Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta

Walking around Yalta town, one of the sights that you will not miss is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.  Even during the bright daylight, its onion domes light the skyline like giant high-powered golden light bulbs and make for great photo opportunities. 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta

If you’ve been to other parts of Russia, Bulgaria and other eastern European cities, you’ll see many cathedrals named after this saint.  These cathedrals  were built during the reign of Alexander II of Russia to honour this great man. The Cathedral in Yalta was built in 1902 and sits on the hillside overlooking the beautiful Yalta Bay area .

Golden onion domes

So who is Alexander Nevsky and why is he revered in so many countries?  Alexander Nevsky was the son of Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich.  As he was one of four sons, he stood little chance of becoming the next Prince of Novgorod.  His fortune changed in 1236 when the Novgorodians annointed him as a prince and in so doing he became a military leader.  He played an important military role and helped Russia win many military battles.

Alexander Nevsky, Yalta

In 1252 he was made Grand Prince of Vladimir.  This appointment elevated Alexander Nevsky to now become the supreme ruler of Russia.  He ruled for ten years before dying in Gorodets-on-the-Volga.  His burial took place in Vladimir and it was then that the Russian Orthodox church pronounced Alexander Nevsky a saint.

Unfortunately for us, when we arrived, the Cathedral had already closed.  When I saw someone entering the cathedral I tried asking for a quick peak inside, but to no avail.  Nevertheless, the exterior of the building was pretty impressive and the building and the artwork around it are still in imaculate condition.  On the side is an alcove with a beautiful painting of Alexander himself. 

From the Bay area, it’s possible to reach the Cathedral through a nice park which is a much easier route than going on the main road.

Helen