4. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow
St. Basil’s Cathedral, with its colorful, onion-shaped domes, is an iconic symbol of Russia. Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century, its construction is steeped in legends of cruelty and tyranny. One of the most enduring tales suggests that Ivan had the architects blinded to ensure they could never create anything as beautiful again. While this story may be more myth than fact, it underscores the brutal reputation of the tsar. The cathedral stands today not only as a masterpiece of Russian architecture but also as a monument to the complex and often dark history of its era. Learn more about St. Basil’s Cathedral.
