One of the oldest architectural ensembles of Saint Petersburg, Alexander Nevsky Lavra, was founded in 1710 on that very place where according to the legend Alexander Nevsky defeated Swedish troops.
The compositional center of Lavra is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, constructed by architect Starov. The end of the construction works and the sanctification of the cathedral in 1790 marked the end of the forming of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra ensemble. In 1724 the remains of Saint Alexander Nevsky who had been canonized by the Orthodox Church as the Holy Patron of Russia were transferred to the monastery. By the end of the 18th century the Alexander Nevsky monastery that in 1797 was elevated to the status of Lavra (Lavra is a name given to rich monasteries of the highest rank enjoying special privileges), became the spiritual and cultural center of Saint Petersburg. All Russian empresses and emperors protected and sponsored the Lavra.
From the very beginning the Alexander Nevsky Lavra got the status of the most prestigious burial place in Imperial Russia. The members of royal family, priests, outstanding governors and commanders were buried there. Among them one should name Commander Suvorov, prince Bezborodko, architects Quarenghi, Voronikhin, Rossi and others. After the Revolution of 1917 the monastery was abolished and its churches were closed by the Soviet authorities.
Numerous relics and works of art were given over to the Russian Museum, the State Hermitage and other Saint Petersburg museums. In
The detailed information look on the site: http://lavra.spb.ru
