Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral, or Dormition Cathedral

of the Moscow Kremlin

First, I need to explain that there is a section of the Kremlin called "Moscow Kremlin Museums" and it is contained inside the Kremlin Walls.  You can get to it by purchasing a ticket, going through security and walking through the Trinity Tower.  When inside you can see, walk through, and study the Armory, six wonderful cathedrals (which I will post one at a time), the cannon, the bell, the Secret Garden and view some buildings that are not open to the public.  I'm sure that there were cameras watching us!  We could not take pictures of anything once inside, so I have to steal from the internet.  It is too bad; the churches are just amazing.  And there are people sitting in chairs watching your every movement.

Now for your history lesson:  It is a Russian Orthodox Church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.  It is located in the fortified area of the Kremlin in Cathedral Square.  It was constructed in present form in 1475-1479 by architect Aristotle Fioravanti at the request of Moscow Grand Duke Ivan III.  It has combined Russian Orthodox and Renaissance architectural features.  The interior was completely covered with 16th century frescoes and adorned with many precious icons.  The five domes are symbolic of Jesus Christ and the Four Evangelists.  

It has been the location of the coronations of Russian monarchs from 1547 to 1896 and it is also the burial place of the Moscow Metropolitans (Archbishops) and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church.  Many gravestones were later installed.  

It once was the location of a medieval burial ground and there is indication that a wooden church existed in the 12th century.  The present church has been rebuilt, suffered fires and looting and has been used as a horse stable.  

It is a fitting site for sumptuous coronations and wedding ceremonies of Russian royalty.  In 1547 the coronation of the first Russian Tsar, Ivan the Terrible took place here.  In 1917 the Bolshevik government closed all churches in the Moscow Kremlin and it was converted to a museum.  Most of the church treasures were transferred to the Kremlin Armory or sold overseas.  In 1991 it was restored to the Russian Orthodox Church.

  

The Assumption Cathedral (or Cathedral of the Assumption, or, Dormition Cathedral) during the summer.  It is one of the top ten sites to see in Moscow.

as we saw it, with work being done on the east side

a view from Cathedral Square

The southern gate, the main one, was used for Tsar's processions.  To enter the cathedral, they passed a copper gate decorated with golden images. 

Southern Gate - On top, there is an image of the Holy Virgin of Vladimir.  The frieze includes six figures of Holy hierarchs.  The gate is framed by a painting of Entering the temple.

The northern gate, on the other side, was used as an entrance by the leading clergymen.  

Above the northern portal, in the frieze one can see six Russian Holy Hierarchs, founders of greatest monasteries.  On top, there is the Synaxis of the Apostles composition.  

In the interior round pillars are used instead of usual square ones, leaving more space.  As there is no balcony and all vaults are equal in height, the hall seems enormous.  Pillars divide the space of the cathedral in twelve equal squares.  

The columns and walls are completely covered in frescoes and adorned with many icons.

No pictures were allowed inside.

About the museum, go to:

www.kreml.ru/en-Us/about-museums/kremlin/

For a virtual tour:  

http://assumption-cathedral.kreml.ru/en-Us/virtual-tour/

Or see: Museums of the Moscow Kremlin

visited:  Saturday, November 21, 2015