Temple of St. Andrew the First-Called
A magnificent white cathedral with golden domes, adorned with intricate mosaics and serene interior paintings, offering a spiritual sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Temple of St. Andrew the First-Called
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent white cathedral with golden domes, adorned with intricate mosaics and serene interior paintings, offering a spiritual sanctuary.
"The most beautiful cathedral! I was truly amazed by the icon of the Resurrection (the mosaic above the altar)."
Modest Dress Required
Cover shoulders & knees. Headscarf recommended for women. 🙏
Check Service Times
Avoid services for quiet visits. Check schedule beforehand. :clock1:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 27 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning White Cathedral
Gelendzhik
A snow-white cathedral with golden domes, stylized after ancient churches. A true architectural gem.
Intricate Mosaic Panels
Exterior walls
Hand-laid mosaics depicting Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, and St. Andrew himself.
Beautiful Interior Paintings
Inside the cathedral
The interior is adorned with captivating paintings, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Adjacent Alexander Park
Next to the temple
A well-maintained park offering a peaceful stroll with views of the cathedral.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Dress Code & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Required
Cover shoulders & knees. Headscarf recommended for women. 🙏
Check Service Times
Avoid services for quiet visits. Check schedule beforehand. :clock1:
Admire the Mosaics
Don't miss the detailed mosaic panels on the exterior walls. 🎨
Explore the Park
The adjacent Alexander Park is perfect for a peaceful walk. 🏞️
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Required
Cover shoulders & knees. Headscarf recommended for women. 🙏
Check Service Times
Avoid services for quiet visits. Check schedule beforehand. :clock1:
Admire the Mosaics
Don't miss the detailed mosaic panels on the exterior walls. 🎨
Explore the Park
The adjacent Alexander Park is perfect for a peaceful walk. 🏞️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise the Temple of St. Andrew the First-Called for its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere. The intricate mosaics and interior paintings are frequently highlighted as breathtaking. Many find it a peaceful sanctuary to escape worldly concerns, appreciating the kindness of the staff and the well-maintained grounds. It's considered a significant spiritual and architectural gem.
"Очень красиво расписан Собор. И есть ли слово выше слова красиво, то оно подходит этому месту. Зайдя в Собор чувствуешь такую благодать, что забываешь все беды. Это место где ты можешь отдохнуть от мирской суеты. В лавке работы очень добрые сотрудницы. Даже не хочешь покидать сие место,которое является украшением города и духовным центором православной веры."
Илларион
"At the entrance to Gelendzhik from Novorossiysk, on a small hill near the highway, rises the golden domes of the snow-white cathedral, named in honor of the holy apostle Andrew the First-Called.
The decision to build a new church in Gelendzhik was made in 2013 and, already in the fall of 2014, the first stone was laid in the foundation of the cathedral.
The church is stylized as the ancient white-stone churches of Vladimir-Suzdal.
Inside the church there are paintings. And on the outside it is decorated with mosaic panels. On the sea side there is a mosaic with the image of Andrew the First-Called, and on two more sides there are images of Jesus Christ and the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God.
The mosaic for the cathedral was made at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and laid out by hand. The author of the mosaic panels is the artist O. Korovin.
The architect of the church is V. Izhikov.
St. Andrew's Cathedral is designed for 1.5 thousand parishioners, who can simultaneously be accommodated inside the temple during a festive service.
The highest height of the temple reaches 45 meters. The temple itself has five domes. The height of the central dome reaches 10 meters, and a 5.5-meter-high cross is erected on it.
There is a spacious, well-kept area around the cathedral.
Wide stairs descend from the temple.
The fence of the cathedral and the stairs is made of snow-white balustrades, reminiscent of the Gelendzhik embankment.
The new Alexander Park is directly adjacent to the territory of the temple.
The temple is open in the summer from 8 am to 8 pm. In winter - until 7 pm.
Services are held at 8:00 and 17:00 in the summer, in winter at 8:00 and 15:30."
Мгер Симонян
"A very beautiful place was chosen for the Cathedral. The Temple itself is tall, beautifully decorated with paintings, the ministers are friendly."
Юля Карамышева
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located on a small hill near the highway, at the entrance to Gelendzhik from Novorossiysk. It's easily accessible by car or taxi. Public transport options might require a short walk from the nearest bus stop.
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, the area around the temple is described as spacious and well-kept, suggesting some parking facilities are likely available. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season.
Yes, the temple is a notable landmark in Gelendzhik and can be easily incorporated into a day trip. Its location near the highway makes it convenient for travelers passing through the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, as a place of worship, entry to the Temple of St. Andrew the First-Called is generally free. Donations are always welcome to support the upkeep of the church.
The temple is open in the summer from 8 am to 8 pm, and in the winter from 8 am to 7 pm. Service times are separate and should be checked if you plan to attend.
While photography is generally allowed, it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash photography during services and be mindful of other visitors.
No, the mosaics and paintings are part of the temple's decoration and are visible to all visitors without an additional fee.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors are expected to dress modestly. This means covering shoulders and knees. Women may want to bring a headscarf to wear inside.
The interior is described as serene and spiritual, with beautiful paintings that inspire a sense of благодать (blagodat' - grace). Visitors often feel a sense of peace and forget worldly worries.
Yes, reviews mention that the ministers and staff are very kind and welcoming, contributing to the positive experience.
St. Andrew the First-Called was one of Jesus Christ's apostles and is considered the first disciple to be called. He is a significant figure in Orthodox Christianity.
The temple is designed to accommodate about 1,500 parishioners and reaches a height of 45 meters, with five domes, the central one being 10 meters high.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its white walls and golden domes is very photogenic, especially with the surrounding park. The mosaic panels also make for striking close-up shots.
Photography inside is generally permitted, but it's best to avoid flash and be discreet during services to respect the sacred atmosphere.
The temple's location on a hill might offer good light during golden hours. The white facade could reflect the warm tones beautifully.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit