The Cathedral of the Assumption (Moscow)

The Cathedral of the Assumption is the oldest and most prominent church at the Kremlin and has been the centre of lavish imperial coronations, state funerals and marriages since its founding in 1479. Its exterior is relatively plain and austere, topped by five golden cupolas, and has remained essentially untouched since the late 17th century. Built by the celebrated Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti, it is an intriguing mix of renaissance and orthodox Russian design and visitors on short breaks to Moscow will see a light and spacious interior adorned with rich artistic treasures.

 

There are plenty of compelling images to grab the attention inside the cathedral, including several early icons by Dionysius, frescoes depicting holy images and the Throne of Monomakh, built to mark the coronation of the first Tsar, Ivan the Terrible. The ritual ordination of patriarchs, or bishops of the Orthodox church were held here for many centuries and most are also laid to rest here along with grand Dukes and several Muscovite emperors. Some of its most prominent features can be viewed from the exterior during cheap city breaks in Moscow. The plaza in front of the Cathedral was the inspiration behind the coronation scene in the famous opera ‘Boris Godunov’, and there are numerous gabled frescoes adorning its walls above its monumental Royal Procession doors.

 

From the aftermath of the Revolution in 1917, all religious services were forbidden in the Kremlin churches and only resumed in the Cathedral of the Assumption in 1990. It still has an aura of history and religious grandeur which will surely dispel many myths about the perceived austerity of the Russian Orthodox Church. Moscow weekend breaks should pop into the enlightening museum, which details its colourful history and turbulent relationship with the state through the ages and contains many interesting works of art and documents.