St. Basil’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of protecting veil of the most holy Mother of God on the moat.

The Cathedral was built from 1555 to 1561 by order of Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible, who’s reign was the longest in Russian history. The Cathedral is a military memorial which appeared in honor of victory over the Kazan Khanate. Ten cathedral’s churches are represented interiors of the 16th–20th centuries. The walls and vaults of the temple are covered with frescoes and oil paintings with plant ornament and images of saints. The museum temporary exhibition presents rare examples of ancient Russian icon‐painting school and masterpieces of applied art. Precious donations of royalty and parishioners are located in the former sacristy.

Relics of Moscow inhabitant Basil the Blessed (the contemporary of Ivan the Terrible) were buried under ground near the east wall of Protecting Veil Cathedral. In 1588 on this place was built a church, which is dedicated to St. Basil. Wall paintings and temple icons narrate the amazing miracles of the Saint.

Address: Red Square, Moscow