When you visit downtown Saint Petersburg, you cannot miss the Saint Petersburg Mosque, a grand architectural masterpiece located symbolically opposite the Peter and Paul Fortress. Opened in 1913 as the largest mosque in Europe outside Turkey, this historic structure can accommodate up to five thousand worshippers. Styled by architect Nikolai Vasilyev after the famous Gur-e-Amir tomb in Samarkand, it offers you a striking fusion of Central Asian craftsmanship and oriental design right in the heart of the city.
As you explore the exterior, you will marvel at the impressive 49-meter minarets and 39-meter dome, both completely covered in sky-blue mosaic ceramics crafted by Peter Vaulin. The grey granite walls display beautiful oriental ornaments alongside intricate verses from the Qur'an rendered in Arabic calligraphy. Inside, the design continues to impress with magnificent green marble columns and vast carpets specifically woven by Central Asian artisans.
You will also experience a site steeped in rich history: after being closed during World War II and used as a medical storehouse, it was returned to worshippers in 1956 following a request by Indonesian President Sukarno. Remember that services separate worshippers by gender, with men on the ground floor and women on the upper floor.
What to see at Saint Petersburg Mosque
- Twin 49-meter minarets and a 39-meter dome coated in sky-blue mosaic tiles
- Intricate facade detailing featuring grey granite, oriental ornaments, and Qur'anic calligraphy
- Interior green marble columns and massive carpets crafted by Central Asian artisans
- Architecture modeled after Samarkand's historic Gur-e-Amir tomb
- Symbolic location situated directly across from the Peter and Paul Fortress
Visiting tips
Keep in mind during worship services that men use the ground floor while women gather on the upper floor.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Saint Petersburg Mosque is easy to reach on Saint Petersburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Saint Petersburg travel guide.
See the full Saint Petersburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.