This 19th century lithography depicts the Kazan Annunciation Cathedral with a five-tier belfry and cathedral buildings. The cathedral itself was built by two Pskov architects, Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shiryayev, under the Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s order between 1555 and 1562. From the completion date till 1918, the Annunciation Cathedral was the principal cathedral of the Kazan diocese.

The Kazan diocese was set up in 1555. Its first elected head and archbishop was Gury (in the world, Grigory Rugotin). The construction of the Annunciation Cathedral was completed successfully, largely due to his efforts. Under Gury’s leadership, the Annunciation Cathedral became the archbishop’s see; following his instructions, a few monasteries and more than 10 churches were erected in the diocese.

In the 16th-17th centuries, the cathedral interior was decorated with frescoes. By the middle of the 18th century, a 50 m high belfry was built near the cathedral on which a 24.5 tonne bell was mounted. In the 19th century, a high church porch was added as well as a gallery which connected the cathedral and the archbishop’s house. A rich vestry was arranged, too, to keep the cathedral objects of worship, ceremonial dress with gemstone trimmings, special gifts from monarchs and prominent citizens.

Turnerelli arrived in Kazan in 1837 and spent seven years there. He read English at Kazan university and was part of the high life of Kazan: he attended receptions, balls, and theatre performances. During his stay in Kazan, Turnerelli made sketches of the local sites of interest and records of everyday life.

The Kazan views drawn from nature by Edward Tracy Turnerelli. 1839 were published in London in 1839. The author presented a copy of his album to Grand Prince Alexander Nikolayevich, the heir to the throne, who returned the favour by writing a letter and giving him a diamond ring. Edward Turnerelli asked the university to mention the fact in his work record. A few years later, the artist published a book, Kazan and its inhabitants, based on his written observations. The book aroused indignation of the citizens, and Turnerelli was sacked from the university in 1944 and left Kazan.