Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg, Russia, framed by clouds and tree branches.

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Catherine the Great in her endless desire to bring enlightenment to her subjects, took what there was of the the original Smolny project and turned it into a finishing school for daughters of the gentry, the first educational establishment for women in Russia. The young women lived and studied in the long blue buildings flanking the cathedral.

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Size: 3413px × 5120px
Location: St. Petersburg, Russia
Photo credit: © Nancy Camel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: architecture, barouque, convent, petersburg, russia, smolny, st.