The Assumption (Uspensky) Cathedral was built in the 15th century by Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti as the principal church of the Russian state. For several centuries, it was the religious center of Russia where grand princes were set for reigning, Tsars and Emperors were crowned. The Russian Holy Hierarchs, metropolitans and patriarchs of the 14th - 17th centuries, were inaugurated there and the cathedral became their burial place, as well. After the Revolution of 1917, the Assumption Cathedral was turned into a museum.
The Archangel Cathedral was built in the early 16th century by another Italian architect, Aloisio Novyi. Having just rid himself of the many centuries of Tatar-Mongol invasion in Russia, Grand Prince Ivan III united all the Russian lands - and initiated the church construction to raise Moscow prestige as the new capital. The Archangel Cathedral became the burial place of Moscow’s grand princely family. Before leaving for war, Russian grand princes and tsars used to pray in the cathedral, which was dedicated to Archangel Michael, the patron saint of princes in their feats of arms.
The Annunciation (Blagoveshchensky) Cathedral was built in the late 15th century by Russian architects from Pskov, who followed the very old tradition of Russian religious architecture (unlike the two other Kremlin churches built later by Italians). The cathedral is dedicated to the Archangel Gabriel’s happy announcement to the Virgin Mary that she was going to give birth to the son of God. For centuries, the cathedral was used as the private chapel of the Moscow grand princes and tsars.
Now, check out photos of Stalin’s ‘Empire-style’ architecture taken by Mikhail Rozanov in Moscow.
Dear readers,
Our website and social media accounts are under threat of being restricted or banned, due to the current circumstances. So, to keep up with our latest content, simply do the following:
If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.
Subscribe
to our newsletter!
Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox