The Cathedral of the Annunciation, located in the southern part of Cathedral Square on Borovitsky Hill, is one of the oldest and most significant monuments of art in the Moscow Kremlin.

Built between 1484 and 1489 during the reign of Grand Prince Ivan III, the cathedral holds a special place in the history of Russian architecture. Although most of the buildings of Ivan III's new residence were constructed by Italian architects, the Cathedral of the Annunciation stands out as an exceptional example of domestic architectural tradition, created by Pskov masters, as chronicled in historical records.

For centuries, the cathedral served as the home church for Russian grand princes and tsars. In documents from the 16th and 17th centuries, it is referred to as the "temple at the sovereign's court," "in the halls," and "in the transitions," as it was part of the grand princely and later tsarist palace complex, consisting of separate chambers. The cathedral housed sacred relics: relics, revered icons, ancient books, and precious vessels. The head of the cathedral traditionally served as the spiritual advisor to the tsar. Family ceremonies were held here: the baptism of royal children, weddings, and the celebration of name days.

After the 1917 revolution, the cathedral was closed. In 1918, museums were organized in the Kremlin, and further efforts were directed towards the study, restoration, and preservation of the cathedral and its artworks.

In 1989, the cathedral celebrated its 500th anniversary. An exhibition of icons and church items related to its history opened in the southern gallery.

Since 1993, services have resumed in the cathedral on the Feast of the Annunciation, conducted by the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus.