Cathedral of the Annunciation, Orthodox cathedral in Moscow Kremlin, Russia
The Cathedral of the Annunciation is an Orthodox place of worship built from brick with five gilded domes in the Moscow Kremlin. The interior walls carry detailed religious paintings dating from different periods of the Russian medieval era.
Builders from Pskov erected the structure in 1489 on the orders of Ivan III as the personal church of the ruling family. Later in the 16th century, additional chapels and a bell tower were added to meet the growing needs of the court.
The building takes its name from the Annunciation feast day and served Russian rulers for baptisms, weddings, and private worship during the tsarist period. Visitors today can still view wall paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries depicting biblical scenes in traditional style.
Access is available only as part of a visit to the Kremlin Museums, with religious ceremonies taking place once a year on the Feast of the Annunciation. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the approach includes paved walkways and some steps.
The floor consists of flint pieces with agate and jasper inlays that Ivan the Terrible had brought here from Rostov. This rare floor construction was believed at the time to have protective and healing effects.
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