The modern appearance of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is the result of numerous reconstructions. The original white-stone temple, built by Andrei Bogolyubsky, existed from 1158 to 1722. The later version of the cathedral replicates the small rectangular four-pillar three-apse structure of the ancient building. The pillars of the current temple continue the tradition of ancient round columns painted to resemble marble.

The four-pillar square is topped with a cross-dome vault, the roof has four slopes and is crowned with an octagonal lantern drum topped with an onion dome on a round neck. The square is illuminated by a single tier of windows, with the middle window on the western wall positioned lower than the others. The architecture of the temple is characterized by simplicity and austerity, with decor including profiled cornices, corner pilasters, a drum frieze, simple linear window frames with triangular canopies, and a band of false windows at the upper part of the wall.

The church is built of white stone, with plastered and whitewashed facades. In the interior, on sections of the walls not occupied by murals, the white stone remains exposed. The Bogolyubovo Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is a valuable monument that combines elements of cult architecture from the 12th and 18th centuries and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In 2013-2014, restoration work was carried out on the roof, dome, cross, facades, and carpentry fillings.