Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad)

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky on Red Square, Moscow

Svetlana Tikhonova

Everyone visiting Moscow has to visit it's heart - Red Square. It is one of most famous places not only in Moscow but in Russia.

Red Square stretches broadly along the eastern wall of the Kremlin. It is 695 meters long and has average width 130 meters.

The architectural ensemble of Red Square developed gradually over the centures. In 1555-61 the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (the Cathedral of the Intercession, known as St.Basil Cathedral) was built on the river side of square. The Cathedral is unique and beautiful creation of Russian national art.
Next to the Cathedral stands the monument to Minin and Pozharsky.
Not far from the Cathedral is what is called the Lobnoye mesto, a round platform of white stone built in 1534. Here the tsar's edicts were proclaimed and religious ceremonies held.
To the right of the Cathedral is the Spasskaya (Savior) Tower of the Kremlin, which has long become one of the symbols of Moscow.Side of the square opposite to the Kremlin is occupied by long building in old-russian style. It is Upper Trading Stalls, known for all Muscovites as GUM. Now you'll find there many shops as well as some nice cafe, restaurants and fast-food.
The fourth side of Red Square is occupied by the red brick building of the State Historical Museum. To the left of the museum stands the Nikolskaya (St.Nicholas) Tower of the Kremlin. To the right of the museum is Iberian Gate (Iverskie Vorota). And more to the right, at the north east corner of Red Square, is Kazan Cathedral.
At the central part of the Kremlin wall on Red Square is the Lenin Mausoleum.