Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Mary

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Mary, also known as the Finnish Church, is a striking neo-Gothic landmark on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, just off Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Built in the early 19th century, it serves the city's Finnish and Swedish Lutheran community. The church's exterior features a tall spire, pointed arches, and red brickwork that stands out against the surrounding Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. Inside, the sanctuary is serene and light-filled, with a simple wooden altar, stained glass windows, and a vaulted ceiling that creates excellent acoustics for organ concerts. What makes it distinctive is its dual role as both a place of worship and a cultural venue, it regularly hosts classical music performances, choir recitals, and lectures. Visitors are welcome to attend services or simply explore the peaceful interior. The church also houses a small museum documenting the history of Lutherans in Russia. For those interested in architecture, religion, or music, it offers a quiet retreat from the city's bustling streets.

Don't miss

• Attend a Sunday service (in Finnish or Swedish) to experience the church's active spiritual life.
• Listen to an organ concert or choir performance, often held on weekends and holidays.
• Admire the stained glass windows, which depict biblical scenes and were restored in the 1990s.
• Visit the small museum in the crypt, which tells the story of Lutherans in St. Petersburg through artifacts and photos.
• Photograph the neo-Gothic facade and spire, especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Mary

Cheapest way inAmsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise with Drinks and Cheese4.8★ · 33,168 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Most bookedGuided St. Pete Sightseeing Tour in Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart4.9★ · 505 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Golf Cart Tour - The History of St. Petersburg5★ · 13 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Dress modestly when visiting during services; shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash during services or concerts.
• Check the concert schedule online, organ recitals are a highlight.
• Silence your phone and maintain a respectful tone inside the sanctuary.

A bit of history

The church was built between 1803 and 1805 for the Finnish Lutheran congregation, designed by architect Gottlieb Christian Paulsen. It survived the Soviet era, during which it was used as a warehouse and later a swimming pool, before being returned to the church in the 1990s and restored.