it was a majestic and fitting structure for the fair's grandeur.
During the Soviet era, the cathedral, like many religious sites, faced repurposing. It was used as a warehouse, and its administrative buildings were converted into apartments. Thankfully, in 1991, the cathedral was returned to the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese, and it has since been restored to its former glory as a functioning Orthodox cathedral, preserving its rich historical and spiritual heritage.
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