St. Basil's Cathedral is without a doubt Russia's most famous church and architectural structure. Rising up improbably from its surroundings like no other structure in the world, the Cathedral (also known as The Cathedral of the Intercession, The Church of the Protection, or The Kazanskaya Cathedral -- in honor of it's varied history) enhances Moscow's Red Square. It is a masterpiece of medieval Russian architecture. The Cathedral was built in the 16th century (1555-1561) by the command of Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the annexation of the Kazan and Astrakhan khanates, which lay to the east of Moscow. The architects were Posnik and Barma (who actually may have been one and the same person) and unconfirmed legend has it, that they (or he) were (or was) sentenced to death by Ivan the Terrible so no rival to its splendor could again be constructed. Since 1588, when a tenth chapel was built over the grave of the Holy Fool Vassily (or Basil), it has been nicknamed the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed. There are eight chapels that surround the central chapel, which is topped with a tent-type roof. After 1917, the cathedral came under special protection and much of the early look was restored. For a long time, it was affiliated with the State Historical Museum and after 1991, it was given back to the Russian Orthodox Church for its original use -- that of a working church.

Assembled bronze casting, genuine serpentine base. Made in the 1970s. Over 1 pound, 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 4 1/4".

[#SV-223] 1 only

St. Basil's Cathedral $450.00

Back to Old Russia Consignment Room     Icon Miniature Pendants by Kotukhin
Icon Shop     Russian Tea Time

More Ways to Order | Home Page of The Russian Shop