The main attraction of the city of Smolensk is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which rightfully can be called the heart of Smolensk and its visiting card. The foundation date of the cathedral is 1001, when Vladimir Monomakh made the first stone of the cathedral in honor of the Assumption of the Mother of God. The cathedral became the first monument of monumental architecture, located on the territory of Smolensk. The Holy Dormition Cathedral is in Smolensk in such a way that it can be seen from anywhere in the city.
History of the Assumption Cathedral
For more than five centuries in a row the cathedral stood unchanged. But in 1611 the city began to besiege the Poles. Defenders of the fortress did not want to go into captivity of the enemy and, being among the walls of the cathedral, blew themselves up along with the advancing army of the enemy. The Poles decided to build a church on the site of the burnt cathedral. Smolensk princes and shrines were buried under the remaining wreckage. Fragments of the blasted Holy Dormition Cathedral were discovered during archaeological excavations.
After Smolensk was liberated, Smolensk began to build a new cathedral, which began in 1677 and lasted almost a century, until 1772. The Moscow master of stone affairs Alexey Korolkov supervised the erection of the church. He built it according to his plan and estimate, which he kept in his head. But soon one of the walls collapsed and the building was frozen. For many years the Assumption Cathedral was unfinished. Korolkov died and took with him to the grave the planned plan for the construction of the Assumption Cathedral. The case was entrusted to the Kiev architect A. Shedel, who eventually completed the Smolensk cathedral, slightly modifying it. However, again the cathedral did not last long: due to constant changes in the project and the change of architects, the central and western heads of the cathedral collapsed. And only in 1767-1772 the top was restored.
Until 1941 in the Assumption Cathedral there was a prototype of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God "Odigitriya". However, after the German troops began to attack, the image disappeared in an unknown direction.
Also in the Uspenskoy cathedral are other shrines, to which pilgrims from all over the world are drawn:
- Shroud "The situation in the coffin", which was created in 1561 in the workshop of Princess Staritskaya, who was the aunt of Ivan the Terrible;
- the crucifixion of the work of V.M. Vasnetsov;
- five-carved gilded iconostasis;
- the power of Mercury of Smolensk.
The cathedral survived, despite the time and wars, through which it was necessary to go through Smolensk.
The present Uspensky Cathedral was built just to the north of its previous location.
The cathedral's area is more than 2000 square meters, the height of the walls is 70 meters. Interior decoration combines ancient Russian architecture and baroque of the 18th century. In the north-western corner of the cathedral was built a bell tower, which includes the remains of the bell tower of the 17th century.
In 2008-2009 the Cathedral was restored: the bells and colors were returned to him.
In 2010, the iconostasis of the cathedral was illuminated by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
The Holy Dormition Cathedral in Smolensk has the following address: Russia, Smolensk region, the city of Smolensk, Soborny Dvor street, house 5. When you visit the cathedral, do not forget about the rules of conduct in holy places.
The Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk is one of the largest in the territory of the Russian Federation. Going to a wonderful city on the Dnieper, do not forget to visit this majestic architectural monument, which houses the famous shrines, and to this day there are divine services. You will be amazed at the beauty of its interior and the power of appearance.