The rector told the Russian President and the former Italian Prime Minister the cathedral’s story: its construction was first planned during the reign of Alexander I, started in the times of Alexander II and was completed under Alexander III.
Vladimir Putin and Silvio Berlusconi also walked the grounds of the Chersonesus Tavrichesky national preserve, where archaeological dig is currently underway with the participation of Russian and foreign experts.
In the course of the tour, the Russian President spoke of the need to set up a Christian historical and cultural centre near the preserve that would cover all the branches of the largest religion in the world. Vladimir Putin also said the project, which would be unprecedented in the world, could be implemented in coordination with the church and museum community.