Sergiev Posad
The city grew up around the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra Monastery, established around 1340 by St. Sergius of Radonezh . This monastery has been the single most important spiritual center in Russia for well over 600 years, and today is a working monastery, Seminary, Theological Academy and place of pilgrimage.
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.
Assumption Cathedral, Sergiev Posad
Note: These Moscow Photos are to help you familiarize yourself with Moscow's Sightseeing and my services. The photos in my albums are protected by international copyright law. You may keep my photos in your personal albums or, you may use these images as personal wallpaper on your computer, but, they are not for distribution (commercial or non-profit). If you would like to buy a specific photo, feel free to make your request via E-mail. I do hope you enjoy my work as photographer. Many of these photos were taken during excursions with my clients. You can find my pictures in Internet under nickname "ArtLook" (short from Arthur Lookyanov) at the follow websites:
Moscow, Russia 
Contact: Arthur Lookyanov