Russian Culture Monday: St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral, with its colorful onion domes and detailed brick work, is one of the most widely known symbols of Russia. The 16th century cathedral has a fascinating and "miraculous" history, having been slated for demolition more than once. Today, its location on Red Square, and its proximity to other Moscow must-see sights, makes it a hard-to-miss attraction.

This monument to Russia's apparent exoticism has been a fixture of Moscow's landscape since the 16th century. You'll see the cathedral's image used as a backdrop for journalists reporting on Kremlin activities, it cameos in films set in Russia, and when you travel to Moscow, you will stand in front and get the obligatory photo of yourself. If you can, enter St. Basil's Cathedral and have a look around. The cathedral's exterior is famous, but its interior is rarely photographed, so seeing it for yourself is a treasured experience. Read more about St. Basil's Cathedral and its history and name:

• St. Basil's Cathedral

More Russian Culture Monday

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• The Zakuska
• St. Petersburg in Russian Culture