Saint Basil's Cathedral Tourism

Saint Basil's Cathedral, known officially as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, is an iconic structure located in the Red Square of Moscow, Russia. Built between 1555 and 1561 under the orders of Ivan the Terrible, it commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. The cathedral amazes visitors with its vibrant, multi-colored domes and unique architecture that combine elements of the Renaissance with traditional Russian architectural styles. The cathedral was named after Saint Vasily (Basil) the Blessed, a Moscow resident known for his piety. It consists of nine individual chapels, each topped with a distinctively patterned onion dome. The building's interior is a labyrinth of galleries winding from chapel to chapel and decorated with frescoes and oil paintings. Despite its common misconception as a single church, it is actually a collection of multiple chapels, with the central church dedicated to the Feast of the Intercession. The cathedral is no longer an active religious institution but functions as a museum. It has survived fires, vandalism, and plans for demolition throughout its history, standing as a symbol of Russian architectural innovation and cultural heritage.