To be honest, there are no purely Gothic structures in St. Petersburg. The reason is simple: the city was founded when the style had already lost its dominance in Europe. Instead, we find stunning examples of Gothic Revival, a style that emerged in the late 18th century and drew inspiration from its predecessor. Incorporating familiar elements like pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and lancet windows, Gothic Revival nostalgically reinterpreted them within a contemporary context and using new materials.

Churches and cathedrals

Although Gothic architecture was initially intertwined with Catholicism, it was eventually embraced by denominations within and outside Christianity. One of the earliest examples of the style in St. Petersburg, the Chesme Church, is a Russian Orthodox cathedral. Built during the reign of Catherine the Great, it looks extraordinary even nowadays, reminiscent more of a cake than a building, thanks to its soft shapes and striped crenelated walls. Peter and Paul Church in Shuvalovsky Park belongs to the same denomination but has more recognizable Gothic features such as an openwork metal spire. It was constructed at the request of Duchess Varvara Shuvalova in memory of her second husband. 

For something more notable in size, the Lutheran Church of Saint Michael is a centerpiece of Vasilyevsky Island. Its pointed dome adorned with pinnacles captivates the eye from a distance. Unfortunately, the original interiors are lost completely – during the Soviet times, the church was repurposed as a sports goods factory and a warehouse. If you’re curious about what it’s supposed to look like inside, consider visiting the Catholic Church of the Visitation. Tucked away in the Vyborgsky District, within a former Roman Catholic cemetery, it oozes with a mysterious atmosphere.

The Sacred Heart Church is currently under renovation, but even in its early days, it never fully realized the initial architectural vision. Its construction was cut short by the Russian Revolution, and to cut costs, bell towers were given up on. This led to the bulky and slightly sinister appearance we have today.

Houses and other buildings

The Gothic Revival was not limited to religion: it influenced a wide range of designs, including residential and public buildings. Some of them are modest in ornamentation, like the red brick Yeremeyeva Revenue House, while others grab attention and are iconic landmarks in their neighborhoods. For example, the Rosenstein Revenue House, styled like an English castle with its hexagonal towers, dominates Leo Tolstoy Square. On the other side of the city, there’s the Revenue House of Agricultural Partnership. This building stands out not only for its grandeur, but also for its innovations rare for the early 20th century –  it housed shops, a cinema, a laundry service, and even a central vacuum cleaner! Among public buildings, there are some movie stars: the Evangelical Women's Hospital appeared in the backdrop of the celebrated Soviet Sherlock Holmes series.

These are just a few examples! Examining the city closely, you’ll notice how many Gothic traces are scattered around.

Cemeteries

There’s nothing more goth-friendly than historic cemeteries! St. Petersburg is home to several of these, which makes them an excellent choice for exploration, particularly because of their stunning Gothic Revival crypts. Choose one from the list and enjoy the architecture in peace.