He was wouded by a grenade on the canal bank, and died later in his palace. A memorial shrine was built on the spot, and the church built over it, thus protruding slightly onto the canal, as is apparent from here.
Construction started in 1883, and it took 14 years to build the church, so it was finished about the time that revolutionary forces were becoming strong in Russia.
As with all the monuments in St Petersburg, there are many photographs and historical descriptions on the web.
(Double click any picture to see full size, then use the back button on your browser to return here)
The shrine to Alexander is on the former canal bank.
The
building is impressive from all sides.Inside, there are separate, secluded seats for the Tsar and for the Tsarina, so that they could worship without being seen (or shot at ???) by the congregation.
Part of ceiling
The
main body of the church is decorated.All walls, ceiling and columns appear to bear religious paintings, but these are actually mosiacs.
The floor is elaborately constructed of marble.
Helena and Diane are in the crowd on the right.