St basil cathedral

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow is a 16th-century Russian architectural icon, built by order of Ivan the Terrible.

About this subject

Saint Basil's Cathedral, located in Moscow's Red Square, is one of Russia's most recognizable landmarks. It was built between 1555 and 1561 under the orders of Tsar Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, to commemorate the conquest of the Khanate of Kazan. Popular legend claims that Ivan blinded the architects Postnik Yakovlev and Barma so they could never create anything as beautiful again, but historians dispute this, noting that the same architects later worked on other projects.

The cathedral is not a single church but a complex of nine interconnected chapels, each with a uniquely colored and decorated dome. The central structure is surrounded by eight smaller chapels representing the eight assaults on Kazan. The vibrant colors and geometric patterns of the domes, often compared to scoops of ice cream or candle flames, were not part of the original design, the walls were initially white and the domes golden, acquiring their current hues only in the 17th century.

During the Soviet era, the cathedral was closed for worship and nearly demolished on Stalin's orders, who considered it an obstacle to military parades. Fortunately, intervention by intellectuals and historians saved the monument, which today functions as a state museum. In 1990, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Red Square ensemble. The cathedral has also inspired literary and cinematic works, such as Eisenstein's film 'Battleship Potemkin'.

The architecture of the cathedral fuses Byzantine, Russian, and possibly Asian influences, reflecting Russia's cultural diversity in the 16th century. Its asymmetrical form and bright colors make it a unique example of Orthodox religious architecture, attracting millions of visitors annually. Despite being widely known as Saint Basil's Cathedral, its official name is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the name 'Saint Basil's Cathedral'?

The popular name comes from Saint Basil the Blessed, a 'holy fool for Christ' who lived in Moscow in the 16th century. He was buried near the site where the cathedral was built, and a chapel was dedicated to him.

Was the cathedral ever threatened with demolition?

Yes, during Stalin's rule, the cathedral was considered an obstacle to military parades and nearly demolished. Intervention by historians and intellectuals, such as architect Pyotr Baranovsky, saved the monument.

How many domes does the cathedral have, and what do they represent?

The cathedral has 10 domes in total: 9 over the chapels and 1 over the bell tower. The eight domes surrounding the central chapel represent the eight assaults on Kazan during Ivan the Terrible's campaign.