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The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (Russian: Собо́р Васи́лия Блаже́нного, tr. Sobór Vasíliya Blazhénnogo), commonly known as Saint Basil's Cathedral, is an Orthodox church in Red Square of Moscow, and is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia.
- Active
- Russian Orthodox Church
- 12 July 1561; 462 years ago
- State Historical Museum with church services since 1991
Nov 24, 2020 · St Basil’s Cathedral is a 16th century ecclesiastical creation of Ivan the Terrible, built to celebrate his military victory in the Russo-Kazan Wars. It has a striking exterior of red brick and onion domes, and a colourful interior with several chapels and a tomb of a Russian saint. Learn more about its history, design, and significance.
- Sarah Roller
- IT WAS BUILT BY IVAN THE TERRIBLE. The first Tsar of Russia, Ivan Vasilyevich—also known as Ivan Grozny (a nickname meaning “sparking terror or fear,” or "stern"), Ivan IV, and the Grand Prince of Moscow—ordered the construction of the cathedral in 1554.
- THE CATHEDRAL WAS CONSTRUCTED IN HONOR OF A MILITARY CONQUEST. Ivan’s goal of military dominance over a central Russian state led to numerous conflicts during his reign.
- IVAN ALLEGEDLY BLINDED THE CATHEDRAL'S ARCHITECT. Stories and myths abound of Ivan’s raging temper, one of which involves him purposefully blinding the cathedral’s (unnamed) Italian architect so that its design could never be replicated.
- MANY NAMES HAVE GRACED THE CATHEDRAL. Dedicated to the protection of the Virgin Mary, the church is officially known as the Church of the Intercession, or the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat.
Jan 17, 2022 · Learn about the origins, features and significance of the iconic church on Red Square, built by Ivan the Terrible in 1561. Explore its nine chapels, the chapel of St. Basil, the basement treasury and the secret staircase to the tallest spire.
Visit the symbol of Russia and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Ivan the Terrible in 1555-1561. Explore the 10 churches, frescoes, icons, relics and the museum of the Patriotic War of 1812.
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Dec 1, 2020 · Today, Saint Basil’s, officially known as Pokrovsky Cathedral, stands as a series of red brick chapels encircling the largest, central form. Each chapel is topped with a vibrantly colored...
Aug 30, 2021 · Learn about the origins, features, and significance of the colorful church in Moscow's Red Square. Discover how St. Basil's blends Russian, Byzantine, and Asian influences, and how it survived fire, secularization, and Stalin's threat.