Before the revolution, this city on the Volga had a dual name, Romanov-Borisoglebsk. Until 1822, these were two separate cities: the ancient Romanov, founded in the mid-14th century by the Uglich prince Roman on the left bank of the Volga, and Borisoglebsk on the right.

The central part of the cathedral appears massive and calm, while the small cubic chapels adjoining it from the south and north are adorned with slender tents. The composition of the cathedral would be strictly symmetrical if it were not for the ornate tented bell tower attached to the northwestern corner. It adds dynamism and picturesque qualities to the ensemble, characteristic of ancient Russian architecture.

This complex and seemingly contradictory composition may suggest that it was created at different times. However, this is not the case: all the architecture dates back to the mid-18th century, and all contrasts are intentional and artistically conceived. The exception is the southern and western parts of the gallery, which were rebuilt in the 19th century in simplified classical forms.

The interior walls and vaults of the cathedral are completely painted, likely soon after its construction. Based on the style of the paintings, researchers suggest that the famous Kostroma masters Vasily Ilyin and Guriy Nikitin worked here.