Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir

Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral Vladimir 2016-06-23 6402

Dormition Cathedral
Успенский собор
Location	Vladimir, Russia
Country	Russia
Denomination	Russian Orthodox Church
History
Status	Cathedral
Architecture
Architect(s)	Unknown
Style	Russian
Groundbreaking	1158
Specifications
Capacity	5,000
Length	56 m
Width	30 m
Height	32.3 m

The Dormition Cathedral (Russian: Успенский собор ) is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Vladimir, Russia. It is one of the most significant and well-preserved examples of Russian architecture from the 12th century. The cathedral is part of the White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

History

The Dormition Cathedral was commissioned by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1158 and completed in 1160. It was intended to be the main church of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir and served as a model for the Dormition Cathedral in Moscow. The cathedral was consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Theotokos, a major feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Architecture

The cathedral is a prime example of Russian ecclesiastical architecture from the pre-Mongol period. It features a cruciform plan with a central dome and four smaller domes. The exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings and frescoes, many of which were created by the famous iconographer Andrei Rublev in the early 15th century.

Interior

The interior of the Dormition Cathedral is equally impressive, with a large central nave and side aisles. The walls and ceilings are covered with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. The iconostasis, a screen decorated with icons, is a masterpiece of Russian religious art.

Significance

The Dormition Cathedral played a crucial role in the religious and political life of medieval Russia. It was the site of the coronation of several Grand Princes of Vladimir and served as the burial place for many of them. The cathedral's architectural style influenced many other churches in Russia, including the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Cathedral of the Archangel in the Moscow Kremlin.

Preservation

The Dormition Cathedral has undergone several restorations over the centuries, particularly after suffering damage during the Mongol invasion of Rus' in the 13th century and a fire in the 15th century. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction.

See also

• White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal
• Andrei Rublev
• Russian architecture
• Dormition of the Theotokos