St. Basil’s Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, but universally referred to as St. Basil’s Cathedral, is not just an iconic symbol of Moscow, but also a captivating mosaic of Russian history and architecture.
Located at the heart of Red Square, this architectural marvel continues to draw visitors from around the globe with its vivid colors and unique onion-shaped domes.
In this article, we will explore nine fascinating facts about St. Basil’s Cathedral that unveil its historical significance, architectural features, and its enduring legacy in Russian culture.
St. Basil’s Cathedral Facts
Fact 1: The Origins and Construction of St. Basil’s Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the mid-16th century to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan, marking major victories that expanded the Russian empire.
The construction began in 1555 and completed in 1561, a relatively quick process for such a complex structure.
The cathedral was designed by Postnik Yakovlev, though legend often mistakenly credits it to an Italian architect due to its unconventional design. This misattribution highlights the unique blend of architectural styles that depart from traditional Russian building methods of the time.
Fact 2: The Unique Architectural Style of St. Basil’s Cathedral
The architectural design of St. Basil’s Cathedral is a significant departure from the traditional Russian architecture of its era. It features a central church surrounded by eight smaller chapels, each topped with distinctive onion-shaped domes and decorated in vibrant patterns and colors.
The design is said to be symbolic, representing the medieval concept of the eight-point star: the eight churches radiate from the center, symbolizing the eight points of the star.
Fact 3: The Colorful Facade of St. Basil’s Cathedral Over Time
Originally, the façade of St. Basil’s Cathedral was not as colorful as it is today. The vibrant colors that now define the cathedral were added centuries after its construction, during various restorations in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Initially, the cathedral was likely painted in white to match the white stone of the Kremlin, while the domes were gold.
It is believed that the current vivid palette was intended to make the building resemble the imagery from the Book of Revelation, thus enhancing its spiritual significance.
Fact 4: The Interior Maze of Chapels Inside St. Basil’s Cathedral
The interior of St. Basil’s Cathedral is as labyrinthine as its history, with a complex arrangement of chapels connected by narrow passageways. Each of the cathedral’s nine chapels is dedicated to a saint on whose feast day a significant event or victory occurred for Ivan the Terrible.
The central chapel, dedicated to the Feast of the Intercession, is the largest and tallest. The interconnected layout of the chapels symbolizes the transition from earthly to divine, a hallmark of medieval Russian religious thought.
Fact 5: St. Basil’s Cathedral and Its Symbolic Significance in Russian Culture
St. Basil’s Cathedral holds deep symbolic significance in Russian culture, embodying the nation’s religious fervor and historical triumphs. Besides its commemoration of military victories, the cathedral stands as a spiritual beacon in Russia’s storied past.
It has survived numerous threats of demolition, notably by Napoleon during his 1812 invasion of Russia, and later during the Soviet regime, which disdained religious structures.
Despite these challenges, St. Basil’s continues to be a vital part of Russian national identity and Orthodox Christian faith.
Fact 6: The Legend of the Blind Architect Behind St. Basil’s Cathedral
According to popular legend, Ivan the Terrible blinded the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, after the construction of St. Basil’s Cathedral to prevent him from creating anything comparable in beauty. While this tale underscores the cathedral’s unparalleled beauty, historical evidence concerning the blinding is scant and widely regarded as apocryphal.
Yakovlev, also known as Barma, went on to work on other significant projects, which suggests that the legend is more folklore than fact. This story, however, emphasizes the awe and reverence the cathedral has inspired over centuries.
Fact 7: The Name Change From the Trinity Cathedral to St. Basil’s Cathedral
The cathedral was originally named Trinity Cathedral, reflecting its dedication to the Holy Trinity. It was later popularly named after St. Basil the Blessed, a Moscow ‘holy fool’ who was buried on the site a few years before the cathedral construction began.
St. Basil was known for his piety and for challenging the authoritative figures of his time, including Ivan the Terrible himself. The shift in name from Trinity to St. Basil highlights the profound impact that individual figures can have on historical and cultural landmarks.
Fact 8: St. Basil’s Cathedral’s Role in Soviet Times
During Soviet times, St. Basil’s Cathedral was secularized and turned into a museum. The Soviet regime, known for its atheistic stance, saw little value in maintaining religious buildings unless they served educational or ideological purposes. Despite this, the cathedral remained a significant tourist attraction, even in times when religious worship was deeply discouraged.
The cathedral’s survival through this era is a testament to its enduring status as an irreplaceable piece of Russian heritage.
Fact 9: The Restoration Efforts to Preserve St. Basil’s Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral has undergone several restoration efforts to preserve its integrity and beauty. These have been crucial in combating the wear and tear inflicted by time, weather, and historical events.
The most extensive restoration took place in the late 20th century, restoring not only the structure but also many of the cathedral’s religious icons and artworks.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of St. Basil’s Cathedral?
The primary purpose of St. Basil’s Cathedral was to glorify God by commemorating the Russian conquest of Kazan and Astrakhan under Ivan the Terrible. It serves as a symbol of divine providence and national pride, anchoring Red Square with its spiritual and cultural significance.
Why are there so many different domes on St. Basil’s Cathedral?
Each dome of St. Basil’s Cathedral represents a chapel dedicated to a different saint, with each saint’s feast day correlating to an important event or victory in Ivan the Terrible’s military campaigns.
The variety in the shapes and colors of the domes also ensures a unique architectural silhouette that captures the ecclesiastical and artistic aspirations of the period.
Can you visit St. Basil’s Cathedral?
Yes, St. Basil’s Cathedral is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore both its fascinating interior, with its rich collection of icons and murals, and enjoy the intricate exteriors. It’s advisable to check for visiting hours and ticket information as these can vary.
How did St. Basil’s Cathedral survive the Soviet regime?
St. Basil’s Cathedral survived the Soviet regime primarily through its transformation into a museum. This secularization helped preserve the structure, even as many other religious buildings were demolished or repurposed during this time.
Its historical and architectural significance also made it a valuable landmark for tourism and education.
Are there any special events held at St. Basil’s Cathedral?
While St. Basil’s Cathedral primarily functions as a museum, it occasionally hosts special cultural and historical events, including exhibitions and music concerts that align with its historical status.
Religious services are rare and typically occur only on significant ecclesiastical dates, in accordance with its museum status and Orthodox Christian traditions.
Conclusion
St. Basil’s Cathedral is more than just a religious or historical edifice; it is a vibrant testament to Russia’s rich cultural tapestry and resilient spirit. Each dome, icon, and corridor tells a story of faith, artistry, and survival against overwhelming odds. Through wars, revolutions, and the passage of time, St. Basil’s has remained a steadfast symbol of Russian identity and spiritual endurance.
It continues to inspire and educate, bridging the past with the present in the heart of Moscow. As we have explored in this article, every visit and every glance reveals a deeper layer of the complex mosaic that is St. Basil’s Cathedral.