The Pokrovsky Cathedral is the first stone structure of the Abrahamiev-Gorodetsky Monastery and the oldest of its surviving buildings. Its construction began in 1608 during the Time of Troubles by the promise of Tsar Vasily Shuisky and was completed 23 years later under Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich. The cathedral was consecrated in 1632. It was a single-story, quadrangular church with five domes and a refectory, serving as a summer temple. In winter, services were held in the warm church dedicated to the Nativity of Christ, which was built a little later, in the mid-17th century, and dismantled in the 19th century.

During the Soviet years, the Pokrovsky Cathedral suffered greatly: a machine and tractor station was located within its walls, and tractors were parked there. Today, the cathedral has been restored and was consecrated by Archbishop Alexander on August 1, 1992. Its appearance likely rivals that of the mid-19th century.