Archangel Cathedral

About museum

The Archangel Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin tells the story of the reign of Ivan III, the Grand Prince 'of all Rus'. It was built in 1505–1508 to a design by the Italian architect Aloisio the New (Aleviz Novy). It became a distinctive monument within the unified ensemble of the Kremlin's Cathedral Square. This was a time of consolidation of the Russian lands, which finally freed themselves from the Mongol–Tatar yoke, leading to an increase in the international prestige of the Muscovite state. The Archangel Cathedral was dedicated to the Archangel Michael and became the principal princely church. The grand princes came here to pray before war and to beseech spiritual strength for their deeds. Oaths of allegiance to the grand prince were taken here, and processions were held after the coronation ceremony. In 2008 the Archangel Cathedral celebrated its 500th anniversary, though its history dates back to even earlier times.