what does st basil's cathedral represent

How the Florence Cathedral Spent Centuries Under Construction to Become a Beloved Landmark, Notre-Dame in Art: How the Medieval Cathedral Has Enchanted Artists for Centuries, Hagia Sophia: Explore the Rich History of Istanbul’s Architectural Gem, Dazzling Architectural Portraits Capture Intricate Interiors of Historic Iranian Mosques. by the moat that originally surrounded the Kremlin. He became known for his prophetic powers … Although today Saint Basil's Cathedral is recognized for its vibrant palette, the colorful exterior was not added until 200 years after the structure was completed. Answer to: What does St Basil's Cathedral represent? One of Russia’s most recognizable architectural masterpieces is Pokrovsky Cathedral, better known as St. Basil's Cathedral has survived several different epochs of world history. ( Log Out /  Want to advertise with us? Although the church was built by two Russian architects, Postnik and Barma, their identity only became known in 1895, when records were found in a historical manuscript collection of the 17th century. Check out the exclusive rewards, here. Each of the eight churches is named after a saint on whose holy day a significant event of Ivan the Terrible's Kazan campaigns took place. ( Log Out /  On July 12, one of Moscow’s best known and most photographed sights – St. Basil’s Cathedral – marks its 455th birthday. Front elevation drawing of the cathedral's façade and overhead view of floor plan (Photo: Alexei Kouzaev via Wikimedia Commons [ CC BY-SA 2.0]). Originally built between 1555 and 1561 to commemorate a military conquest, the building continues to dazzle thousands of visitors each year in Moscow's famous Red Square. In fact, it is believed that the cathedral was originally painted white with golden domes. With its scarlet red walls and fantastical onion-shaped domes, it's no wonder that Saint Basil's Cathedral is considered to be one of the most unique feats of Russian architecture. The building is a symmetrical design. ( Log Out /  The ninth was built later on in the year 1588. Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. “The cathedral was thus officially named Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat (the moat being one that originally ran beside the Kremlin).” There are eight domed chapels symbolizing the eight assaults on Kazan. Interior of the cathedral represents a maze of labyrinths. Basil's Cathedral is a symmetrical ensemble of eight colorful, pillar-shaped churches surrounding the ninth and highest chapel, which is crowned with a pergola. The cathedral-museum has nine iconostases, which contain about 400 icons of the 16th-19th centuries and represent the best examples of Novgorod and Moscow iconography. The official name of Saint Basil's Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat. There is no other building that looks similar to it around the world. The meaning of Ivan’s moniker gets muddled when translating from Russian to English. The people initially called the Cathedral Pokrov na Rvu (Moat Cover) as it was built next to a deep moat that ran along the eastern wall of the Moscow Kremlin. Hey there! In addition to icons, the cathedral holds portrait and landscape paintings, church utensils, various weapons from the reign of Ivan the Terrible and an interesting collection of bells cast in Russia, Belarus, Holland, France and Germany. Although popularly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the actual name of the church is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat. I know that ‘onion-domes’ are a very popular staple of Russian architecture, but did not realize that they individually carried symbolic significance until you mentioned that the eight domed chapels represent the eight assaults on Kazan. A tenth church was added in 1588 in honor of its namesake, Saint Basil, also known as Basil, fool for Christ. The “terrible” in Ivan the Terrible is closer to “fear-inspiring” or “powerful”. This Orthodox church, which has earned international recognition for its unique beauty, is located in the historical center of Russia’s capital. Ivan's reputation as a cruel and stern leader led to his more popular nickname, Ivan the Terrible. Change ), Amy Nelson’s Main 20th Century Class Page, Transforming the City for The Summer Olympics, Creation Of The One And Only Soviet Russia. Statue of Ivan the Terrible in Oryol, Russia (Photo: Stock Photos from yingko/Shutterstock). You could add to this post by touching briefly on how St. Basil’s ties in to Russian history in the late 19th century. Each dome is further decorated with cornices, arched semi-circles, windows and niches. Why did you choose to discuss St. Basil’s cathedral for this post? Interesting Fact: “The French diplomat Marquis de Custine commented that it combined “the scales of a golden fish, the enameled skin of a serpent, the changeful hues of the lizard, the glossy rose and azure of the pigeon’s neck” and wondered at “the men who go to worship God in this box of confectionery work.”, http://www.sacred-destinations.com/russia/moscow-st-basil-cathedral, https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/ARCHITECTS-BLINDED-Ivan-the-Terrible. That is, how do you think the building is significant to Russian history? St. Especially interesting is the western corridor with unique caissoned ceiling. You also mention that a ninth domed chapel was later built with a tent-roofed spire and golden dome. Find out how by becoming a Patron. Visit My Modern Met Media. “The cathedral was thus officially named Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat (the moat being one that originally ran beside the Kremlin).” It was built over Vasily’s remains. The building has since returned to its original purpose and began operating as a church. It is also … We’re also on Pinterest, Tumblr, and Flipboard. That’s pretty neat that it’s a cathedral and not some palace. It was only in the 17th century that Russian architectural styles began including more whimsical color schemes. Even during the early days of the church, the structur… Its structural distinctiveness evokes endless admiration from guests and justifiable pride in Muscovites, who are honored to call this world masterpiece their own. Furthermore, I wonder what onion domes cost to build upon construction of Saint Basil’s Cathedral. St. The colors and detail of the frescoes splayed across the churches’ interior likewise leave many visitors speechless. Photo: Stock Photos from pingvin121674/Shutterstock. Basil Cathedral’s interior is equally impressive. ‘by the Moat’ refers to the location of the church, i.e. Many decades later, in 1990, the cathedral was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Kremlin and Red Square. In the 1920s, it received the status of a museum, and since 1934 has been listed as a branch of the State Historical Museum. It isn’t so much like the pejorative common English usage. I don’t know much about Ivan the Terrible but I’m curious as to why someone nicknamed ‘terrible’ would build a church. Among the most valuable exhibits is a 17th-century chalice (a liturgical vessel for consecrating wine) that belonged to Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich. I see it all the time in pictures of Moscow. This photo is the original architecture of Saint basil’s cathedral. In 1928, the building was confiscated by the Soviet Union and turned into a secular museum. Photo: Stock Photos from nutsukanya/Shutterstock. Born in 1468, Basil (also called the Blessed, the Beatific, and the Wonderworker of Moscow) was the son of commoners and was trained to be a cobbler. As our patron, you’ll become a member and join us in our effort to support the arts. 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Legend has it that he collected money for the construction of Pokrovsky Cathedral and was known to throw coins over his right shoulder on Red Square in Moscow, which no one, not even the thieves, dared to touch. History: St. Basil’s was built to commemorate the capture of the Tatar stronghold of Kazan in 1552, which occurred on the Feast of the Intercession of the Virgin. A Look at the History of Creating Art in Multiples. The multihued churches are crowned with bulbous domes, each of which is unique in its architectural design. It is really breathtaking up close, and of course I got my cliche touristy photo in front of it. It was the city’s tallest building until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening. The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, who vowed that he would build a church if the city of Kazan were captured from the Kazan Khanate. Basil the Blessed, the most revered holy fool in Russia from whom the church received its unofficial name. I’ve always wondered what that building was! Basil's Cathedral is a symmetrical ensemble of eight colorful, pillar-shaped churches surrounding the ninth and highest chapel, which is crowned with a pergola. It’s amazing that it took eight sieges to conquer Kazan as well, and this is why there are eight domes. Photo: Stock Photos from bellena/Shutterstock. According to legend, Ivan the Terrible, upon seeing the construction of St. Basil’s Cathedral completed according to the architects’ design, was so delighted with its beauty that he ordered the architects be blinded so that they could never again build a temple equal in splendor to Pokrovsky Cathedral. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. The chapels are surprisingly small, with opulent decoration. The wide variety of colors and shapes make it unique. In fact, some stories of the cathedral's construction say that Ivan blinded the unnamed architect (or architects) so that there would never be another building like it. Or, you might be interested in why St. Basil’s has become such an icon for the country. Architecture: The building consists of nine chapels build on a single foundation. Basil gave the collected money to Ivan the Terrible, who ordered a temple be built on the site. This derives from Tsar Ivan the Terrible's victory over the Tatar strongholds, which took place over the Feast of Intercession. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. At St. Basil’s Cathedral, facts and legends have become enmeshed.

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