Cathedral of the Archangel

About museum

The Cathedral of the Archangel 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, and the project was designed by the Italian architect Aleviz Novy. It became a distinctive monument within the unified ensemble of Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin. This was a time of the unification of the Russian lands, which finally freed themselves from the Mongol-Tatar yoke, leading to a rise in the international prestige of the Moscow state. The Cathedral of the Archangel was dedicated to the Archangel Michael and became the main princely church. The grand princes came here to pray before going to war and to beseech spiritual strength for their deeds. Oaths of allegiance to the grand prince were sworn here, and processions took place after the coronation ceremony. In 2008 the Cathedral of the Archangel celebrated its 500th anniversary, but its history goes back to even earlier times.