Bulbous Domes of Assumption Cathedral Raising to the Skies

The grand six-pillared Assumption Cathedral was built in second the half of 16th century using the money commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1659 to commemorate successful military campaign of the first Russian Tsar against Tatars and taken Kazan-Khanate. It took 26 years to erect the cathedral that repeats in its basic proportions and constructions the Cathedral of the Dormition (Assumption) in the Moscow Kremlin, but its even bigger than its counterparts in Moscow and Vladimir. In the middle of 18th century the impressive domes crowning the cathedral acquired bulbous shapes and the drum of the central, predominate dome (dedicated to Christ) was raised over the overs and wholly covered with gilding, while the four corner ones (dedicated to Our Lady) were decorated with gilt stars on a dark blue background.

In front of the majestic cathedral of Assumption stands a beautiful Chapel over the Well that was built in the end of 17th century over the holy spring. Which was discovered during repair of the porch of the cathedral. Many pilgrims were cured by this water, and people took it to the sick to heal them. The first was a blind monk, whose eyesight returned due to this miracle-working water. The building of the chapel richly decorated in so-called "Moscow Baroque" style.

Photo #492 taken on June 08, 2014 during tour of Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiyev Posad with my Dear client from USA, Jan Squires.