I was very eager to visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral I had driven by on my first day. Slightly more familiar with Tashkent now I knew it was near the main train station. I planned to take the metro there to visit as I had freetime this morning (see previous entry)

After leaving Tashkent Metro station I had to navigate my way to the church which was just under a ten minute walk. There were many trams doing a loop turn just across from the station. In the distance I could see the church

As I arrived it was fortunately a clear morning sky again making for some scenic photos. The complex is actually quite large. In addition to the main church there are several other buildings, perhaps schools or monasteries for other monks

Unlike the Samarkand Orthodox Churches which had a brick exterior, this one had a pale blue and white exterior. It seemed more like something from Finland as those are their national colours.

The front entrance is made of a large multi level tower with a gold dome and cross at top. Nearer the top were visible church bells

At this point someone started ringing the bells and was visible in the upper terrace. As I went in I told the lady at the back I was a tourist and she was happy to welcome me. However after I took my first photo she came over to say no interior photos are allowed.

You have to refer to the photos from the two Orthodox Churches in Samarkand. Although this had many similarities, it was also the most grandest and elaborate of the three so its a shame I couldnt photograph it.

See St Alexsey's Orthodox Cathedral in Samarkand
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-e ntries/londone7/23/1363722770/tpod.html

I think this church is more touristy than the Samarkand ones which is why they dont allow photography. There were also services going on while the Samarkand ones were empty, so out of respect perhaps also they dont allow photos.

There was a smaller room to the side of the main hall. Many elderly people were standing there while I thought a CD of hymns was playing. I didnt understand what was going on.

There were many gold framed paintings and an interesting tiled floor.

Outside was a long building to one side, perhaps a school or monastery. There was also a square building you could photograph inside

The inside had taps from a marble centre, perhaps sacred water.

I went round to the back to see the church from different angles. Then I started to notice several monks walking about going to the side buildings.

One was an older monk with long white hair and beard. The other was a younger monk, all dressed in black with a black fur hat and beard.

It was interesting architecture from the outside with the pale blue walls and large gold domes. The layers of the main tower were like a wedding cake.

Across from street level there was also a nice span of the complex and domes.

This was a very interesting experience different from the Samarkand Orthodox Churches. This one was in use unlike the others which were empty. It was also more elaborate inside with more traditional architecture and many gold domes outside

I ended up returning in the evening with my guide and we saw an evening mass (see later entry http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-e ntries/londone7/23/1364227884/tpod.html )

This Cathedral is normally not included in city tours. I guess with so many Russian visitors they either go themselves are arent that bothered. I suggested that for Western tourists it should be included as this is a type of architecture and culture we dont normally get to see