Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy Cathedral, Odessa (must see)

The Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy Cathedral, also known as the Transfiguration Cathedral, is one of Odessa’s most defining religious landmarks. Situated on Soborna Square, it serves as the main church of the Odesa Diocese and has long stood at the heart of the city’s spiritual identity. Its story reaches back to 1794, when construction began on what would become Odessa’s largest Orthodox cathedral. The original building was completed in 1809, marking an early milestone in the young port’s development.

The cathedral’s neoclassical design quickly became one of its distinguishing features. A grand central dome, clean architectural lines, and a bright, harmonious façade made it a prominent element of Odessa’s urban landscape. Inside, visitors encountered a spacious interior adorned with detailed paintings, traditional iconography, and the calm atmosphere typical of major Orthodox churches. Over the years, the cathedral also became the final resting place of notable figures, including Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov and his wife, whose remains were reburied here after the modern reconstruction.

That reconstruction was necessary because the original cathedral was demolished in 1936 during the Soviet campaign against religious institutions. For decades, Soborna Square lacked the imposing silhouette that had once dominated it. Only after Ukraine gained independence did the decision emerge to rebuild the structure using historical references. Work began in 1999, and by 2003 the cathedral stood once again, restored to its former architectural presence.

Its resilience was tested again in July 2023, when a Russian missile strike caused severe damage to the building. Restoration efforts began almost immediately and continue today, underscoring the cathedral’s significance not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Odessa’s endurance. For visitors, the site offers a compelling blend of history, faith, and architectural beauty—an essential stop in understanding the city’s past and present.