Cathedral of the Annunciation
Religious Site Kremlin cathedral with gilded domes and iconostasis
The Cathedral of the Annunciation in the Moscow Kremlin is a 15th‑century Orthodox church famed for its gilded domes and iconostasis. Tourists on Kremlin tours pause for frescoes, historic icons and the adjacent cathedrals’ ensemble.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation is a Russian Orthodox cathedral inside the Moscow Kremlin, completed in the late 15th century (1484-1489). It served as the private chapel of the Muscovite grand princes and later the tsars.
The interior is notable for its multi-tiered iconostasis and numerous historic icons and frescoes that illustrate Orthodox liturgical themes. Visitors typically view the cathedral as part of the cluster of Kremlin churches on Cathedral Square, where several closely spaced medieval cathedrals sit side by side.
Construction was carried out in the 1480s during the final phases of medieval Kremlin rebuilding; the building retained its ecclesiastical role through the imperial period and survived the Soviet era with much of its decoration preserved. Over time the cathedral received additions and decorative programs from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
The cathedral stands on Cathedral Square within the Kremlin in central Moscow, adjacent to the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and near the Kremlin walls and Red Square.
- Location tip: Located on Cathedral Square in the Moscow Kremlin, next to the Ivan the Great Bell Tower; combine a visit with other Kremlin cathedrals for a single-ticket route.
- Interior highlights: Interior contains a multi-tiered iconostasis and extensive 15th- and 16th-century icons and frescoes; photography is often restricted, so check signage on entry.
How to Get to Cathedral of the Annunciation #
The Cathedral of the Annunciation is inside the Moscow Kremlin complex, adjacent to Red Square. Take the Moscow Metro to the Aleksandrovsky Sad/Arbatskaya/Borovitskaya/Okhotny Ryad cluster (stations serving the Kremlin), then walk a few minutes to the Kremlin entrance; once inside the Kremlin the cathedral is reached on foot from the main visitor routes. Note that access requires purchasing Kremlin admission and following the official entrance procedures.
Tips for Visiting Cathedral of the Annunciation #
- See the Cathedral of the Annunciation as part of a Kremlin visit and buy your Kremlin ticket in advance - cathedral access is included with museum tickets and separate queues (Kremlin vs Armoury) can form during peak times.
- Arrive early when the Kremlin gates open to avoid the largest tour-group crowds on Cathedral Square; late afternoon visits are quieter but check museum closing times.
- Allow time to study the cathedral's interior iconography and iconostasis - much of the significance is in the wall paintings and icons that visitors often miss when moving quickly between multiple Kremlin churches.
Best Time to Visit Cathedral of the Annunciation #
For fewer crowds and comfortable conditions combine shoulder months (Apr-May or Sep-Oct); summer brings the most tourists and winter the fewest.
Weather & Climate near Cathedral of the Annunciation #
Cathedral of the Annunciation's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (697 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 89 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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