Church of the Holy Mandylion at Andronikov Monastery

The Church of the Holy Mandylion is a stone structure with white walls, narrow windows topped by pointed arches, and a single dome set atop a stepped cylindrical drum. The building has a compact footprint and vertical proportions that mark early Moscow church design.

Construction took place between 1410 and 1427, making this the oldest preserved stone church in Moscow. The structure reflects a transitional period when Russian architecture began shifting from Byzantine influences toward local building traditions.

The name refers to the holy Mandylion, a revered cloth bearing Christ's image from Byzantine tradition. Inside, remnants of wall paintings near the altar windows show the artistic quality that once filled this sacred space.

The building is part of the Andrei Rublev Museum of Ancient Russian Art and can be visited during museum hours. Regular church services are held, so access may be limited during worship times.

The church was closely connected to the renowned icon painter Andrei Rublev, whose works once decorated its walls and shaped the region's art history. Today it remains a testament to this artistic link and draws visitors interested in exploring its place in Russian artistic tradition.

Location: Tagansky District

Inception: 1420

Part of: Andronikov Monastery

GPS coordinates: 55.74917,37.67083

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25