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Exterior Views <-- You Are Here
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Interior Views
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The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (originally called the Cathedral of the Intercession) may be the most recognizable landmark in all of Russia. It was built in 1555-61 on the order of Ivan IV (the Terrible) to commemorate an important bictory. My guidebook ("Three Days in Moscow" by Vladimir Chernov, 1989) describes it thus:

"The Russian masters created a true architectural wonder - a cathedral consisting of nine pillar-like chapels united by a single artistic idea, yet each quite unlike the others. In the center the tallest chapel rises to a height of 47.5 meters and has a tent roof. ... Located in this chapel was the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin, the name given to the cathedral to commemorate the day the successful storm of Kazan (the main town and stronghold of the Kazan khanate) was begun - October 1, 1552, the day of the religious festival. In 1588 a small chapel was erected over the grave of a certain Vasily, a holy fool well-known in Moscow at that time. Ever since the Cathedral of the Intercession has been known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed."

View from across Red Square. Seven of the nine towers are visible, as well as the bell tower on the left.

Bela in front of the cathedral. This time I count nine towers, although at least one should be hidden behind the central tower (the Cathedral of the Intercession)... Perhaps there are more domes than chapels?

Sandy on Red Square with St. Vasily's Cathedral in the background. Hey, I've grown!

Bela investigating (and rather dwarfed by) the outside of St. Vasily's.

Boy am I glad it wasn't loaded!

The cannons behind the cathedral were used in the defence of Moscow humdreds of years ago.

Detail of the exterior painting and windows.

A close view of several of the domes.

Exterior Views <-- You Are Here
More Exterior Views
Interior Views
More Interior Views
Still More Interior Views


All text and pictures copyright 1997 Sandy and Bela Lubkin, all rights reserved.