Crooked-Tower Church

The Church of the Exaltation of the Cross is situated on Krestovaya Hill in Irkutsk's historical center, on Sedov Street. It is an outstanding example of Siberian Baroque architecture built in the 18th century after a wooden church from 1717 to 1719. Construction of the stone building took about ten years and was completed in winter 1760. During World War II, the temple remained the sole functioning one in Irkutsk. Its silhouette is formed by numerous decorative details and tiers. Parishioners' donations were collected for war needs by the clergy.