Audio GuideCathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité
Striking church from 2016, replicating classic Russian & Byzantine styles with golden onion domes.
The Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité serves as a remarkable blend of contemporary art and historical tradition in Paris. Situated in the seventh arrondissement close to the Pont de l’Alma at the start of Quai Branly, it was constructed from two thousand and thirteen to two thousand and sixteen on a site that previously hosted a national weather agency. The project was commissioned by a senior religious figure and enjoyed the backing of significant political leaders, including the presidents of France and Russia, with full financial support from Russia.
The cathedral's design combines neo-Byzantine and neo-Russian architectural styles, merging established artistic traditions with a modern flair. Its most eye-catching elements are the five bulbous domes crafted in Vannes. The large dome, sheathed in almost ninety thousand leaves made from a gold-palladium alloy, measures seventeen metres in circumference and weighs eight tonnes, representing Christ and the four Evangelists.
Within the cathedral, ongoing work on frescoes and mosaics aims to convey spiritual themes and a rich religious heritage. Beyond serving as a place of worship, the cathedral complex also hosts a parish house, a cultural centre, an auditorium, a library, exhibition areas, and a bilingual French-Russian school. This range of amenities transforms the site into a cultural centre that encourages interaction between the French and Russian communities.