Panoramas: Uspensky Cathedral

Uspensky Cathedral, built in 1688-1696 in place of the earlier stone cathedral of the 15th century, combines traditional Russian architecture with elements of Moscow baroque. The cathedral of Smolensk Hodigitria was installed on the first level of a nine-level bell tower in 1495. Both the cathedral and the bell tower were blown up during the World War II. The founder of the monastery, Joseph Volotsky, was canonized after his death. His relics are stored in the Uspensky Cathedral.