Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin

Photos

  • Благовещенский собор Казанского кремля. Photo 1
  • Благовещенский собор Казанского кремля. Photo 2
  • Благовещенский собор Казанского кремля. Photo 3
  • Благовещенский собор Казанского кремля. Photo 4
  • Благовещенский собор Казанского кремля. Photo 5

Description

The Annunciation Cathedral in the Kazan Kremlin is a significant Orthodox church and a monument of Russian architecture of the 16th century. From 1552 to 1918, the cathedral served as the cathedral church of the Kazan diocese, and from the end of the 19th century, episcopal consecrations were also held here.

Built in 1561-1562, the cathedral is the oldest surviving monument of the Kazan Kremlin. It is a cross-domed temple with five domes resting on six pillars and three apses. Inside the temple there is a ground floor, the walls and vaults of which are made of cut limestone. Throughout history, the cathedral was rebuilt and restored many times, including during the Soviet period.

A characteristic feature of the cathedral's architecture is the distinct Pskov style, which is manifested in the ornaments decorating the apses and the base of the central chapter. The façade of the building is decorated with patterned belts and arcatures, and the walls have keel-shaped and post-mosquito finishes. The domes of the cathedral, including the central one, are decorated with stars and have baroque shapes.

Restoration work to preserve and restore the cathedral was carried out at different periods, with the last complete restoration in 1996-2005. After the completion of the work, the cathedral was consecrated and reopened to the faithful.

Currently, the Annunciation Cathedral is a functioning temple and attracts both pilgrims and architecture lovers. It is an integral part of the Orthodox complex of the Kazan Kremlin, which also includes other architectural structures and ruins of ancient buildings.

Comments

Login to write a comment