Uspensky Cathedral, Moscow

Admire the combination of Renaissance art with Russian traditions on your visit to Uspensky Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox church regarded as the mother church of Muscovite Russia. Constructed by the Italian architect Aristotle Fioravanti between 1475-79, the cathedral is the burial place for most of the Moscow metropolitans and patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church. From 1547 to 1896 it was the site of the coronation of the Russian monarch, including that of the first tsar, Ivan the Terrible, in 1547. The cathedral has five domes, symbolic of Jesus Christ and the four Evangelists, and served as a template for many other churches in the region. Don't miss Andrei Rublyev's 1408 frescoes, considered some of his finest work. Entry to the church and services is free, but photography is not permitted inside. As with most churches in the country, there is no seating available, since everyone stands during services. Plan to visit Uspensky Cathedral during your Moscow vacation using our convenient Moscow day trip planner.