Today, Russia's iconic national symbol, St. Basil's Cathedral, turns 450 years old. The onion-domed landmark sits in Moscow's Red Square just outside the Kremlin and was named after a homeless, naked dissident who stood up to Czar Ivan the Terrible.

The cathedral was restored in time for Tuesday's exhibition dedicated to St. Basil and other so-called holy fools, the devout and eccentric prophets known for braving Russian winters by walking around stark naked or wearing only feathers.

St. Basil's brazen contempt for the tyranny of Ivan the Terrible saw the leader fearing the holy fool and carrying his coffin to a grave right outside the Kremlin. It was there, in 1561, that the cathedral was constructed to commemorate Ivan's victory over Mongol rulers. It is revered among believers for miracles and healings.

Yet, not everyone enjoys this fantastically bizarre structure that sits in stark contrast with its surroundings. Among others, Stalin sought to demolish it and Napoleon attempted to dynamite it on his way out of Russia a century earlier.

Here's a look at Russia's flamboyant icon on its 450th Birthday:

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Russian military jets fly in formation over St.Basil's Cathedral during a military parade in Red Square in Moscow REUTERS
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Fireworks explode over St. Basil Cathedral at Red Square during New Year's Day celebrations in Moscow. REUTERS
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People walk along Red Square under snowfall, with St. Basil's Cathedral in the background, in central Moscow. REUTERS
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People walk along Red Square, with Saint Basil's Cathedral in the background, in central Moscow REUTERS
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A man walks across Red Square near the GUM state department store (L) and St Basil's Cathedral on a rainy day in Moscow REUTERS
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People walk along Red Square, with St. Basil's Cathedral reflected in a puddle, in central Moscow REUTERS
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Russian Topol M ballistic missiles on launchers are seen during May Day parade rehearsals in front of St. Basil's cathedral on Moscow's Red Square REUTERS
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