The beautiful Blue and Golden Domes of the main church, Assumption Cathedral, in the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius looks very impressive. This Cathedral was built at the end of 16th century (1559-1585) by the order of Ivan Terrible. The church follows the forms of the Assumption Cathedral of Moscow Kremlin which was a symbol of the state power.
Nowadays the monastery (Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius ) carries the name of Lavra that translating from Greece means "main and most important monastery". There are four lavras in Russia, but the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (full name) is considered to be "Russian Vatican" and besides our patriarch's temporary residence is situated there.