Saint Basil’s Cathedral is a historic Orthodox cathedral located in Moscow, the capital of Russia, on the famous Red Square, and is one of the country’s most recognized structures. It was built between 1555 and 1561 by Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) to commemorate the victory over the Kazan Khanate. The cathedral is notable for its differently colored domes and extraordinary architecture. Combining traditional Russian architecture with Byzantine influences, the structure consists of eight small churches arranged around a central church.
Although popularly known as “Saint Basil’s,” its official name is the “Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat.” However, it became famous under the name of Basil due to the respect for Basil, a saint who lived in Moscow. In 1990, Saint Basil’s Cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and today serves as a museum, visited by millions of tourists each year. Its colorful domes and unique design have made it one of the most iconic structures not only in Moscow but also in the world.
Where is Saint Basil’s Cathedral located?
Saint Basil’s Cathedral is located in Red Square, Moscow, the capital of Russia. The full address of the cathedral is: Red Square 7, Moscow 109012, Russia. This iconic structure is one of Moscow’s most recognized symbols, standing out with its colorful and onion-shaped domes.
The cathedral was built between 1555 and 1561 by Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) to commemorate the victory over the Kazan Khanate. It consists of a total of nine chapels, with eight domes each symbolizing a different victory and a central church. With its colorful domes and unique architecture, the cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to visitors today as a museum.
Located at the center of Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral is surrounded by other significant historical structures such as the Kremlin Palace and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Therefore, it is in a very accessible location for those who wish to visit the cathedral.
When and by whom was Saint Basil’s Cathedral built?
Saint Basil’s Cathedral was built between 1555 and 1561 by Russian Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible).
The cathedral was constructed to commemorate the Tsar’s victories over the Kazan and Astrakhan Khanates. Designed by master builders Postnik Yakovlev and Barma, the structure is considered one of the most striking examples of Russian Orthodox architecture.
Why was Saint Basil’s Cathedral built?
Saint Basil’s Cathedral was built to commemorate Tsar Ivan IV’s (Ivan the Terrible) victory over the Kazan Khanate in 1552.
The cathedral was constructed to celebrate this significant victory and to offer thanks to God, while also symbolizing Moscow’s power and religious authority.
What are the architectural features of Saint Basil’s Cathedral?
Saint Basil’s Cathedral is an architectural structure unlike any other in the world. The cathedral consists of eight independent chapels arranged around a central main church, forming a layout that resembles the shape of a star. Each chapel is dedicated to the memory of a victory in battle and is crowned with onion-shaped domes in different colors. Each dome is decorated with different patterns, vibrant colors, and unique ornaments. The overall design of the structure combines traditional Russian architecture with Byzantine influences, giving it a unique and iconic appearance.
Inside, there are narrow corridors, small prayer rooms, and chapels adorned with frescoes. While the interior decorations create a more modest and mystical atmosphere, the exterior is quite colorful and dynamic. The structure was built using stone and brick materials, and the height of the towers and domes gives the building a dramatic silhouette. The architecture of Saint Basil’s Cathedral not only carries religious significance but also symbolizes Russia’s artistic and cultural richness.
How much is the entrance fee for Saint Basil’s Cathedral?
If you are planning to visit Saint Basil’s Cathedral, it is important to access up-to-date information about entrance fees and visiting hours. However, there are inconsistencies among different sources regarding the fees. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain the most accurate and current information from the official website or directly through the cathedral’s communication channels.
Entrance Fees (For Informational Purposes):
- Adults: May vary between 700–1,000 RUB.
- Students (ages 16–18): 150 RUB.
- Children aged 7–17: 1,000 RUB.
- Children under 7: Free.
Visiting Hours:
- Summer Season (May 15 – October 31): Every day from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Winter Season (November 1 – May 14): Every day from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the closing time.
When is the best time to visit Saint Basil’s Cathedral?
The best time to visit Saint Basil’s Cathedral is generally during the spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) months.
During these periods, the weather in Moscow is mild, sunny, and more suitable for sightseeing; also, compared to the busy summer months, the environment is calmer.
In winter (especially between December and February), the cathedral is covered in snow, offering enchanting scenes for photography; however, spending time outdoors can be challenging due to the cold weather. In the summer months (June–August), the weather is warm but there is a very high tourist density.
Therefore, spring or autumn is preferred for a more comfortable visit.
Is the interior of Saint Basil’s Cathedral open to visitors?
Yes, the interior of Saint Basil’s Cathedral is open to visitors and can be toured. The cathedral has been serving as a museum since the mid-20th century. Its interior is notable for narrow corridors, small chapels, and walls adorned with religious frescoes. Visitors can see more than 400 artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries inside the cathedral.
Is Saint Basil’s Cathedral on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Yes, Saint Basil’s Cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990. The cathedral is listed as part of the Kremlin and Red Square ensemble in Moscow.
The cathedral was built between 1555 and 1561 by Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) to commemorate the victory over the Kazan Khanate. With its colorful and onion-shaped domes, the structure is one of the most original examples of Russian architecture. UNESCO’s decision was a major step toward the preservation of the cathedral and its transmission to future generations.
Today, Saint Basil’s Cathedral serves as a museum and is open to visitors. Its interior features narrow corridors, small chapels, and walls adorned with religious frescoes. Visitors can see more than 400 artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries inside the cathedral.
What are the most interesting features of Saint Basil’s Cathedral?
- Colorful Dome Design:
It is unique worldwide with its onion-shaped domes, each painted in different patterns and colors. Each dome represents a different chapel. - Star-Shaped Layout:
The cathedral was built with eight small chapels arranged in a star shape around the central main church. - Architectural Diversity:
The structure reflects a blend of Russian, Byzantine, and even Central Asian architectural influences. It is a stone and brick interpretation of traditional Russian wooden architecture. - Legendary Story:
According to a legend, Tsar Ivan IV had the cathedral’s architects blinded so that they could not create another masterpiece elsewhere (this information is not confirmed by historical sources). - Labyrinth-Like Interior:
The interior of the cathedral is much more complex than it appears from the outside, featuring narrow passages, small worship rooms, and hidden staircases. - Name Confusion:
Although its official name is the “Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat,” it is popularly known by the name of Saint Basil, who is believed to be buried there. - UNESCO Protection:
It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990 along with the Kremlin and Red Square.
What legends or stories are associated with Saint Basil’s Cathedral?
- Legend of the Architects Being Blinded:
According to the most famous legend, Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) had the architects of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Postnik Yakovlev and Barma, blinded after the cathedral’s completion so that they could not build anything as unique and beautiful elsewhere. However, historians have not been able to definitively prove the truth of this story; some sources indicate that the architect Postnik Yakovlev continued to work on other projects afterward. - Miracles of Saint Basil:
Saint Basil, after whom the cathedral is named, was regarded as a holy man by the people of Moscow. It was believed that Basil had the ability to foresee the future and perform miracles. According to legend, he would walk barefoot across Red Square, helping people and protecting Moscow from disasters. For this reason, he was highly revered after his death, and his tomb was placed inside the cathedral. - The Cathedral’s Ever-Changing Appearance:
Some stories tell that the cathedral’s domes would shine in different colors and change shapes every morning. This belief added a mystical interpretation among the people to the extraordinary use of color and architectural imagination of the structure.