St. Basil’s Cathedral

by Ekta

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Sep 10, 2013

St. Basil’s Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat or Pokrovsky Cathedral,  is a Russian Orthodox church in Red Square in Moscow. For nearly 450 years, the Cathedral, in its unique “architectural ensemble of inimitable beauty and grandeur” has stood as the most recognizable landmark of the city of Moscow.

History

St. Basil’s Cathedral was commissioned by the Russian King Ivan IV in fulfilment of a vow taken by him before starting the expedition to capture Kazan from the Mongols. The construction started in 1554 AD, and although the architects of the church are not known, legends refer to two stonemasons named Barma and Postnik Yakovlev, who were allegedly blinded by Ivan so that they could not construct such a building later.

Instead of the traditional Russian layouts of churches in those days, the architects of St. Basil’s Cathedral chose a symmetrical design of having 8 tube like churches around a core. While the central and the four bigger churches on each corner were octagonal, the smaller churches on the sides were made cuboid. The churches were joined together by two galleries, an inner one going around the central church and an outer one wound around the other eight churches. On the south eastern side, a bell tower was added later in the 16th century. The church was richly decorated with fresco and murals, though vividly coloured version came much later in the 19th century.

Information

DaysEveryday except Tuesday
Timing11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance FeeTo the CathedralAdults$4(£2/100 RUB)
Children(above 7 years & students)$2(£1/50 RUB)
Cathedral + MuseumAdults$9(£4.50)
Children(above 7 years & students)$4(£2)
ReachSubwayMetro Ploshchad Revolutsii

Photo Courtesy – Wikipedia

Reference: www.saintbasil.ru, Wikipedia

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INFORMATION

  • Days : Everyday except Tuesday
  • Timing : 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee :
    • To the Cathedral :
      • Adults$4(£2/100 RUB)
      • Children(above 7 years & students) $2(£1/50 RUB)
    • Cathedral + Museum
      • Adults$9(£4.50)
        • Children(above 7 years & students)$4(£2)
  • Reach :
    • SubwayMetro Ploshchad Revolutsii

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About the Author

Ekta

A Business Analyst who lives in Pune, Maharashtra. She loves traveling and has acquired the hobby of taking photographs. Believes in living life to the fullest and is always cheerful. Co-owner of Shadows Galore.

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