description St. Basil's Cathedral Overview
St. Basil’s Cathedral stands in Moscow’s Red Square as a distinctive architectural landmark. Constructed between 1555 and 1561 by order of Tsar Ivan IV following the victory at Kazan, it showcases elaborate onion-domed design. The cathedral is a significant example of Russian Orthodox architecture and remains a popular destination for visitors interested in history and religious art.
help St. Basil's Cathedral FAQ
Who commissioned the construction of St. Basil's Cathedral?
The cathedral was commissioned by Tsar Ivan IV, infamously known as Ivan the Terrible. It was constructed between 1555 and 1561 to commemorate Russia's victory over the Kazan Khanate.
What is the official name of St. Basil's Cathedral?
The official Russian Orthodox name for the building is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat. It is popularly called St. Basil's after Basil the Blessed, a holy fool whose remains are interred within the church.
Did Napoleon really try to destroy St. Basil's Cathedral?
According to historical legend, when Napoleon Bonaparte retreated from Moscow in 1812, he ordered his troops to blow up the cathedral. A sudden, torrential rainstorm supposedly extinguished the lit fuses, saving the iconic structure from destruction.
How many distinct domes does St. Basil's Cathedral have?
The cathedral features a total of ten distinct, colorful onion domes. Nine of these domes sit atop the main chapels arranged in a circle around the central tent-roofed spire, which itself is topped by the tenth, smaller dome.
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