St. Michael's Cathedral, Sitka, Alaska.

© jet 67/Shutterstock

St Michael's Cathedral


Built between 1844 and 1848, this church stood for more than 100 years as Alaska’s finest Russian Orthodox cathedral. When a fire destroyed it in 1966, the church had been the oldest religious structure from the Russian era in Alaska. Luckily the priceless treasures and icons inside were saved by Sitka’s residents, who immediately built a replica of their beloved church.

The interior is rich in detail and iconography. Of particular note is the depiction of Our Lady of Sitka rendered by Vladimir Borovikovsky in the 1820s.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Alaska Pioneers Home

0.1 MILES

Across Katlian St from the Totem Square is the prominent, yellow Alaska Pioneers Home. Built in 1934 on the old Russian Parade Ground, the home is for…

2. Blockhouse

0.12 MILES

A replica of the small blockhouses that the Russians utilized to protect their stockade from the Indian village, this octagonal wooden fortification was…

3. Princess Maksoutoff’s Grave

0.12 MILES

At the top of Princess Way lies Princess Maksoutoff’s Grave, marking the spot where the wife of Alaska’s last Russian governor is buried. A strategically…

4. Sitka Historical Museum

0.13 MILES

Within Sitka's recently rebuilt Harigan Centennial Hall, the town history museum was undergoing a full renovation at last visit. It was due to reopen in…

5. Castle Hill

0.13 MILES

Walk west on Lincoln St for the walkway to Castle Hill. Kiksadi clan houses once covered the hilltop site, but in 1836 the Russians built ‘Baranov’s…

6. Tlingit Clan House

0.14 MILES

A beautiful Tlingit clan house, more impressive outside than in, that hosts regular performances from the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers in the summer.

7. Totem Square

0.15 MILES

An exposed grassy plaza close to the O'Connell Bridge and ANB Harbor, anchored by the famous Baranov totem topped by a carved image of Alexander Baranov …

8. Russian Bishop's House

0.19 MILES

East of downtown along Lincoln St, the Russian Bishop’s House is the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka. Built in 1843 by Finnish carpenters out of…