Saint Basil's Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture. Also called "Pokrovsky Cathedral" or "The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat", it is the most recognizable Russian building.
The cathedral stands on the Red Square, facing the Ivory Gate Chapel and was constructed from 1555 to 1561 by the order of Ivan IV ("Ivan the Terrible") in celebration of the defeat of Kazan, the last remaining grip of the Mongol Empire on European lands.
Historians claim that Ivan the Terrible blinded the architect after the construction was finished to prevent him from building another cathedral as magnificent as St. Basil's. Originally its sides were wooden but during the reign of Catherine II the Great the walls were reconstructed in the same stone seen today and covered in swirling colors and designs.
When the Bolsheviks came to power the Cathedral was closed, the bells melted, and its arch-priest killed. Moreover, once Stalin decided that it was an obstacle to his military parades. The demolition plan was prepared but the architect threatened that if the Cathedral was ruined, he would cut his throat on its steps.
Getting to Saint Basil's Cathedral
Saint Basil's Cathedral is located in Red Square. The nearest metro station is «Okhotny Ryad» (red line, 1).
- Saint Basil's Cathedral
