What is the main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin?

Moscow Kremlin - the most valuable architectural ensemble not only in Russia but also throughout Europe. It is located on the banks of the Moscow river, in the heart of the Russian capital. The main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin called the assumption. About it will be discussed in our article.

The assumption Cathedral - the main Cathedral of the Kremlin

In any country are carefully trying to protect the monuments that have historical and cultural significance. Many of them today operate. Is no exception and the Church of the Dormition - the main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.

In the year 1326, was erected in the Moscow area the first stone building of the majestic Cathedral. The construction was carried out under the supervision of the Metropolitan of St. Peter by order of Prince Ivan Kalita. There is a version that the place of the Foundation was previously a wooden Church.

The Main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin - what is it and how does it look today? This is - more.

Bookmark and the construction of the Shrine

The Main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin called the assumption. The construction of this temple was a significant event, because Moscow was proclaimed the mother see of the city. According to historical records and memoirs of the clergy becomes aware that the Cathedral of the assumption – the first on the territory of Moscow, a stone Church, which became the main Church of Russia, thus taking the step above Vladimir Church.

In 1327, when the building was completed and the Cathedral began to hold worship services, Metropolitan Peter left this sinful world and died in the building of the temple on the North side. Place of burial near the altar.

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Rebuild the temple

Thus, assumption Church became the main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. In the second half of the XV century, Ivan Vasilyevich, Russian Prince, who kept under control all Principality, started the rebuilding of the assumption Cathedral, thereby creating a new residence.

In 1472 and was completed analysis of the temple. For the construction of a new, more magnificent building of the Cathedral was invited known architects Krivtsov and Myshkin. But the temple was not destined long to stand, and he collapsed. In this construction, although a similar case and could give some ideas. Duke recruits the best of the Italian architect Aristotle Fioravanti.

Construction of the new building lasted four years, we used drawings of the Vladimir Cathedral. And since 1479 in the Moscow area was built one of the greatest monuments of Christianity, which became the decoration of the Kremlin. The consecration of the temple, but the procedure is simply needed for such buildings, was engaged in the new Metropolitan gerontius in Moscow, then in the first memory of the Saint was returned to the temple the relics of Peter.

But even after that the temple is not left alone, and continued to pursue destruction. In 1812, when he was in the midst of world war II, the Cathedral was thoroughly plundered by the soldiers of Napoleon. Partially managed to return the stolen back, and silver was made the chandelier that graced the center of the temple.

Destiny of the Shrine in XIX-XX centuries

The Main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin is the greatest monument of architecture on a European scale. However, time has not spared this building, it started slowly to crumble.

In the second half of XIX - first half of XX century, restoration works began. First and foremost, experts began to rebuild the altar area, resulting in were discovered frescos dated XV-XVI centuries. Restoration of the building was made over several decades and in 1906 was completed.

In 1917, after the tragic events of the October revolution, the Cathedral was turned into a Museum, which got kind of ensemble that characterized the interior. At that time all the paintings and icons were opened to the General public. In Soviet times, restoration works in the Dormition Cathedral was not engaged. And since 1990 in the walls of the temple sounded again chants, and divine services were resumed.

Main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin: architecture

Attracted by the Italian architect fully-reproduced image of the Vladimir Dormition Cathedral. That is, the structure was a cross-domed Church, but in turn, the architect has made some adjustments that significantly distanced it from the prototype. The Cathedral was constructed of white stone and was a monolithic structure. Chroniclers described the temple as "a single stone", from which loomed the stately Church.

The Temple was pompous, solemn and spacious, its vault supported by round pillars. The building was designed so spacious that was more like a Palace hall. Even by today's standards, the assumption Cathedral in the Kremlin area is considered a valuable building, and the style of execution is laborious and complicated. It should be noted that the image of the Cathedral in Moscow until the seventeenth century were almost all temples of Russia.

Description of the external appearance of the building

As mentioned above,the main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin is a monolithic structure, which is divided into rounded pillars-the columns into 12 squares of equal size.

On the smooth outer walls of the temple receives only a belt, arcature, and narrow elongated Windows. The main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin is the five-domed. From the South and North of the apse of the building is covered by pylons.

Interior decoration of the Cathedral: paintings and frescoes

The Arrangement of internal spaces was carried out by the best masters of that time. The work was just gorgeous and breathtaking, even today, some fragments left on the altar screen. On the ancient frescoes, Dating from 1481, the company depicted the monks-ascetics. In addition, it has great historical significance fresco “Forty martyrs of Sebaste" famous ‘the adoration of the Magi” and other works of fine art.

The Next painting is already dated 1513-1515 years. If you look at the body of the Church, you can see a picture of the sky supported by the pillars coated with the martyrs. This combination is filled with symbolism, as the pillars holding the arch, and the martyrs maintain their faith in Christ.

The Overall layout of the murals of the assumption Cathedral has been carefully designed and built. In addition, the most astounding are the images on the lower tier of the walls of the Cathedral of the seven Ecumenical churches. And, according to tradition, the Western wall is decorated with a composition of the “judgment”.

In conclusion...

The Main Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin is the assumption - a majestic architectural monument of the XIV-XV century. Many tourists and travelers, the temple is striking not only for its architecture, but also a wonderful, unique internal decoration.