The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (Russian: Собо́р Васи́лия Блаже́нного, tr. Sobór Vasíliya Blazhénnogo), commonly known as Saint Basil's Cathedral, is an Orthodox church in Red Square of Moscow, and is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia. The building, now a museum, is officially known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, or Pokrovsky Cathedral. It was built from 1555 to 1561 on orders from Ivan the Terrible and commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. It was the city's tallest building until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.
The original building, known as Trinity Church and later Trinity Cathedral, contained eight chapels arranged around a ninth, central chapel dedicated to the Intercession; a tenth chapel was erected in 1588 over the grave of the venerated local saint Vasily (Basil). In the 16th and 17th centuries, the church, perceived (as with all churches in Byzantine Christianity) as the earthly symbol of the Heavenly City, was popularly known as the "Jerusalem" and served as an allegory of the Jerusalem Temple in the annual Palm Sunday parade attended by the Patriarch of Moscow and the Tsar.
Padydeh Eghbali | Feb 6, 2018
Do you wanna know a little about Russian religious and political history? This is a place to go. Not only it's marvelous to look at, but inside you will have the chance to see artifacts dating many past centuries that constitute the history of the place. It's well preserved for its age and I was treated very well by people inside. There are no guides, so just be free to walk around and read taking your time. It's hard to get lost inside, but be careful not to fall down large steps.
Ted Jung | Feb 12, 2018
This was quite amazing place. Also personally, you should try to go inside. It costs 500 rubles but totally worth it to see inside. Finally, on the second floor, you could listen the traditional Russian song with great voice. I would definitely recommend this place to visit
Sebastian Rodríguez | Feb 17, 2018
It's the symbol of Russia, just in front of the kremlin's wall the cathedral is situated. If you are asking, the cathedral has an byzantine architectural design, that's why it has not usual cupolas. Its a 100% photogenic place, so you will have a long photo session there be ready. You, won't believe but inside is smaller than it seems. Obviously as every monument in Russia you must visit it in the first half of the day (if you want to enter), I recommend to visit twice (at night and along the day) also I recommend to visit in winter, I think, it looks better (more russian) because the snow and etc. Don't forget it is in the red square, so you should visit more things near of it.
Ben Hunter | Mar 5, 2018
Stunning both inside and out! Recommend going inside which costs 500rubles. Absoloute must see in Moscow
Amal S | Oct 18, 2017
World famous landmark of Russia. Cathedral is in the red square and next to the Kremlin palace. marvelous architecture inside and outside. This cathedral was built almost 500 years ago. As there was a lot of fires, it's been reconstructed several times. So you can see different periods of Russian history and architecture in one cathedral. This place is stand unique and gorgeous! Place closes at 5pm. Ticket booth closes much earlier
Soummo Bose | Mar 18, 2018
Looks spectacular in day and even more so at night. The bright colours draw your attention and the imposing structure is awe inspiring. It's a museum now and has en entry fee. We didn't go inside. We visited in Mar and it was still snowing on and off so the snow covered spires only add to its visual appeal. At the risk of sounding like a cliché, its a Must Visit.
Sa Pr | Apr 4, 2018
The building is now a museum and it was built from 1555–61 on orders from Ivan the Terrible and commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. This is the most emblematic building in the whole country. The identity of the architect that designed this unique church is unknown.
Ky L | May 17, 2018
Cathedral - Historically Interesting and Architecturally Beautiful. It contains multiple churches inside (within each tower), and the building is designed in the shape of an 8 point cross as a symbol of Orthodox Christianity. This is definitely the most recommended place for a photo that symbolizes a trip to Russia.
Francesco Casalegno | May 18, 2018
The symbol of Moscow, and also of Russia. You can't miss it. Do also the visit to the interiors if you have time, is quite nice and tells some interesting facts on the history of the saint.
Noah Sabaj | Apr 25, 2018
The Cathedral is one of the most photogenic pictures in the world, and the first photo I remember seeing as a child. This iconic Cathedral holds beauty throughout the nights and seasons, and is a must see.
Suzanne Bell | Jun 20, 2018
St. Basil's Cathedral is must do see highlight of any trip to Moscow. Make sure you take the time to explore and enjoy all it has to offer. I am pleased I had purchased Skip the Line Tickets to avoid the lengthy queues. I visited twice during my 5 days in Moscow firstly on my own and then with our tour guide who was very knowledgable and gave a different insight into the history of the incredibly beautiful piece of architecture.
Masoud Adeli | Jun 8, 2018
This was quite a unique cathedral. Not similar to any other place in the world ( although Church of the Savior on Blood in St Petersburg could be an exception). No photo or video can show the beauty of it. You must go ant visit. However, the interior is not as gorgeous as exterior of the building.
Anton CJ | Jun 17, 2018
We also got the English audio guides, so total damage for two was 3000r. The numbering and english signage were not well executed which detracted from enjoying the visit. Much prefer the 2000r spent at Pushkin Museum also including audio guides. This church seems more interesting from the outside than from inside! Not a must visit (inside) imho.
Prashant Kumar | Jun 16, 2018
What's good The cathedral is so different and huge that one can figure it out from far. The different flavors of ice cream scoops that look like on the top create a colourful impact. What's not good Massive crowd around red square. What to do Club the visit with Cremlin and Gum store visit. The cathedral is visible from cruise as well. At the back of it, a road goes to Savior Church walking along the walls of Cremlin which is some experience.
Suzanne Bell | Jul 9, 2018
St. Basil's Cathedral is must see highlight of any trip to Moscow. Make sure you take the time to explore and enjoy all it has to offer. I am pleased I had purchased Skip the Line Tickets to avoid the lengthy queues. I visited twice during my 5 days in Moscow firstly on my own and then with our tour guide who was very knowledgable and gave a different insight into the history of the incredibly beautiful piece of architecture.
Adam Larsson | Jul 13, 2018
One of the most famous cathedrals in the world. So amazing building both in the outside and the inside. Be aware of huge lines to get in. This is a must when you go to Moscow, a fantastic sight to behold!
Gabo Blancas | Jul 3, 2018
Stunning Church..! Incredible angles and colors..! Was wonderful be there . I recommended travel to Moscow. Beautiful City with friendly people..!
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