Background

St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral: A Jelgava Landmark

Explore Jelgava's St. Simeon & St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral: a blend of architectural styles with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

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The St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral in Jelgava is one of Latvia's five Orthodox cathedrals. Originally a wooden church in 1726, it was replaced by a stone structure in 1774 designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli and expanded in the late 19th century with the financial support of Tsar Alexander III. Heavily damaged in World War II, it was restored after Latvia regained independence.

A brief summary to St.Simeon and St.Ann Orthodox Cathedral

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary, especially on holidays or during special events.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the cathedral. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Take time to admire the interior paintings, which were restored based on historical images and designs from similar Orthodox churches.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral is located at Raiņa Iela 5 in Jelgava. From Jelgava city center, such as the Jelgava Regional Tourism Center, the cathedral is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Head east on Liela Iela, then turn left onto Raiņa Iela. The cathedral will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Jelgava has a well-developed public transportation system. Several bus routes stop near the St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single bus fare is approximately EUR 1.50 if paying with cash, or EUR 0.85 if paying with a credit card.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Jelgava. You can hail a taxi on the street or call one of the local taxi services. A short taxi ride from the Jelgava city center to the St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral will typically cost between EUR 5 and EUR 10.

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Discover more about St.Simeon and St.Ann Orthodox Cathedral

St. Simeon and St. Anna Orthodox Cathedral stands as a testament to Jelgava's rich history and diverse cultural influences. The cathedral's story began in 1710 when Peter the Great arranged the marriage of his niece Anna to Frederick William, the Duke of Courland. Although the Duke's early death prevented his promise to build an Orthodox church, Anna, upon being sent to Jelgava in 1712, ensured its realization. A wooden church was erected in 1726 under the direction of Pyotr Bestuzhev-Ryumin. In 1774, a stone church, designed by the renowned architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, replaced the wooden structure. However, this building suffered significant damage in an 1883 fire. Between 1890 and 1892, with the financial support of Tsar Alexander III, the cathedral was expanded, blending Russian style with Art Nouveau elements. Architect Nikolai Chagin partially preserved the foundations and altar of Rastrelli's original design. The cathedral faced further devastation during World War II, and it was used as a warehouse during the Soviet era. After Latvia's independence, the church was returned to the Orthodox congregation and underwent extensive restoration from 1993 to 2003. Today, the cathedral features golden domes with blue stripes and a bell tower housing nine bells, the largest weighing 830 kg. Regular services are held, and a spiritual literature library is available.

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