Holy cross Church in Irkutsk is one of the oldest temples in the city. The Church is situated in the historical center of Irkutsk on Sedova street and is a shining example of the Siberian religious architecture.

In 1717-1719, Cross mountain appeared a wooden Church in the name of the Holy Trinity. However, the locals called it Krestovsky or Holy cross. In the middle of the XVIII century instead of the wooden Church built a new stone. The Church was founded in 1747, Its construction lasted for eleven years. The newly built Church and was consecrated as Trinity, but despite this, the parishioners stubbornly stuck to the name "Krestovsky". As a result this name and decided to legalize. In 1757, was consecrated cold altar in honor of the exaltation of the Holy cross. In 1779, with the Northern part of the temple was built warm chapel. In 1860 formed the final shape of the Church building, when the project of architect V. Kudelska, to the West side of the bell tower was built on stone deaf porch.

However, the main feature of the temple is not the original architecture, but rather a complex pattern that covers its outer walls are almost continuous carpet. It is noteworthy that the ornament is made in a purely Oriental style. An unknown artist has created not just a beautiful and sophisticated decor - scientists suggest that this ornament is encrypted with some sort of semantic meaning and its meaning is yet to be solved.

From 1929 to 1936 and from 1948 to 1991, Holy cross Church acted Cathedral. In 1936 in the Church worship services. From the bell tower removed the bells, and after put here the anti-religious Museum. However, due to this, the Church has retained its original appearance and iconostases. In 1943 the Church was returned to believers, and in 1948 it was declared a monument of architecture of Federal value.

Recently the Church was returned to its original color, and the locals have to get used to his "new old" look. Today, Holy cross Church – is not only an ornament to the city, but also one of the core buildings.