Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

One of the world's infamous buildings, St Basil's Orthodox Cathedral remains a fascinating visit.

Ever since it was finished in 1561 (1555-1561), St Basil's Cathedral has remained one of Moscow's most striking symbols. Whether it is considered as a fantastic structure, glorious in its colour and size, or as an interesting architectural peculiarity, Moscow's main cathedral is to be marvelled at.

The cathedral was commissioned (the identity of the architect is unknown) to mark Ivan the Terrible's successful campaign against the Tartars, an event signified by the buildings themselves. The cathedral consists of nine individual churches (the ninth church was erected in 1588), each resembling one of the saints on whose feast days the Tartars were defeated. The individual churches are all linked together by the central belfry, giving the entire site the name St Basil's Cathedral.

Within the cathedral complex is a branch of the State History Museum - and Russia is certainly a state with a fascinating history. As well as the story of the cathedral, the museum also depicts the rise of the Russian army, together with the rather gruesome selection of early instruments of war. However, the museum moves from the horrors of war to the delights of knitting, as 16th and 17th Century embroidery and fabrics are also displayed.

Considered an allegory of the Temple of Jerusalem, St Basil's cathedral rises out of the famous Red Square and is well worth a visit. In one trip, you can be awed not only by the building, but also the wealth of history that the city and its country holds.

Saint Basil's Cathedral

Red Square, Moscow, Russia, 109012

Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

Temporarily Closed !

Opening Hours

Monday:
11:00 - 17:00
Tuesday:
11:00 - 17:00
Wednesday:
11:00 - 17:00
Thursday:
11:00 - 17:00
Friday:
11:00 - 17:00
Saturday:
11:00 - 17:00
Sunday:
11:00 - 17:00
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