St. Basil’s Cathedral Tickets

St. Basil’s Cathedral Tickets Overview

The most photographed location of Russia, St. Basil’s Cathedral is widely known for its appearance which is a perfect example of brilliant architecture. What was once a church has now been turned into a museum which is now visited by millions of tourists from all around the world. In contrast to the bright colour and light, the interior is surprisingly simple, which is the specialty of this iconic structure.

There are 9 chapels inside the St. Basil’s Cathedral that is devoted to Saint Basil and eight other personalities. The wall of each is embellished with even more eye-catching paintings and engravings that add a cherry on the top of St. Basil’s cathedral's architecture. In addition to the cultural significance and Basil's cathedral history, the structure is popular for its amazing architecture that is made in perfect blend of using seven types of architecture styles.

Explore St. Basil's Cathedral

Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin

This church is the central church with central chapel and is also the source of the Russian orthodox church, the St. Basil's Cathedral. This church preserves the original brickwork and painting of the times when the St. Basil’s Cathedral was made. In addition, it also houses an inscription that has the date when the St Basil’s Cathedral was completed i.e. 12th July 1561.

Church of Cyprian and Justina

The Moscow Church of Cyprian and Justina is one of the greatest churches in [Moscow](https://www.mymoscowpass.com/). Builtin the 17th century, it is a beautiful example of Russian architecture. The church's interior is covered with frescoes. Depicting scenes from the lives of Cyprian and Justina, two martyrs who lived in the 4th century AD.

Church of St Gregory of Armenia

It is an orthodox church and is also one of the St Basil's Cathedral four small chapels. It was made to honor St. Gregory who made sure to convert Armenians into Christians. The interiors have whitewashed walls with screens that are draped in silk and velvet curtains.

Church of the Three Patriarchs of Constantinople

The Church of the Three Patriarchs of Constantinople has domes that are colored in green and red rhombuses. While its interior is decorated with oil paintings, its ceiling has paintings of figures that portray the patriarchs and other religions. Besides, this church’s immense five-tiered iconostasis is composed of Baroque and Classical elements.

Church of Saint Vasily (Saint Basil)

While this church is the smallest of all, its dome is heavily embellished along with murals portraying religious figures and scenes from the life of Saint Basil. On exploring this church, one will watch two amazing icons, namely, Our Lady of Smolensk and The Image of Saint Vasily the Blessed.

Church of the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem

This is one of the most significant churches among all as it marks the celebration of esus’s entry to Jerusalem, which is also known as Palm Sunday. Tourists from all over the world visit this place which lets them see the original wall features from the 16th century, and damaged doors shelling during the October Revolution.

Church of the Holy Trinity

This church with its light yet gracious decoration and architecture along with cream and green stripes curve towards the pinnacle of the dome, makes the visitors go awestruck. The Church of the Holy Trinity houses one of the oldest chandeliers which is one of the celebrated icons of the Old Testament Trinity.

Church of Alexander Svirsky

This church is a Russian Orthodox church which was made to honor Alexander Svirsky, who was responsible for converting Northern Russia to Orthodoxy. The interior of this chapel is decorated by murals imitating brickwork and the spiral of eternity curls around the interior dome, while its exterior has green and cream curving stripes. 

Church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

The Church of Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker is the oldest in Moscow that was built in 1555 and has survived many wars, including the Siege of Moscow in 1812. The walls of this church is filled with murals which inscribes the event when the treasured icon of him was being sailed from Vyatka to Moscow in 1555.

Church of Varlaam Khutynsky

The Church of Varlaam Khutynsky is one of the largest churches of all the elven churches that was built in the 19th century dome of green and yellow triangles. It glorifies Saint Varlaam Khutynsky, an ascetic revered by Ivan IV and his father as the patron saint of the imperial family.

Church of John the Blessed

Church of John the Blessed is a Russian Orthodox church located in Moscow. This eleventh and final church is dedicated to John the Baptist, who is believed to be the patron saint of Moscow. It houses the relics of the saint, a gilded iconostasis and a small exhibit of religious items and artwork.

Bell Tower

The bell tower is an important part of any Russian Orthodox church which is often referred to as a belfry. In addition to being used for signalling the time or calling for prayer, bells are also known for their beautiful sound.

Architecture of St. Basil's Cathedral

The colorful and whimsical St. Basil’s Cathedral which looks like standing like a circus tent across Red Square from the Kremlin's gates is one of the best architectural pieces in the world. This iconic piece is made in 7 different architectural styles, namely, the Tudor, Victoria, Modernism, Chinese, Art-Nouveau, Classical and Gothic. The Tudor and Gothic style have some similarities which is evident in their presence of pointed arches and spires. While The pointed windows and roof gables is the style that is followed in the Victorian style of architecture, the Modern architecture mostly uses a blend of steel and glass that gives the impression of a minimalist look. The concept of using bold colors and intricate handicraft in the architecture is inspired by Chinese style and the concept of arches, domes and columns that one sees in the structure is influenced by Classical style architecture. Last not but not the least, the rounded windows and doors are taken from the style of Art-Nouveau which makes the structure look as spectacular as it is!

History of St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral during Imperial Russia

To commemorate Russia's victory over the Khanate of Kazan, St. Basil's Cathedral was finished in 1561. Initially the wooden Trinity Cathedral was constructed consisting of only seven chapels, later after the order of Ivan, it was rebuilt with eight independent churches encircling a larger central temple. 

St. Basil’s Cathedral during Soviet Russia

The St. Basil's Cathedral was acknowledged by the Soviets as a valuable and irreplaceable national landmark. The cathedral will be preserved, restored, and turned into a museum including exhibits on architecture, history, politics, and religion. St. Basil's opened its doors to the public in May 1923 and has remained a part of the State History Museum ever since.

St. Basil’s Cathedral today

This prominent attraction was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and was soon declared to be one of the Seven Wonders of Russia. Along with the St basil's Cathedral architecture consisting of nine church towers which can be seen from outside, the St Basil’s Cathedral inside is decorated with amazing works of art, majestic iconostasis housing hundreds of exquisite icons.

Plan To Visit To St. Basil's Cathedral

Essential Information
How To Reach

Opening hours:

St. Basil’s Cathedral is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except every first Wednesday of the month and holidays.

Location:

St. Basil's Cathedral is in the historic centre of Moscow, in the Kremlin, on Red Square. 

By Air: Moscow Vnukovo Airport is the closest airport to Saint Basil's Cathedral (VKO)

By Bus: Every 30 minutes, Mosgortrans runs a bus from Sheremetyevo Airport to Teatralnaya Ploschad. It takes 43 minutes to travel, and tickets range from 70 to 85.

By Train: If you’ve reached the city via Moscow Leningradsky Railway Station then head outside and take the metro line one from Komsomolskaya station and get off at Okhotny Ryad (4 stops). The St. Basil’s cathedral is a 9-minute walk from there.

FAQs of St. Basil's Cathedral

Why is St. Basil's Cathedral so famous?

St. Basil's Cathedral is famous because it is one of the most important religious buildings in Moscow and an important symbol of Russian culture.

Is St. Basil's Cathedral worth visiting?

Yes, St. Basil's Cathedral is worth visiting as it contains some of the most beautiful architecture in Moscow. It also has an impressive collection of religious artefacts from all over Russia.

How many onion domes does St Basil’s cathedral have?

There are 41 onion domes on top of St Basil's Cathedral, representing each year of the Russian calendar since it was built.

How long does St Basil's Cathedral take?

The Cathedral can be toured on a self-guided tour of 3 hours or more, depending on how many stops you make.

How can I book tickets for St. Basil's Cathedral?

Reserve your seats by booking the St. Basil's Cathedral tickets online on our site. You’ll be presented with great deals and discounts, along with reserving your seats in advance. 

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