The cathedral, sitting at the far end of Red Square, with its instantly recognisable and colourful, onion-shaped domes and spires, has graced the square for over four centuries. Built to commemorate Ivan the Terrible's capture of the Mongol stronghold of the Kazan in 1552, its popular name commemorates St Basil the Blessed who foretold the Moscow fire of 1547 and whose remains were buried in the former cathedral that stood on this site. Originally the façades and domes of the Cathedral were not painted different colours. The carved decorative details of white stone stood out boldly against the original red brick walls. The sixteenth-century monument was colourfully decorated over the following 200 years. The chapel and tent-roofed bell-tower were also added during that period. In spite of its stunning exterior, the inside is somewhat plain and cramped. For more than four centuries this remarkable building has survived numerous fires, natural disasters and enemy invasions to delight and astound all who see it.