Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral is a unique monument of Vladimiro-Suzdalsky white stone architecture of pre-Mongol period.

In the middle of the XII century Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky made Vladimir the capital city of Vladimir-Suzdal principality. The white stone Assumption Cathedral constructed in 1158-1160 on the abrupt hill over the Klyazma River became the architectural and spiritual center of the principality and the new capital.The arches are supported by six pillars, and the five-domed top has risen above the Kiev Sofia almost on 33 meters. Now it is difficult to imagine original magnificence of Assumption Cathedral: carving and gold of friezes, women's and lion's masks, relief compositions, polychrome painting of external walls, bronze cups and sails over zakomaras..

The temple has been conceived by cathedral. The whole ensemble of the Bishop's Court destroyed by the fire of 1185 is mentioned in the chronicles.There was also the prince's court. After the fire, the cathedral was rebuilt by masters of Prince Vsevolod the Big Nest. The successor of the idea of autocracy which is going back to an era of ancient Kiev, Vsevolod has even more pulled together the shape of the main shrine of the principality with majestic, many-domed Kiev Sofia. The five-domed top of the Vladimir Assumption Cathedral for many centuries became a sample of an Orthodox church. According to this model Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin was constructed in the 15th century.

The architectural forms of the cathedral are opened and restored by restorers of XIX and XX centuries. Architectural excellence, value and antiquity of the building, its historical significance - everything is alive. The church service has been conducted through all the time except for the period from 1927 to 1944.

In 1862 the chapel (architect N. A. Artleben) of St. George (a successful stylization under white stone architecture of the 12th century) was built between the cathedral and the bell-tower.

Currently, the Assumption Cathedral is shared by Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve and the ROC. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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