The five row, 16 meter (52 ft) high iconostasis dates from 1652. Repousse silver gilt frames were added in 1881.
Most of the icons are copies, the originals being in the Tretyakov Gallery, but a few, particularly on the lowest level are original.

At door level are the icon of the Savior with the fiery or severe eye (14thc.), the Dormition of the Virgin, and a copy of the old testament Trinity. To the left of the Royal Door is a copy of the revered Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. The original which is in the Tretyakov Gallery was brought from Vladimir to Moscow in 1395 by Vasili I.
Metropolitan Pyotr, with sixteen scenes from his life painted by Dionysius, (c. 1480), honors the prelate who transfered Metropolitanate from Vladimir to Moscow.
Other famous icons include two icons painted in Novgorod during the 12th century, St. George, and The Savior Enthroned.

To the left of the south doorway, is the throne of Monomakh. The throne is built from walnut and lime, and is a magnificent example of Russian woodcarving.
The throne was built in 1551 for Ivan IV (the Terrible), and is thus named because it is elaborately decorated with carvings depicting the presentation of the byzantine imperial insignia by the emperor Constantine IX Monomachus to Grand Prince Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125) of Kiev, who married the emperor's sister, thus symbolizing the transfer of byzantine imperial authority to Russia. The throne also depicts the presentation of the cap of Monomakh. The throne is covered with an elaborate tent-roofed canopy resembling the ones on the tent-roofed cathedrals, with tiers of kokoshniki and steep gables, and topped with a double-headed eagle. Four sculptured beasts act as feet.

The roofed Patriarch's Throne is decorated with carved flowers, and stands against the southeast pillar.

Along the north and south walls of the cathedral are the Tombs of Metropolitans and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church. The only ones missing are Patriarch Nikon who is buried in New Jerusalum Monastery, and Tikhon and Alexei I, two Patriarchs of Soviet times.
The Metropolitan, Peter (co-founder of the cathedral), and his successor are buried in the southern chapel.
The Tomb of Metropolitan Iov is in the Northwest corner. It is topped with a gold and silver arch, above which hangs the icon of Metropolitan peter, the first Moscow Metropolitan.
The last patriarch was Adrian (1690-1700), after who's death Peter the Great left the Patriarchical throne vacant, establishing instead, (in 1721), the Holy Ruling Synod, as the Church's highest authority. The Patriarchical Constitution was restored by the Soviet Government, and On November 5 1917, Tikhon, Metropolitan of Moscow, was chosen by lot, to be Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The gilt-bronze tabernacle in the south-west corner of the church, with a tent-roofed canopy borne on ogee arches, contains the remains of Patriarch Hermogenes 1606-12. During the Polish occupation he was imprisoned by the poles for opposing them. He died in prison.

In 1812 the cathedral was occupied by Napoleon's Army, who used some of the icons for firewood, and tried to carry off some 250 kg (550 pounds) of gold and five tons of silver. Most of it was abandoned during their retreat and was recovered and returned to the cathedral.

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