Cathedral of the Annunciation

cathedral, Moscow, Russia

Also known as: Blagoveshchensky Sobor

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The Cathedral of the Annunciation is one of three magnificent cathedrals located within the Kremlin of Moscow, Russia. Built between 1484 and 1489 by craftsmen from Pskov, it features a cluster of chapels topped with golden roofs and domes. Inside, the cathedral houses early 15th-century icons attributed to Theophanes the Greek and Andrey Rublyov, renowned Russian icon painters.1

The cathedral's name, Annunciation, refers to the Christian feast day celebrating the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus. This event is a significant theme in Christian art, with numerous depictions throughout history. The cathedrals within the Kremlin, including the Annunciation, are popular tourist attractions and were originally places of worship before services recommenced in 1990.2341

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Moscow
The Kremlin of Moscow
Across the square is the Cathedral of the Annunciation, built in 1484–89 by craftsmen from Pskov (though burned in 1547, it was rebuilt in 1562–64). Its cluster of chapels is topped by golden roofs and domes. Inside are a number of early 15th-century icons attributed to Theophanes the Greek and…
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Across the square is the Cathedral of the Annunciation, built in 1484–89 by craftsmen from Pskov (though burned in 1547, it was rebuilt in 1562–64). Its cluster of chapels is topped by golden roofs and domes. Inside are a number of early 15th-century icons attributed to Theophanes the Greek and…
Read More

Western architecture
Kievan Rus and Russia
A third church, the modest Annunciation Cathedral (1484–89), with its warm beauty, was the work of Pskov architects. There the kokoshniki were introduced in the treatment of the roof. This element, similar in outline to the popular Russian bochka roof (pointed on top, with the sides forming a continuous double…
Read More
A third church, the modest Annunciation Cathedral (1484–89), with its warm beauty, was the work of Pskov architects. There the kokoshniki were introduced in the treatment of the roof. This element, similar in outline to the popular Russian bochka roof (pointed on top, with the sides forming a continuous double…
Read More