The St. Basils Cathedral Russia

St. Basil's Cathedral, located on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the country. The cathedral was built in the 16th century and has been attracting tourists from all over the world ever since.

St. Basil's Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat. This name comes from the fact that the cathedral was built on a moat, which surrounded the Kremlin at the time.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan IV of Russia, also known as Ivan the Terrible. The legend says that after the cathedral was completed, Ivan ordered the architects to be blinded so that they would never be able to create anything as beautiful again.

St. Basil's Cathedral is a unique architectural masterpiece. It consists of nine chapels, each of them has its own dome and color scheme. The domes are shaped like onion bulbs, which is a typical feature of Russian church architecture.

The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior. The walls are covered with frescoes, icons, and other works of art. The cathedral has been through a lot in its long history. It was damaged by fires, earthquakes, and even wars. However, it was always restored and preserved.

Nowadays, St. Basil's Cathedral is not used for religious services anymore. It is a museum, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Visitors can explore the chapels, climb up to the gallery, and admire the stunning views of Moscow from the top.

St. Basil's Cathedral has a long and fascinating history. It is a witness of many important events that took place in Russia. Below are some of the most interesting facts about this remarkable building.

History

The construction of St. Basil's Cathedral began in 1555 and was completed in 1561. The cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of Ivan the Terrible over the Khanate of Kazan in 1552.

The architects of the cathedral are not known for sure. According to one legend, the cathedral was built by two Italian architects, Barma and Postnik. Another legend says that Ivan the Terrible ordered the architects to be blinded after the cathedral was completed so that they would never be able to create anything as beautiful again. These legends are not supported by any historical evidence.

In the 17th century, a small chapel was added to St. Basil's Cathedral to commemorate the victory of Russia over the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The chapel was built in the same style as the rest of the cathedral and has a separate entrance.

In the 18th century, the bell tower of the cathedral caught fire and collapsed. It was rebuilt in the 19th century, but in a different style than the original cathedral.

In the 19th century, St. Basil's Cathedral underwent a major restoration. The frescoes and icons were repainted, and the walls were reinforced.

In the early 20th century, St. Basil's Cathedral came under the threat of demolition. The Soviet government wanted to build a Palace of Soviets on the site of the cathedral. However, the project was never completed due to the outbreak of World War II.

During World War II, St. Basil's Cathedral was used as a shelter and a hospital. The cathedral was damaged by bombings, but it was quickly restored after the war.

In the 1990s, St. Basil's Cathedral underwent another major restoration. The exterior and interior were cleaned and restored to their original state. The cathedral was reopened to the public in 1991.

Travel Tips

If you are planning to visit St. Basil's Cathedral, here are some tips that might come in handy:

• St. Basil's Cathedral is open every day except for Tuesdays. The opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.
• The entrance fee for the cathedral is 500 rubles (about 7 USD). Students and children can get a discount.
• It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues at the ticket office.
• If you want to climb up to the gallery, be prepared for a steep and narrow staircase. The views from the top are worth it!
• Photography is allowed inside the cathedral, but the use of flash is prohibited.
• If you are interested in the history of St. Basil's Cathedral, it is recommended to hire a guide. The guides can tell you many fascinating stories and legends about the cathedral.
• St. Basil's Cathedral is located on the Red Square, which is the heart of Moscow. There are many other interesting sights and attractions nearby, such as the Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, and the GUM department store.

St. Basil's Cathedral is a true gem of Russian architecture and history. It is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Moscow. The cathedral's colorful domes and intricate design will leave you in awe. Make sure to include it in your travel itinerary and you won't regret it!

world-visits.blogspot.com -

world-visits.blogspot.com -

Share :