Red square in Moscow is a world-famous landmark of our homeland, and rightfully bears the title of one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Ask any resident from another country what they know or have heard about Russia, and you will hear: "Moscow, Red square...".
Historically, it was on this main square of Russia that all the most important events for the country were held.
Since the middle ages, the largest trading rows were first built here, trading and doing business with merchants from different countries of the world. Much later, all the important state decrees were read out here, and the execution of significant criminals, who went down in history through the centuries, was carried out.
Just in the last century, Red square became a parade ground for military and holiday parades.
Nowadays, Red square is also very popular — mass public celebrations are held here in honor of public holidays, and it is here that the main flow of tourists from all over the world flocks, who want to perpetuate the ancient beauty and power of the capital's square on their photos.
The main decorations of the capital are located directly on the territory of red square, and they are worth telling about!
Moscow Kremlin
The Kremlin and Red square are inextricably linked, since it was the Kremlin that laid the Foundation for the birth of the square exactly as we know it now.
In the distant XV century, there was a fire, terrible in its consequences — burned out everything that could burn, there were only the Kremlin walls and Torg (so called in those days, the square near the Kremlin).
They did not rebuild the fire, the space was cleared, and all the old buildings were demolished, and a grandiose Playground was opened in the vacant place. Today's name Red square received in the early XVII century, and was based on the then meaning of the word red. In the old Russian language, the word red meant everything beautiful, by analogy, to paint means to decorate. And the designation of the red color sounded "chervonny".
And the name was given by right — after all, since that time, the space of red square has been built up exclusively with beautiful buildings, real masterpieces of architecture, which now make up an amazing unique ensemble of beauty and style!
And of course, the main pearl of the square is the Kremlin.
Since ancient times, the Kremlin was the center of government power first of Russia, and later of the Russian Empire, the USSR, and now the Russian Federation. In addition to its political value, the Kremlin is also a historical monument of architecture, with numerous sights of ancient Russia that are always interesting and relevant to see!
St. Basil's Cathedral
Back in the XV century Russia won a victory over the Khan of Kazan, and in honor of this momentous event was to dedicate a Temple of the Holy virgin, who are now the main temple of the Russian capital.
The construction of the Temple dates back to the reign of the historically famous Tsar Ivan the terrible, and there is a legend that the cruel king got the architects to build a magnificent Cathedral, and then issued a decree to blind them, in order to avoid repeating the uniqueness of the erected Cathedral.
Throughout its centuries-old history, the Cathedral has been changed more than once, and the temples and towers that make up the Cathedral's ensemble have been added and rebuilt many times. In the same, XVI-th century, the tenth temple was added, which is now widely known as the St. Basil's Cathedral.
The Cathedral of Intercession of the virgin in its essence was not only an expression of glorifying military victories of Russia, and was the embodiment directly to the power and grandeur of the Third Rome, which Moscow was proclaimed the Kingdom, was considered a stronghold of Orthodox Christianity all subject areas and regions.
And the mysterious religious meaning is also hidden in the particular location of the towers and temples of the complete ensemble — eight buildings located in a circle around the 9th main temple symbolize the 8-final star of Bethlehem, a message to the Lord of heaven, pointing the way to the Savior.
Today, St. Basil's Cathedral is a functioning Church, always open to parishioners. In addition, it includes a Museum value, welcoming visitors and tourists with wide-open gates. The temple is the historical embodiment of Russian history.
Sculpture in honor of Minin and Pozharsky
The famous monument to Minin and Pozharsky was erected in the XIX century as the embodiment of patriotism and a tribute to the defenders of the Fatherland. In 1612, two people — Minin and Pozharsky in the city of Novgorod founded a militia movement to fight the Polish invaders, and freed Moscow from occupation.
In 1812, they decided to perpetuate their feat in metal, for which the architect Ivan Martos was invited. 67,153 kilograms of copper material were spent on the construction and completion of the sculpture.
Upon completion of the sculpture, it was decided to erect it in the Homeland of the militia heroes-in Nizhny Novgorod. But there was a war of 1812 with Napoleon, and after the victory in this war, the sculpture acquired a deeper meaning, in this regard, the monument was decided to leave in Moscow, in the middle of red square. As the embodiment of the country's victory over any invader.
And only after centuries, already under the Soviet regime, the monument was moved to the Church of St. Basil, as His massive figure prevented parades and demonstrations from being held on the square.
State Department store (GUM)
Here, on red square, you will see the main Department store of the country, the legendary GUM, which was the most attractive shopping center for the population of the USSR during the Soviet era. Of course, because here you can always buy scarce goods, which at one time the day with fire was not to be found in other stores of the republics and regions!
The three-story attractive building of the supermarket stretches its facade along red square, occupying about 250 meters in length.
From the very first day of its existence, the shopping center was used for its intended purpose-trade. In all ages, the most prestigious shops and shopping malls were located here, with a great variety of magnificent goods that attracted customers both from Moscow and other regions of Russia.
Currently, GUM represents the most beautiful and prestigious shopping center, with rows of amazing products. In addition, like any self-respecting shopping center, it provides an opportunity to relax and unwind. There are a lot of cafes here, and fans of aesthetics can always choose from a variety of exhibitions, concert performances, and a wide range of entertainment.
Arriving here in winter, you will find a wide fair unfolding in front of the building, and an excellent ice rink.
Place of execution
The attraction called "lobnoye mesto" has existed for about 5 centuries. Initially, the platform was used for announcing all sorts of innovations and decrees of kings, proclamations of ascendancy to the throne or other important posts in the state. And, given the mass availability of the place, there were also exhibited for worship and prayer of shrines and religious values. Crowds of people then came to worship the Shrine, and to kiss their lips, praying in their soul to God for a petition or healing.
And directly executions on this place were carried out only the most demonstrative, very rarely, in the most exceptional cases. At the end of the XIX century, the platform for heralds was slightly improved — the pedestal was surrounded by a railing, steps were added to climb to it, which could now be entered through a wrought-iron door.
Lobnoye mesto has survived to the present day in its historically famous form, and although it has not been used for its intended purpose for a long time, it is still a center of attraction for tourists.
After all, standing next to this unusual building, you can't help but remember all the significant milestones in the history of Russia, marked in the old days here!
State Historical Museum
The impression of the beauty and splendor of red square would be incomplete without a visit to the Historical Museum. This building is significant even for its appearance — the building is made of bright red brick, the impressive size of the building and the symbolic decoration of the towers and roof will not allow you to pass by, and do not stop for a look.
During the Soviet era, the Museum acquired its current name, and significantly expanded its collections. Now the Historical Museum surprises and fascinates with a huge number of items belonging to different eras of the Russian state. The period of coverage of the exhibited collections from the most ancient centuries to the years of the XX-th century. And, of course, a great variety of items belonging to the families of the country's tsars and emperors.
Cathedral of our lady of Kazan
You can see the Cathedral of our lady of Kazan by turning to the Northern part of red square. The building is so bright and noticeable that it is impossible to make a mistake.At the same time, it should be noted that the present structure located on red square is a reconstruction of a once destroyed ancient wooden temple.
During its existence, the Cathedral has undergone multiple alterations, and in the 30s of the last century was destroyed by order of the Revolutionary government.
The March of the militia against the Polish invaders took place from the Cathedral, with the troops carrying a Shrine — a reproduction of the icon of the mother of God, designed to protect the saviours of the state from the machinations of enemies. After this event, the Cathedral was officially recognized by the Church of military personnel, symbolizing the memory of those who fell in the battles for the Fatherland.
The temple was re-erected in the 90s of the last century.
When approaching red square, you will pass through the resurrection gate, and visiting the Kremlin as part of a tour, you will be able to see the legendary Mint.
Tomb
Of course, the Central monument of Russian history and culture is The Lenin Mausoleum.
This monumental building was built specifically for the body of the leader of the revolution. Immediately after Lenin's death, two versions of the sarcophagus were designed. The first was wooden for temporary use, and the opportunity for everyone to say goodbye to the body of the leader. The second project was built with the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich already on display, but it was also a test version.
And only after the body has passed the test of time to withstand embalming, built a Mausoleum in the form that is still present on red square. The building is made of iron and concrete, the walls are brick and lined with marble. The inscription on the Mausoleum is made of porphyry material.
This monument to the leader of the revolution is still popular with tourists and guests of the capital.
Red square is unique in its essence not only as a historical venue for significant events for the country, but also an impressive number of masterpieces of architecture and architecture made in different styles in different eras. Red square itself is a magnificent monumental monument of all times.
