One of the oldest architectural complexes of St. Petersburg, Alexander Nevsky Lavra, have been put in 1710 on that place at Neva where according to the legend there was the major fight with Swedes which has defined a victory of Russia.

   Construction of the monastery continued with breaks throughout almost all 18th century and has been complete only by 1790. During construction several architects, but the main idea of D. Trezini who has conceived a monastic complex as the residence, establishment and the palace combined were replaced, has been kept. The most talented architects of the time worked on creation of one of the largest architectural complexes of the city: D. Trezini, T. Shvertfeger, M. Zemtsov, L. Pustoshkin, F. Korolev, A. Myshetsky, P. Eropkin, M. Rastorguyev, I. Starov and others.
   The composite center of monastery is the Trinity Cathedral constructed by the architect Starov. The end of construction and consecration of the temple in August, 1790 has finished formation of ensemble of Alexander Nevsky Lavra. The cathedral is topped with a dome on a high drum, and his laconic monumental forms are in harmony with monastic cases. Among icons of a cathedral the icon of the Reverend Seraphim of Sarov Chudotvorts is especially esteemed.
   In 1724 ashes of the prince Alexander Nevsky canonized by Russian Orthodox Church have been transferred to the monastery.
    From the moment of the basis Alexander Nevsky Lavra was a tomb of imperial Russia, the first on value. Here members of an imperial family, spiritual attendants, outstanding statesmen, commanders have been buried. Among them - Suvorov, Bezborodko, Kvarengi, Voronikhin, Rossi and many others.
   After October revolution of 1917 the monastery has been abolished, his churches are closed, and uncountable relics and works of art have been transferred to the Russian Museum, the State Hermitage and other museums of St. Petersburg.
   Revival of monastic life has happened in the fall of 1996, and today Alexander Nevsky Lavra is the operating man's monastery of the St. Petersburg eparchy.