This Russian Orthodox Cathedral was constructed in 1909. It contains a shrine of the apostle Saint Bartholomew who is said to be crucified near the Maiden’s Tower. The cathedral was built on Baku resident’s donations so it not vey opulent. It was one of the first religious buildings which were shut down by the Soviets in 1920. Next it was turned into a warehouse and after that into a gymnasium. In 1990, during the Black January, it was severely damaged when a Soviet missile hit it. It was restored in 2000 when an Azerbaijan born Russian entrepreneur Aydin Gurbanov provided the funds for it. It was given the status of a Cathedral in 2001 by Patriarch Alexius II.

A beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedral in Baku the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral is not the biggest, oldest or grandest cathedral we have been in but the work inside is certainly some of the loveliest. Just over 100 years old it has been through some tough times but has been saved and restored by donors and followers. Check out the relics of St Bartholomew while you are there and catch a service done in Russian only if you want to.