Christian churches and cathedrals

These buildings are central Christian activities and are among the most common religious landmarks in the city – there are over 150 of them, built in different styles, from Russian Revival to Baroque.

What to wear

Business casual or formal attire is appropriate for all visitors. It is customary for men to remove all headwear upon entering the church, while women, on the contrary, should wear a headscarf or a veil. Sometimes they are available at the entrance to the church. Attendees typically wear clothes that cover knees, shoulders and chest: for example, a dress or a long skirt for women and a shirt and trousers for men.

Etiquette

• In Orthodox churches, it is common for visitors to make the sign of the cross with their right hand and bow. Upon entering, lighting a candle and offering a prayer is a common practice.

• Pets are not allowed inside. 

• Some of the city’s Lutheran churches, like Annenkirche or St. Catherine’s Church, are also venues for concerts and exhibitions. Visiting them as part of these doesn’t fall under any religious rules, but showing respect is always appreciated.

Synagogue

A synagogue, sometimes also called a temple or a shul, is a place of worship and instruction for the adherents of Judaism. In St. Petersburg, you can visit the Grand Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg, Europe’s third-largest synagogue and a prominent piece of Moorish Revival architecture.

What to wear

When attending a synagogue, men and boys must wear a small, circular cap – kippah – the synagogue has a special box at the entrance with single-use kippahs for all visitors, so you can even keep one as a souvenir. Married women are expected to cover their hair with a wig or headscarf. 

In terms of clothes, there’s a rule of dressing modestly, covering knees and elbows. The right outfit is usually a knee-length or longer skirt or a dress for female visitors and suits or dress shirts and pants for men. 

Etiquette

• When crossing the threshold of the synagogue, you can touch the mezuzah mounted on the door frame as a sign of respect. The mezuzah contains a piece of parchment inscribed with Hebrew verses from the Torah.
• According to Jewish customs, it is not common for men and women to shake hands, hug, or kiss when meeting in a synagogue unless they’re close relatives or spouses.
• When visiting during a prayer service or another ceremony as an observer, it is important to do it quietly and from the sidelines. If you arrive late, you can still enter discreetly.
• If you’d like to use a prayer book, they are usually stored in a special cabinet. Feel free to approach any congregant to find one.
• Do not hesitate to seek advice from members of the congregation if you are unsure about proper etiquette or practices.

Mosque

The mosque is a traditional Muslim place of worship. It’s usually a building, but can also be any place where Islamic prayers are performed, such as an outdoor courtyard. The most prominent mosque of St. Petersburg is located near the main ITMO campus and catches the eye with its azure-tiled dome.

What to wear

For non-Muslim attendees, the dress code is similar to that of regular attendees. Both men and women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their arms and legs, like long skirts and trousers. Female visitors should cover their heads, while men have the option to go without any headwear or don a skullcap.

A mosque has a special room for praying that is covered with carpets or rugs. To enter this area you need to remove your shoes, so it’s recommended to wear clean socks or stockings.

Etiquette

• To greet someone, you can use the traditional Islamic greeting “As-salamu alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.” The reply is “Wa alaikum assalam” – “and upon you be peace.” You are also allowed to shake hands with people of the same gender. 
• There are different entrances for men and women to the prayer hall. 
• If you don’t want to join the prayer, you can observe it from the back of the room. Respect other visitors and don’t walk in front of someone who is praying, whether alone or in a group.

Datsan

Datsan is a special term for a Buddhist university monastery. The name of the local temple, Datsan Gunzechoinei, is Tibetan for “The Source of the Holy Teaching of All-Caring Lord-Hermit.” Situated among the ordinary landscape of Primorsky District, it’s one of the most unusual historic buildings in the city. 

What to wear 

As usual, dressing modestly will secure you a comfortable visit. Unlike in other religions, visitors of all genders should remove their hats. In general, all visitors should put on shoe covers at the entrance. Shoes should be taken off only in the altar hall where Buddhist prayers, known as khurals, take place.

Etiquette

• Firstly, go around the temple clockwise three or seven times. The ritual signifies purification and respect and prepares you for entry. Prayer wheels located outdoors should also be rotated only clockwise.

• Visitors should be mindful not to cross the path of lamas, who are the spiritual leaders and masters of the temple, and not to sit higher than them.

• Inside the praying area, dugan, move in a clockwise direction without turning your back to the altar with the Buddha statue. You can make donations of money or food like rice, milk, butter, sugar, tea, and sweets for the monks. Buddhists believe this ritual develops generosity and suppresses greed. The donated products are placed on a special table.
• Don’t point your finger at the altar, images, or religious objects, and avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

Common rules

Despite their varying features, all these religious landmarks share common rules to ensure a worthy and enriching visit:

• Turn off your phone or put it on silent;
• Avoid loud talking, eating, or drinking;
• Dress appropriately, refrain from wearing shorts, tracksuits, tank tops, or workwear;
• Check if you’re allowed to take pictures inside before doing so.

It may seem like these rules are a significant responsibility, but don’t let yourself be daunted by them! Visiting these places can be an enriching experience that introduces you to spiritual customs of other cultures and broadens your horizons with their diversity.