The Bell of Smolny Convent.
A closer view of the Bell of Smolny Convent. During the Soviet experience all places of worship were to be destroyed however all the cathedrals, monasteries, convents and churches changed their name to Museum and all the precious and priceless pieces of art were saved, however all the bells were removed and destroyed. After the fall of the Soviet government only a few bells remained and this was one of the first returned to its location. This church was closed by the Soviets in 1923 and was looted and decayed until 1982 when it became a concert hall. The name Smolny is because of the location in the early days of St. Petersburg where pitch (smola in Russian) was processed used in shipbuilding.
© Emile Abbott
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