It is said to be a whim of the Tzar Ivan the Terrible to see how many distinct chapels could be erected under one roof in a given space of ground, so that services could be performed at one time without interrupting each other.
It is further related that the Tzar was so delighted with the architect that when the edifice was finished he sent for him, pronounced a high eulogium on his work, and then ordered his eyes to be put out so that he could never build such another.
The chapel of the Iberian Mother of God is situated in an archway; and at the further end is the saint herself in a kind of sanctuary.
Her complexion, like most of the Russian saints, is a dark brown, not to say black.
Round her head is a net of pearls, on one shoulder a large jewel is fastened, and another of equal brilliancy rests on her brow, above which, the whole being lighted up by thirteen silver lamps, glitters a splendid crown.
Pass whenever he pleases, the traveller will find the chapel beset by worshippers.
Her hand and the foot of the child are covered with dirt from the abundant kissing, and have almost disappeared.
None ever pass, however urgent their business, without bowing and crossing themselves; the greater part actually enter, kneel devoutly before the Mother, and pray with fervent sighs. Fashionable ladies leave their equipages and prostrate themselves in the dust along with the meanest beggars.
It is frequently visited by the Tzars, and it is said that Alexander the First never omitted to do so, and more than once in the middle of the night he wakened the monks that he might perform his devotions.
In addition to all these places of worship, there is an immense cathedral dedicated to Jesus, erected on rising ground a little out of the city.