Buildings in the Kremlin
The Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral was erected in 1475-1479 by Italian architect Aristotle Fioravanti on the place where two older churches once stood.

All the stages of the main state cathedral’s construction were described in chronicles in details.

The Italian architect was suggested to create after the model of the Assumption Cathedral of Vladimir, the 5 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.

The Assumption Cathedral of Moscow is a tremendous 6 pillared building with 5 apses and 5 domes. It is built of well trimmed white-stone blocks. The masonry inside is filled with rubble. Fornications, drums, pillars and the altar wall are made of bricks.

No details in the Assumption Cathedral would remind the architecture of the Italian Renaissance. Aristotle Fioravanti created the cathedral according to his view of design plainness, severity and laconism of architecture. At the same time, traditional peculiarities of Old Russian ceremonial architecture got new ways for development under new historical circumstances.

For four centuries the Assumption Cathedral had been the main church of Russia. Here Great Princes were crowned for reigning and local princes swore fealty. Here inaugurations of Tsars and coronations of Emperors were held.

The Assumption Cathedral was the place to inaugurate Bishops, Metropolitans and Patriarchs, to read off statements, to hold church services before military campaigns and in case of victory.

Besides, heads of the Russian Orthodox Church were buried in the Assumption Cathedral.

Nowadays, the cathedral houses old murals and a unique collection of icons. It is one of the most frequented museums of the Moscow Kremlin.

Since 1990, regular services have been recommenced.