ST. NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral brings a surprising touch of Moscow and Saint Petersburg to unexpected passersby on the streets of the Upper East Side.  The Cathedral is one of New York City's hidden gems.  The Russian people raised funds to build the Cathedral and Czar Nicholas II made the first donation to the building fund.    

The Cathedral's design is based on that of 17th Century Baroque churches in Moscow.  The beauty of its exterior of red brick, limestone and glazed tiles and onion domes is equally matched by its stunning interior.  A painting of Jesus can be seen within one of the onion domes.  Designed by a Russian architect, John Bergesen, and built in the early 1900s (1901 – 02), St. Nicholas serves as the diocesan seat for the Russian Orthodox Church in North American. 

The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the building as a landmark in 1973.  A visit to the Cathedral, which is located at 15 E. 97th Street, can be combined with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of the City of New York, or The Jewish Museum.