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Here is the photo of the famous St. Basil Cathedral, wich was built on the Red Square in the middle of 16th century. I would like to tell you here a part of it's history after October Revolution 1917.

In 1918 the communist authorities shot the archpriest Ioann Vostorgov, who was the cathedral's senior priest, confiscated its property, melted down all its bells, and closed the cathedral down. They did the same with many churches and convents in Russia. and a lot of churches and convents, monasteries was destroyed before WWII, but fortunately this famous cathedral survived by providence. In the 1930s Lazar Kaganovich, Stalin's associate and director of the reconstruction plan, proposed that the cathedral should be knocked down to clear the area for public parades and vehicle movement on Red Square. It is said that he prepared a special model of Red Square in which the cathedral could be removed, and brought it to Stalin to show how the cathedral was an obstacle for marches and traffic. Then he said: 'But if we knock it down, like that!..' and with these words he jerked the cathedral out of the square. Stalin looked, thought for a bit and then pronounced the immortal words: 'Lazar! Put it back!'

During WWII, to consolidate all power of the big state Stalin promised to all people (nations in USSR), if we can win this terrible war I'll give more freedom to the Russian Orthodox church and even start to restore and open convents and churches. He kept his word and from the end of 40s - beginning of 50s they stared to restore and open the churches for public. Some churches as like St. Basil, churches inside the Kremlin they made as museums opened for public. St. Basil's cathedral nowadays isn't active church, it is museum with price for the tickets for foreigners about 3,5 USD.

Random customer's Responses & Recommendations.

Please visit web site russia travel guide.

Jared & Evie Rein
From: Alameda, California, U.S.A.
Date: 2006-09-19 04:22:33

My wife and I as well as two of my friends just visited Moscow for 2 days. Arthur is truly a great guide to have on your trip to Moscow. He is a very friendly and fun guy that will have you remember your trip that much more. Arthur is also very generous and helpful, as on many occasions he got us through situations we would have no idea how to get through. He shows you his city which he is very proud of, and should be, I have been to 30 countries myself, and would easily choose Russia as the one with the most spectacular and beautiful things to see. May I recommend going along on the night tour of Moscow, it is a spectacular look at the sights under moonlight (and artificial light). Perhaps mention the route we took: St.Basil's, The Kremlin, Lenin's Tomb, night tour, Novodsky Convent during Day 2... Arthur doesn't let you feel out of place in Moscow, he truly is a friend in a far away place. He lets you go where you want to go. He is very informative, and just very fun to hang out with. I wish him only the best in his endeavors, and if I ever visit Russia again, we will definetly call our friend Arthur again!!! Thanks for everything man, we'll keep in touch ;)
-Jared & Evie