Trinity Cathedral

When you visit Yekaterinburg, Russia, Holy Trinity Cathedral (also known as Trinity Cathedral) offers a fascinating look into the region's complex history. Designed in the Classicalist style by prominent architect M.P. Malakhov, construction on this Orthodox church began in 1824 and was initially promoted by the local Old Believers.

Prominent merchant and miner Yakim Ryazanov played a major role in its creation, ultimately switching the church’s denomination to the main Orthodox Church before its first section was completed and consecrated in 1839. As you explore, you will be standing in a place that grew to include a second chapel in 1849 and a striking bell tower added in 1854, making its towers some of the city's earliest high-rise structures. When you see the cathedral today, you are witnessing a resilient landmark.

After being closed during the Soviet era, the building suffered damage while serving as a cinema and a coat factory, losing its original domes and belfry to demolition in 1930. Following efforts by a local palace of culture and eventual return to the Orthodox diocese in 1995, the church was restored and reopened for services in 1996. Visit today to appreciate its surviving Classicalist design and remarkable story of survival.

What to see at Trinity Cathedral

• Designed in the Classicalist style by architect M.P. Malakhov
• Features an 1854 bell tower that was among the city's earliest high-rise structures
• Built through the historic patronage of merchant Yakim Ryazanov and the Old Believers
• Repurposed as a cinema and coat factory during the Soviet era before its 1990s restoration

Visiting tips

Take time to reflect on the building's dramatic history as you visit, knowing it survived conversion into a cinema and coat factory before being fully restored to an active Orthodox church.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Trinity Cathedral is easy to reach on Yekaterinburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Church of All Saints. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Yekaterinburg travel guide.