Dormition Cathedral
Успенский собор
A Baroque metropolitan cathedral on Cathedral Hill, with white and green walls, five golden domes, and a vast gilded iconostasis carved with intricate floral patterns that will leave you speechless.
The Dormition Cathedral was built between 1677 and 1740 on Cathedral Hill on the south bank of the Dnieper and is the most striking landmark in the city. The gilded wood-carved iconostasis inside, about 28 metres high, is considered the pinnacle of 18th-century Russian Baroque woodcarving. The cathedral also houses a copy of the Smolensk Mother of God icon, known as the Hodegetria. When Napoleon entered the city in 1812 he was reportedly so impressed by the cathedral that he ordered troops to protect it. Entry is free. Women should cover their heads and wear skirts, and visitors should avoid loud talk during services. The terrace in front of the cathedral offers views over the Dnieper and the northern part of the city.
Opening hours
About 07:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Smolensk Linen Museum
- Blonie Garden
- Avraamiev Monastery
- Veselukha Tower
- Smolensk Art Gallery
- Museum 'Smolensk Region in the Great Patriotic War'
- Smolensk Fortress Wall
- Gromovaya Tower (Smolensk – Shield of Russia Museum)