The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky was built in honour of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, who died at the hands of the Narodolovists. Empress Maria Feodorovna participated in the laying of the foundation stone on 1 March 1891, the tenth anniversary of the emperor's death. The consecration of the cathedral took place on 4 December 1902 in the presence of Emperor Nicholas II, his family and entourage.
Two-tiered, with open galleries, Yalta Cathedral is built in the Old Russian style and decorated with numerous decorative elements: pilasters, kiottes, portals, hearts, hipped porch. White and pink colours gave it a smart look. A three-tier bell tower was built next to the cathedral, 11 bells for which were cast in Moscow. Icons for the cathedral were painted by masters from Mstera in the Vladimir province.
The interior was decorated by the architect S. P. Kroshechkin, the iconostasis, dome and walls were painted by the Kiev artist I. Murashko. The mosaic with the image of the Holy Prince on the outside of the temple was made by the pupils of the Venetian A.Salviati. The domes of the temple were covered with gold.
In 1938 the temple was closed, the bells were sent for melting. In the cathedral arranged a sports club. In the post-war years, repeatedly on major church holidays in the cathedral served St Luke (V. F. Voyno-Yasenetsky), and the rector, since the early 50's, was appointed by his associate and friend, Metropolitan Archpriest Michael Semenyuk. Divine service, resumed during the Great Patriotic War, has not been interrupted since.
