14 Amazing facts - St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral, a masterpiece in Moscow, Russia, is a symbol of architectural brilliance and cultural richness. Explore fascinating facts about this iconic cathedral:

1. St. Basil's Cathedral is officially known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat.

2. The cathedral is located on Red Square in Moscow and is one of the most recognized symbols of Russia.

3. It was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan.

4. The construction of St. Basil's Cathedral took place between 1555 and 1561, under the supervision of architect Postnik Yakovlev.

5. The cathedral's design is renowned for its vibrant and colorful onion domes, each representing a different chapel or church.

6. St. Basil's Cathedral consists of nine chapels, each dedicated to a different saint and positioned around the central core.

7. The original color scheme of the cathedral's domes included gold, blue, and green, creating a visually striking and harmonious effect.

8. Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible blinded the architects to prevent them from creating anything as beautiful as St. Basil's Cathedral again.

9. The interior of the cathedral features a maze of narrow staircases and interconnected chapels, each adorned with unique religious art.

10. St. Basil's Cathedral was initially used as a church, but during the Soviet era, it was secularized and turned into a museum.

11. Despite its ornate appearance, St. Basil's Cathedral was not named after a saint; the name "Basil" refers to Basil the Blessed, a holy fool whose tomb is located in the cathedral.

12. The cathedral narrowly escaped destruction during Napoleon's retreat from Moscow in 1812 when the French army planned to blow it up.

13. The architectural style of St. Basil's Cathedral is often described as "Tent Style," characterized by the use of colorful, stacked domes.

14. Each dome of the cathedral has a unique shape and color, creating a kaleidoscopic effect that adds to its whimsical and fairy-tale-like appearance.