Vyborg's Architectural Contrasts

16 points4 km4 hours

Vyborg is an atmospheric town where eras and cultures blend together. At different times it was ruled by Sweden, Finland and Russia. It has a real medieval castle, and the streets of the old town breathe history. Vyborg is the place to go if you want an unforgettable weekend. This route was designed specially for the BelkaCar car-sharing service.

Route author

Susanin Team

Things to do

📜 Learn the city's history
🏛️🕰️ Compare the eras

Route points (16)

Cathedral Square and Transfiguration Cathedral in Vyborg

Point on route “Vyborg's Architectural Contrasts”

Point 14

Cathedral Square and Transfiguration Cathedral

🕍 Place of worship • ⛲ Square

Historical Background

The square was laid out at the end of the 16th century as the town's main square, by decree of the Swedish King John III. But for a long time the buildings around it were unremarkable. The square got a new lease of life under Empress Catherine II, who approved a new plan for Vyborg in 1794. Work began on an ensemble of public buildings in the Classical style: the town cathedral, the governor's palace, the town assembly, a horseshoe-shaped merchants' arcade and government offices. At first the square was called Catherine Square, but soon after her death it was renamed Cathedral Square — which is what many had called it before anyway.

Transfiguration Cathedral

The centerpiece of the ensemble was the Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, considered Vyborg's most prominent monument of the Classical period. The Orthodox cathedral on Cathedral Square was built in 1786–1793 to a design by the architect Nikolai Lvov. Its exquisite murals, old icons and magnificent architecture make it not only a spiritual center but also a real architectural attraction.