Rublyov Museum Of Early Russian Culture And Art

Lonely Planet review

On the grounds of the former Andronikov Monastery, the Rublyov Museum exhibits icons from the days of yore and from the present. Unfortunately, it does not include any work by its namesake artist. It is still worthwhile, not the least for its romantic location. Andrey Rublyov, the master of icon painting, was a monk here in the 15th century; he's buried in the grounds, but no-one knows quite where.

In the centre of the monastery grounds is the compact Saviour's Cathedral, built in 1427, the oldest stone building in Moscow. The posy of kokoshniki , or tiers of colourful tiles and brick patterns, is typical of Russian architecture from the era. To the left is the combined rectory and 17th-century Moscow-baroque Church of the Archangel Michael. To the right the old monks' quarters house the museum.