In the early 16th century the Alexandrov Settlement on the road from Moscow to Yaroslavl was a country residence of the grand princes of Russia.
The unique record of Alexandrov hardly has any analogue in old Russian history. In the 1560-70s, Tsar Ivan IV "the Terrible" virtually turned this small settlement into the capital of Russia. It was done as a move in his struggle against the powerful boyars whom he tried to bring under subjection. In the 17th century a monastery was established near the village.
The first stone building appeared here in the time of Vasiliy III. By the order of the Prince the Cathedral of the Intercession was raised in 1513. Later it was to become the architectural center of the monastery. The church, re-consecrated subsequently as the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, is large and stately, with a massive drum and a dome shaped like a helmet. Each entrance has a portal richly adorned with carving. The interior was originally frescoed in the mid-16th century. Now the old murals are hidden from view by a layer of more recent painting done in the 19th century. A work, which merits special attention, is St Basil's Gate in the south portal.
The second monumental edifice, which, together with the cathedral, dominates the ensemble of the monastery, is the tower of the church-belfry (early 16th century).
North-east of the cathedral stands another notable building - the Church of the Trinity (now the Church of Intercession). A peculiar silhouette of a small conic steeple rises over its eastern part. The main body was built in the 1560-80s.
Created in different historical periods, the monuments of Alexandrov form an interesting and original ensemble.