The RT Documentary’s film St. Basil’s: an icon of Russia, is a journey inside Russia’s most famous cathedral. Compared by many to a mad confectioner’s fantasy for its shapes and colours, it also boasts a rich history and many legends surrounding its existence over four centuries.
When tourists come to Moscow, taking a selfie in front of St. Basil’s is an absolute must. The famed cathedral has seen Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pink Floyd. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, more people visited St. Basil’s than Luzhniki Stadium, where the finals were held.
The cathedral was built in the 16th century to mark Russia’s victory over Kazan Khanate. Such a triumph at the time was basically what WWII was for Russia in the 20th century. Initially, it was called the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat. Still, people renamed it St. Basil’s to honour Basil the Blessed, the holy fool and a miracle worker beloved by ordinary people and feared by Ivan the Terrible.
During the major renovation in 1931, there was an attempt to remove the Cathedral of the Red Square, but Stalin personally decided against it. And the cathedral stayed, inspiring artists and photographers and bringing joy to visitors. Though St. Basil’s is now a museum, it still has a functioning choir. The performance is accessible to all people who can enjoy their singing in the perfect cathedral acoustics. Another musical feature of St. Basil’s that a lucky few encounter is catching the church bell chime.
What other wonders does legendary St. Basil’s have in store for its visitors?
