 
St. Basil's Cathedral
St. Basil's rises from Red Square in an irresistible profusion
of colors and shapes. Its montage of domes, cupolas, arches, towers, and
spires, each bearing a distinctive pattern and hue, have fascinated the
eyes of visitors since its construction in the 1550s. Although St. Basil's
was built to commemorate Ivan the Terrible's capture of the Mongol stronghold
of Kazan and is properly named Cathedral of the Intercession, its popular
name has long associated it with a ragged prophet who foretold the Moscow
fire of 1547. The appeal of St. Basil's is best appreciated by a leisurely
stroll around its perimeter, as its wondrous exterior decoration belies
a remarkably plain and cramped interior.
  
Lenin's Mausoleum
St. Basil's Cathedral
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