 As mentioned in my previous post, today's image is of Saint Basil's Cathedral (Russian: Собор Покрова что на Рву). Arguably, this cathedral is the most recognizable symbol of Russia. Its colourful onion domes are instantly recognizable around the world as emblems of Moscow and the Russian Orthodox Church. Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, the cathedral was built between 1551 and 1561. The church is also known as the Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God (Russian: Собор Василия Блаженного), known as 'Theotokos' or 'Bogoroditsa' in the Orthodox Church. But most people (outside of Russia) know it as Saint Basil's Cathedral, named after the man who roamed the streets of Moscow trying to win converts during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Saint Basil's Cathedral is subject to many legends. In the 1800s, Napoleon tried to burn this cathedral down, but of course, he failed miserably. In the 1900s, Stalin wanted the cathedral razed so he could have more room for his military parades. However, probably the most well-known legend is that Ivan the Terrible had the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, blinded after the completion of Saint Basil's Cathedral in order to prevent him from building anything so beautiful ever again. |
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