The Transfiguration Monastery is considered the heart of the historical center of Yaroslavl. But the heart of the monastery itself, no doubt, is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Built simultaneously with the monastery, by order of Prince Constantine, it was mentioned in 1224.
The temple was the spiritual and ideological core of the new specific principality — Yaroslavl. Alas, we will never know what the temple looked like: in the 16th century there was a strong fire in the monastery. The pillars of the cathedral failed and the walls collapsed. The building that was built in its place exactly repeated the original architectural form, but the appearance was already different.
The importance of the cathedral is emphasized by the fact that it was built not by local, but by Moscow masters. Yaroslavl princes did not want to lag behind Moscow in anything.
After the annexation of the principality to Muscovy, the importance of the cathedral did not lose. Princes and kings always gave him money and privileges. This did not play into the hands of the cathedral as an architectural monument: it was constantly rebuilt. By the middle of the 19th century, the building had completely lost its original appearance. However, in the early 20th century, the restoration of the ancient temple began. Restoration work continued until the 60s of the last century. Now we see the cathedral as it was in 1516, the year of its completion.
On a powerful subclete stands a classic cross-domed building on 4 pillars. Podklet served as the burial place of the Yaroslavl princes. And famous citizens were buried in the monastery cemetery. The cathedral was not painted at once and the masters of Moscow and Yaroslavl did it. They signed their work on pillars. Thanks to these signatures, the first Yaroslavl artists became known — the Sidorov brothers, Athanasius and Dementi.
Part of the frescoes of the cathedral were lost during numerous reconstructions, part has changed beyond recognition due to constant updates. As a result of restoration works in 1984-96, most of them were restored.
Currently, the cathedral is part of the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve. It is open for visits from April to October. Divine services are held in exceptional cases.
Charitable Foundation Holy Land
Russian Temples and Monasteries
