St. Basil's CathedralMOSCOW, RUSSIABuilt in 1555 – 1561on the order of IVAN IV, on the Red Square
(map drawn by Donna Ingemanson)
from a map drawn in the early 17th century
  the domes
…the domes are meant to look like lit candles
Inside the cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral

Editor's Notes

  • #4 This cathedral has no precedent in Russian architectural history. The architects – who are unknown – are thought to have been influenced by Italian architects working in Russia.
  • #6 These are called ONION DOMES. Their shape is useful in a country like Russia because snow can’t pile on the roof…
  • #7 …but also they are symbolic. They look like lit candles. The colors symbolize: blue = the holy spirit, green=the holy trinity, and gold=Jesus Christ.