For many centuries the Assumption Cathedral had been the state and cultural center of Russia: Great Princes were set for reigning and local princes swore fealty, inaugurations of Tsars and coronations of Emperors took place here. Bishops, Metropolitans and Patriarchs were inaugurated, statements and ceremonial documents were publicly read, church services before military campaigns and in case of a victory were held at the Assumption Cathedral. The first stone cathedral’s foundation was laid in 1326 by the first Moscow Metropolitan Peter and Prince Ivan Kalita (Money-bag). In late XV century, Great Prince Ivan III who had consolidated all Russian princedoms under the power of Moscow, began the construction of the new residence from rebuilding of the Assumption Cathedral. It was erected by a specially invited Italian architect in 1479.
The new Assumption Cathedral by Aristotle Fioravanti was erected on the place where two older churches had once stood. All the stages of the main state cathedrals construction were described in chronicles in details.
Laying of the foundation stone of the Assumption CathedralThe Assumption CathedralThe Assumption Cathedral
The Italian architect was suggested to create after the model of the Assumption Cathedral of Vladimir, the five-domed cross-and-cupola church of the XII century. Working on the cathedral, Aristotle Fioravanti managed both to repeat the main points of the well-known cathedral and to combine them with the Renaissance's idea of architectural space.
Because of ceremonial functions, particular attention was paid to the cathedral's interior. Its wall-paintings, icons and various secular utensils are artworks of international artistic value. The murals of 1642-1943 and the grand iconostasis of 1653 create the present-day look of the cathedral. In front of the iconostasis you can see Tsar's, Tsarina's and Patriarch's praying-seats. The Tsar's one is of special interest. At the south-western corner higher its bronze marquee.
In XIV-XVII centuries, the Assumption Cathedral was the burial place of the Russian Orthodox Church heads — Metropolitans and Patriarchs.
After the Revolution of 1917, the Assumption Cathedral became a museum. Making the exposition, the staff tried to preserve the interior. Thanks to permanent restoration works practically all the icons and murals were open up. Since 1990, church services have been...
Read moreTerrific gold onion domes surmount the Cathedral of the Dormition, which is regarded as the main church for devout Russians living in Moscow. Constructed between 1475–79 at the request of Ivan III, the Moscow Grand Duke, by the famed Italian architect, Aristotele Fioravanti. Coronations of the Russian monarchs were held at the cathedral from 1547 to 1896. In addition, it is the burial place for most of the Moscow Metropolitans and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church. Great Cathedral on the Northside of Cathedral Square while visiting the Kremlin.
Потрясающе золотой Купола преодолеть Успенский собор, который рассматривается в качестве главной церкви для набожных русских, живущих в Москве. Построенный между 1475-79 по просьбе Ивана III Московского великого князя, по знаменитому итальянскому архитектору, Aristotele Фиораванти. были проведены коронации русских монархов в соборе с 1547 до 1896. Кроме того, это место захоронения для большинства московских митрополитов и патриархов Русской Православной Церкви. Большой собор на Нортсайд Соборной площади во время посещения Кремля.
Terrific Goldzwiebeltürme überwinden die Kathedrale der Dormitio, die als die Hauptkirche für gläubige Russen betrachtet in Moskau leben. Wurde zwischen 1475-1479 auf Antrag von Ivan III, der Moskauer Großfürsten, von dem berühmten italienischen Architekten, Aristotele Fioravanti. Krönungen der russischen Monarchen in der Kathedrale von 1547 bis 1896. Darüber hinaus gehalten wurden, ist es die Grabstätte für die meisten der Moskau Metropolitans und Patriarchen der russisch-orthodoxen Kirche. Große Kathedrale auf der Nordseite des Domplatzes, während der Kreml zu besuchen.
Terrific dômes d'or surmontent la cathédrale de la Dormition, qui est considéré comme l'église principale pour les Russes dévots vivant à Moscou. Construit entre 1475-1479 à la demande d'Ivan III, le grand-duc de Moscou, par l'architecte italien célèbre, Aristotele Fioravanti. Sacres des monarques russes ont eu lieu à la cathédrale de 1547 à 1896. En outre, il est le lieu de sépulture pour la plupart des métropolites de Moscou et Patriarches de l'Eglise orthodoxe russe. Grande cathédrale sur le Northside de Place de la cathédrale tout en...
Read moreThe Cathedral of the Assumption (Dormition Cathedral) is the crown jewel of the collection of churches at Cathedral Square in the Kremlin. This is a beautiful building that is considered the mother of all churches in Moscow.
Originally constructed in the early 14th century, the church you see today was built near the end of the 15th century by Ivan the Great, who fancied a more imposing and decorative church to demonstrate the growing power of the nation. The church features five large golden domes topped with crosses and typical exterior architecture to what you will see of the other church buildings within the Kremlin.
What you see within Dormition Cathedral is quite impressive. The large interior features columns, walls and high ceiling adorned with decorative frescos. There are historic chandeliers, paintings of icons, thrones and other interesting things to see. The interior is completely covered with seemingly not an inch of empty space, giving your eyes plenty to enjoy.
Note: There are information sheets in multiple languages that you can use during your visit to the church. This is very useful for identifying the highlights and many interesting things to see in the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Overall, we found the Cathedral of the Assumption to be the most interesting attraction of the Kremlin. Queues can be a bit long to enter and it can be crowded inside, but all for good reason. If your time is limited for the Kremlin, do prioritise your visit to...
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