Also known as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, this Sitka landmark is found at Lincoln and Matsoutoff Street. Famed for being the oldest Orthodox cathedral in the New World, the Russians constructed it in the 1800s, and the Diocese of Alaska gained control of it in 1872. Part of the country’s National Historic Landmark roster since 1962, it remains a remnant of Russian influence in the U.S. and especially Alaska.

On January 2, 1966, an accidental fire took part of the cathedral, which kick started a rebuild and renewed interested in the building. Today, the new green domes and gilded crosses are part of what make the architecture so stunning. A number of icons are original, from the mid-17th century, including two pieces by Vladimir Borovikovsky. Situated in the heart of downtown, you’ll find it on Baranof Island’s southwestern coast along the Alexander Archipelago.

A Pinnacle of Beauty

Not much of the surrounding natural area has changed in the past century. Visitors will still find staples on Lincoln Street such as Harrigan Centennial Hall and the Pioneers’ Home nearby. There’s also the renovated Russian Bishop’s House, former home of the first Alaskan Orthodox Bishop Innocent Ioan Veniaminov (now managed by the National Park Service).

Tourists can still enjoy the many original elements of the cathedral, like the royal doors and the elaborate chandelier. The 1962 reconstruction was based on Historic American Buildings Survey drawings, achieving identical measurements but with updated materials. Enjoy the library with Russian, Aleut and Tlingit language books, handmade bells, and the huge icon of the Last Supper.