The Spaso-Transfiguration Church is the cathedral of the Spaso-Pesotsky Monastery, which was joined to the Yakovlevsky Monastery in 1765. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Rostov.

The Spaso-Pesotsky Monastery was founded in the mid-13th century by Princess Maria. In March 1238, it participated in the battle on the Sit River, where the Russian troops were defeated by the Tatars. The prince was captured and, refusing to fight on the enemy's side, was killed. Left with two small sons, the young widow took control of the principality and ruled until her children came of age.

In memory of her husband, Princess Maria built the Transfiguration Church on the outskirts of Rostov and established a monastery here. Her name is associated with the continuation of local chronicles, and she is considered the author of chronicle texts about the martyr princes Vasilyko of Rostov and Mikhail of Chernigov.

The death of her husband was not the only trial for Princess Maria. In 1246, her guardian, boyar Fyodor, and her father, Prince Mikhail of Chernigov, were tortured in the Horde and were later canonized by the Russian Church. Prince Vasilyko was also canonized along with his cousin Alexander Nevsky and his nephew Roman of Uglich. The church honors the younger son of Prince Vasilyko and Princess Maria, Prince Gleb of Belozersk, who founded the Spaso-Kamen Monastery on Lake Kuben, and her sister, the venerable Euphrosinia of Suzdal. The current building of the cathedral was constructed in the 17th century on the site of the previous wooden one. Here lie the remains of Princess Maria and her son Prince Gleb of Belozersk, as well as the abbot of the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, Bishop Amphilochius, a well-known scholar and collector of ancient manuscripts.

In the late 1870s, a church dedicated to St. Sergius of Radonezh was established in the basement of the Spaso Church. The idea for its creation belonged to Archimandrite Hilarion, and the funds for construction were donated by peasant Ivan Alekseevich Rulev. On October 4, 1887, the Sergius Church was consecrated by Archbishop Ionafan. The Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery acquired an altar consecrated in honor of one of the most revered saints of Ancient Rus. Amphilochius, a well-known researcher of Slavic and Greek archeography and paleography, left many works on philology and history. He was a member of various historical and archaeological societies and an honorary member of spiritual academies. It was under Bishop Amphilochius that the Spaso Church was decorated with scenes from the Apocalypse.

During the Soviet era, the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery was abolished, and the Spaso Church fell into disrepair, possibly used as a warehouse or for economic needs.

The revival of the Spaso Church began with the restoration of the monastery. Major restoration work was carried out in 2008-2009. By 2009, when the 300th anniversary of the death of St. Dimitry of Rostov was celebrated, the Spaso Church was completely renewed.

Heating was installed in the building, warm floors were arranged on both floors, and modern electrical wiring was conducted. Losses in the masonry were restored, cracks were filled with mortar, and iron ties were strengthened. The old plaster was replaced with new, the church was whitewashed, and the domes and roofs were painted. Window frames were replaced, broken windows and doors were bricked up, and a new entrance was arranged on the west side with a stone porch.

Restoration was also needed for the first floor, where it is planned to renew the Sergius Church, and the upper floor, where the altar of the Merciful Savior is consecrated.

The consecration of the Spaso Church took place on August 14, 2009, by Archbishop Kirill. After many years of neglect, the first Divine Liturgy was held here. In 2018, an exhibition about Metropolitan Dimitry of Rostov took place in the church. The church, usually closed, was opened to visitors, and tours were conducted, telling about the history, architecture, and paintings, as well as outstanding personalities associated with it.