The amazing architecture of St. Basil’s Cathedral
in Red Square, Kremlin – Moscow, Russia
We were astonished at the beautiful architecture in Moscow, Russia, during our recent visit there as part of Idaho Governor Otter’s Trade Mission. My husband and I enjoyed walking around Red Square at night. We felt very safe and the crisp air reminded us of our weather in Rexburg, Idaho. Everything is well lit at night so this is a photographer’s dream for night photography. You don’t have to haul around spotlights or special gear. Just a tripod, and camera of course. I am not sure how the Kremlin police would have reacted if I hauled out my big spotlights to light paint the government buildings… haha! The police were everywhere, standing stoically with their big fur hats and sharp uniforms.
My favorite structure – hands down – is St. Basil’s Cathedral, with its colorful and varied onion domes, spires, and cupolas. St. Basil’s Cathedral is located right on the corner of Red Square and right next to one of the Kremlin towers and wall.
Ivan the Terrible had it built in 1555 to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. It has been the hub of the city’s growth since then. The original building, known as Trinity Church and later Trinity Cathedral, contained eight side churches arranged around the ninth, central church of Intercession; the tenth church was erected in 1588 over the grave of local saint Vasily (Basil). In the 16th and 17th centuries the church, was perceived as the earthly symbol of the Heavenly City. Today it is a museum and iconic symbol of striking Russian architecture.
This post will be the first of many to share our adventures as we traveled throughout Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia in late November, 2013.
