St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, is one of the brightest and most famous architectural monuments in Moscow. It not only attracts tourists from all over the world but also deeply associates with Russian culture and history. This cathedral has become a symbol of Russia and its capital's architecture, and its images can be found in various corners of the world. There are many controversial myths and stories related to this building, including those about the fate of its creators, but its uniqueness and grandeur are impossible to ignore.

History of the Cathedral's Creation

The history of the cathedral is closely related to the conquest of the Kazan Khanate by Ivan the Terrible. In 1552, on the day of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, Russian troops achieved a decisive victory. In honor of this event, the tsar vowed to erect a majestic cathedral that would immortalize this significant date. The construction of the stone cathedral began in 1555 and was completed in 1561. On the site of the future cathedral stood the wooden Trinity Church, around which temporary churches were erected during the Kazan campaigns to commemorate the victories. After the final capture of Kazan, it was decided to unite these churches into a single stone ensemble.

Architects: The Mystery of the Ages

It is still not exactly known who created this architectural masterpiece. There are several versions:

• Barma and Postnik: The most common version is that the cathedral was built by Russian architects Ivan Barma and Postnik Yakovlev. However, some researchers believe that Barma and Postnik are the same person.
• Foreign Master: There is also a suggestion that the author of the project could have been an Italian or another European architect, as there are no direct analogs of St. Basil's Cathedral in ancient Russian architecture.

Architectural Design

St. Basil's Cathedral impresses with its unusual and complex architectural solution. It consists of nine separate churches, located on a common base – the undercroft. Eight churches are symmetrically arranged around the central church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. Each church is topped with a unique dome, varying in shape, color, and decoration.

• Central Church: The tallest and most massive, dedicated to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.
• Side Churches: Dedicated to saints whose feast days coincided with the days of key battles of the Kazan campaign.
• Undercroft: The lower floor of the cathedral, which previously served as a storage for the royal treasury and valuables.
• Bell Tower: Added later in the 17th century, it is an octagonal tower with a tented roof.

The exterior of the cathedral is characterized by bright colors and an abundance of decorative elements: arches, kokoshniks, drums, and tiles. All of this creates a unique and memorable image. The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as its exterior. The interiors of the churches differ in style, color schemes, and decoration. The walls are adorned with frescoes, icons, and paintings created in different historical periods. The main church features bright onion-shaped domes, which are the hallmark of the building. All decorative elements are made using unique architectural techniques not found in other buildings of that time.

• Iconostases: The cathedral features iconostases from the 16th-19th centuries, which are valuable examples of Russian icon painting.
• Frescoes: Fragments of 16th-century frescoes and later paintings are preserved on the walls.
• St. Basil's Church: Inside, there is a carved canopy over the saint's tomb.

The main iconostasis of the cathedral is an important part of its interior decoration. It was created in the late 19th century and is a massive structure with more than four hundred icons painted by famous Moscow and Novgorod masters. The iconostasis is decorated with images of saints and church events, as well as a depiction of St. Basil the Blessed.

Legends and Myths

One of the most famous myths about the cathedral is related to its creators. There is a belief that architects Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Barma were blinded by Ivan the Terrible’s order after he saw how beautiful the cathedral turned out and did not want anyone to build something similar. However, this is just a legend, and there is no confirmation that such events actually took place. There is also a theory that the cathedral was built by foreign architects, as its architectural style has no analogs in Russian architecture of that time. Another myth is associated with the name of St. Basil the Blessed. It is believed that he collected money for the construction of the cathedral and was such a respected person that his death became a significant event for the city. After his death, Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered his burial near the walls of the cathedral, and since then the cathedral has borne his name.

Tragic Moments

The cathedral has been on the brink of destruction several times. During World War II, the cathedral was damaged by shelling, but it was restored after the war. During the Soviet era, the cathedral faced threats of destruction, especially during the years when mass demonstrations and parades took place on Red Square. One of the major leaders of that time, Lazar Kaganovich, suggested demolishing the cathedral to free space for wider roads and squares. However, Stalin, seeing the value of this architectural masterpiece, ordered the cathedral to remain intact.

Architectural Significance

St. Basil's Cathedral is a unique example of 16th-century architecture. It not only reflects the style of that time but also serves as a cultural and historical symbol of Russia. Its unusual form and details became a model for many architects and artists, inspiring a generation of builders to create other buildings in a similar style. This cathedral is also a symbol of religious faith and patriotism, as it was built in honor of a victory that greatly strengthened the position of the Moscow state. Moreover, the cathedral embodies the idea of spiritual victory and revival, as it was erected after such difficult events for the country.

Cathedral Today: Museum and Church

Today, the cathedral is not only a historical monument but also an active Orthodox cathedral. It is part of the State Historical Museum and is an important object of cultural heritage. Every year, thousands of tourists from around the world come to Moscow to admire this unique monument, which rightfully stands as one of the most beautiful and mysterious churches in the world. The cathedral grounds offer tours that allow visitors to learn more about its history and architectural features. Tours are available for both private visitors and groups, providing an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the culture and history of this remarkable monument. St. Basil's Cathedral remains one of the most visited landmarks in Moscow and continues to inspire many generations of artists, architects, and believers. It is not just an architectural monument; it is a living history of Russia, embodied in stone and colors. Visiting it is an opportunity to touch the past, feel the spirit of the time, and admire the genius of Russian craftsmen.

Working Hours:

The museum's working hours may change, so it is recommended to check the current information on the official website of the State Historical Museum (shm.ru).

Visiting the Cathedral:

Entry to the cathedral is paid. Discounts are available for various categories of visitors.