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Must See Moscow - St. Basil's Cathedral
Published by Caroline Morse, Writer
Country: Russian Federation 
The Experience
It seems like every time a movie, television show, or news report wants to set a scene in Moscow, the filming takes place in front of St. Basil's Cathedral. Most tourists only get a snapshot or two in front of the cathedral's colorful onion domes, but you really shouldn't miss out on a tour of the interior of St. Basil's Cathedral.
Located in Red Square, next to the Kremlin, the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral is definitely one of the top five sightseeing attractions in Moscow. It is located in the very center of the Garden Ring, a circular avenue that runs around the center of Moscow.
The cathedral, nicknamed the "Stone Flower", was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, who wanted to memorialize every victory of the Russo-Kazan War by building a wooden church for each event next to the walls of Trinity Church. The cathedral is named after Basil the Blessed, a Saint who allegedly impressed Ivan the Terrible by predicting one of Moscow's biggest fires. Basil was buried in the Trinity Church after he passed. Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible poked out the eyes of the architects who designed the Cathedral so that they could never make anything more beautiful. This has since been proven to be a myth, but probably helped Ivan earn his nickname.
By the time St. Basil's Cathedral, also sometimes called The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat, was finished in 1560 (construction started in 1555) it consisted of nine unique chapels. St. Basil's Cathedral actually consists of eight smaller churches arraigned around a central church.
Inside St. Basil's Cathedral, you will find narrow, dusty hallways, interesting views, a spiral wooden staircase, and intricate murals. Climb upstairs to get the best views - you can see the Moscow River from here. The churches are made mostly out of brick, and inside, you can see lots of decorative brickwork. Painted walls can also be seen throughout the Cathedral.
St. Basil's Cathedral has held up pretty well over time, despite wars and a few fires. This is due in part to extensive restoration efforts throughout the years. The most recent renovation was completed in 2008. Don't forget to check out the garden in the front of the Cathedral, which holds statues as well as greenery.
Located in Red Square, next to the Kremlin, the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral is definitely one of the top five sightseeing attractions in Moscow. It is located in the very center of the Garden Ring, a circular avenue that runs around the center of Moscow.
The cathedral, nicknamed the "Stone Flower", was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, who wanted to memorialize every victory of the Russo-Kazan War by building a wooden church for each event next to the walls of Trinity Church. The cathedral is named after Basil the Blessed, a Saint who allegedly impressed Ivan the Terrible by predicting one of Moscow's biggest fires. Basil was buried in the Trinity Church after he passed. Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible poked out the eyes of the architects who designed the Cathedral so that they could never make anything more beautiful. This has since been proven to be a myth, but probably helped Ivan earn his nickname.
By the time St. Basil's Cathedral, also sometimes called The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat, was finished in 1560 (construction started in 1555) it consisted of nine unique chapels. St. Basil's Cathedral actually consists of eight smaller churches arraigned around a central church.
Inside St. Basil's Cathedral, you will find narrow, dusty hallways, interesting views, a spiral wooden staircase, and intricate murals. Climb upstairs to get the best views - you can see the Moscow River from here. The churches are made mostly out of brick, and inside, you can see lots of decorative brickwork. Painted walls can also be seen throughout the Cathedral.
St. Basil's Cathedral has held up pretty well over time, despite wars and a few fires. This is due in part to extensive restoration efforts throughout the years. The most recent renovation was completed in 2008. Don't forget to check out the garden in the front of the Cathedral, which holds statues as well as greenery.
When to Go to St Basils Cathedral
Some people argue that the best time of year to visit St. Basil's Cathedral is in the summer. It's warm, the flowers are blooming, and the locals are out enjoying the nice weather. However, this is also the height of tourist season in Russia, so if you want to avoid the crowds, come during the winter. This way, you can also get beautiful pictures of St. Basil's Cathedral's domes covered in snow! If you come during the winter, you can also catch the Winter Festival, which is held during the end of December through the beginning of January. Time your visit right, and you can celebrate New Year's Eve in the Red Square, watching fireworks with St. Basil's Cathedral in the background. (Don't plan on drinking alcohol to stay warm during outdoor Winter activities - drinking in public is illegal in Moscow.)
Weather wise, you probably want to avoid late Fall and early Spring, which is the rainy season in Moscow.
Weather wise, you probably want to avoid late Fall and early Spring, which is the rainy season in Moscow.
Odds n' Ends
St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow is open to visitors Wednesday-Monday from 11AM-6PM. In the Winter, the Cathedral closes at 5PM. Admission is Rbl 150 (about $4) and Rbl 50 (about $2) for children and students.
The Cathedral is located in the Red Square, and the Ploshchad Revolutsii is the closest Metro stop.
The Cathedral is located in the Red Square, and the Ploshchad Revolutsii is the closest Metro stop.
Places to Eat
- Petrov Vodkin
- Expensive, but features over 300 different kinds of vodka, and is a good example of the "new Russia", which caters to the mega wealthy.
- O2 Lounge
- Rooftop restaurant on top of the Ritz-Carlton. Million dollar views and prices to match.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Godzilla's Hostel
- The biggest hostel in Moscow!
- Ararat Park Hyatt
- Elegant and steps from the Red Square.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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Media References
- Viewing Red Square at Night - NYTimes.com (magazine)
- Moscow Walking Tour - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
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