What is on the red. The main attractions of the Red Square. Cathedrals in Red Square

During a fire in 1493, a significant part of the wooden buildings of the Great Posad, located next to the Kremlin, burned down. It was decided not to build up the vacated territory, which was a strip 240 m wide. In the west, its borders were adjacent to the Kremlin moat, in the east - to the market, and in the south - to a low hill. With the advent of this place, the building of the current Red Square began.

Three main streets of Moscow led here - Nikolskaya, Ilyinka and Varvarka. Between them were tents, trays and tents, so this area was often considered a market. In order to prevent the expansion of the spontaneous trade zone, at the end of the 16th century it was decided to clearly define its limits with the help of special merchant chambers made of stone. New buildings limited the area to the east and formed three blocks. Subsequently, each of them got its own name - Upper, Middle and Lower Trading Rows. Externally, the buildings were the same type of cell, united by arches. A similar exterior design can be found in many trading buildings built during that period.

origin of name

In previous centuries, there were several names of the central attractions of Russia. Of the early options were common - Trinity Square and Fire. The first is connected with the name of a nearby church, the second is due to the fact that for a long time there were many buildings made of wood that constantly light up.

At the beginning of the XVII century, a site near the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Frontal Place began to be called Red Square. In this context, the word "red" meant "beautiful." This name spread throughout the territory near the Kremlin and was approved at the official level by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

It is worth noting that many foreigners who visited Moscow in those days called the area "market" or "commercial." Under Ivan the Terrible, it was often called the "big one".

Architectural Attractions

One of the most impressive buildings is the Assumption Cathedral, built in 1475-1479 under the control of the architect Aristotle Fioravanti. This temple is considered not only the most important in Russia, but also has the glory of the oldest building in Moscow, preserved to this day. Of course, it was repeatedly destroyed by fires, but was constantly restored.

In 1491, the efforts of the architect Pietro Antonio Solari created the Frolovskaya (Spasskaya) tower, the gates of which later became the main of all the Kremlin and began to be used to exit dignitaries during various celebrations. At the top of the building are the famous Moscow chimes.

The almost-extant monument of Russian fortification is the Kitay-Gorod wall, the length of which was 2567 m. It was built from 1535 to 1538 under the guidance of engineer Petrok Maly. This building performed a defense function, protecting the population from the raids of the Crimean Tatars. The wall was destroyed during the Stalinist reconstruction of Moscow. In the 90s of the last century, it was possible to recreate some of its sections.

In 1995, the city authorities ordered the restoration of the Resurrection Gate, which leads to Red Square. They were in the Neglinen Tower and served as the main entrance to Kitai Gorod. According to the existing custom, it was from these gates that the Russian tsars traveled to Red Square for festive events.

Of interest is also the chapel of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. She was considered one of the main Moscow shrines. The icon was introduced to the capital in the 17th century and placed on the aforementioned tower. To protect believers from bad weather, they built a canopy, and then equipped a chapel for prayers. Shortly after this, the gates were restored, decorating them with high tents with double-headed eagles. An icon of the Resurrection of Christ was attached over the structure, which is why the modern name appeared. Under Soviet rule, the gates and chapel were demolished to clear a place for organizing demonstrations and driving cars.

The oldest building in Red Square, which exists to this day, is the Forefront. It was intended for various celebrations. Its first mention in the annals dates back to 1549. Many mistakenly believe that public executions were carried out here. In fact, this place was considered holy, so it was quite rarely demolished the guilty. Most often, local meetings were held at the Forefront to hear tsar's decrees.

Among the famous creations of architecture is the Pokrovsky Cathedral, created by decree of Ivan the Terrible after the victory over the troops of the Crimean Khanate. Since the memorable event occurred on the day of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, such a name was chosen. Often you can find a popular name - St. Basil's Cathedral. The sanctuary built in 1555-1561 is a whole complex consisting of 9 separate churches, which have one common foundation.

The Red Square continued to be built up in the next century - in 1637, Kazan Cathedral was rebuilt on Nikolskaya Street, which served as a sign of memory of the expulsion of Polish invaders from Moscow. In Stalin's times, the temple was destroyed, and in its place a pavilion was built in honor of the III International. Only after the collapse of the Soviet Union did the historical structure be recreated in its original form.

In the second half of the 18th century, Catherine II ordered the creation of a grandiose shopping center on the site of dilapidated trading shops in the square. The project was taken up by the talented Italian Giacomo Quarenghi, then several city architects completed the construction. In 1812, a fire destroyed the building; Osip Beauvais, a classicist, took up its restoration. Until the end of the century, the building was outdated and in need of major repairs; it was completely renovated until 1896. In 1923, the State Department Store was opened here, which operates to this day. Despite the fact that the department store has been privately owned for more than 20 years, the name has remained unchanged.

In 1818, the outstanding sculptor Ivan Martos presented a project of a monument to Minin and Pozharsky, the leaders of the militia during the Polish invasion in 1612. It was located in the central part of the square until 1936. As conceived by the master, Minin symbolically pointed to the Kremlin occupied by enemy troops and called on his comrade to action. After the opening of the Mausoleum, the architectural composition was somewhat disturbed, since it began to seem that the national hero was pointing to it. In addition, the monument began to interfere with people gathering at numerous demonstrations. As a result, the stone product was preserved, but it was moved closer to St. Basil’s Cathedral.

In the north of Red Square is the largest state historical museum of Russia. It was created on February 21, 1872 by decree of Emperor Alexander II. At the moment, the institution is classified as a particularly valuable cultural heritage of the country. 29 rooms present Russian history from ancient times to the beginning of the previous century. To get acquainted with the entire exposure, it will take more than one day.

Interestingly, on Red Square there is a kind of memorial cemetery - a necropolis near the Kremlin wall. The urns with the ashes of prominent political and military figures of the Soviet era are stored here. For all the time of existence since the beginning of the 20th century, many domestic citizens and foreign revolutionaries have been buried here. The necropolis contains the remains of Joseph Stalin, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, Maxim Gorky, Klara Zetkin, Yuri Gagarin and other prominent personalities.

The world famous place is the Lenin Mausoleum, daily collecting crowds of tourists. In January 1924, the architect Alexei Shchusev equipped a burial worthy of a great leader. The master created a structure in the form of a stepped pyramid, which symbolizes eternity. All work was completed within two months. Initially, wood was used as a building material, since it was not known whether it would be possible to preserve the body of Lenin. In 1930, wooden walls were replaced with stone ones according to the design of Schusev. For several years, the remains of Stalin were preserved here, but then the corpse was moved to the necropolis.

In 1990, the Moscow Kremlin complex and Red Square were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This means that there should no longer be any major changes in the appearance of these historical places.

• On May 28, 1987, the German pilot Matthias Rust significantly spoiled the reputation of the Soviet air defense system. Being in the cockpit of a single-engine aircraft, he managed to quietly cross the state border and land right on Red Square. The pilot was accused and sentenced to 4 years, and after some time was released under an amnesty. In total, he spent a little more than a year in custody.
• Since 1993, photography using professional equipment within the Red Square has been prohibited. It is allowed to bring only technical devices with a height not exceeding 14 cm and a lens diameter of 7 cm. It is possible to obtain special permission to shoot, for which you should contact the command office of the Moscow Kremlin.
Helicopters over Red Square

Since 1918, Red Square in Moscow became the venue for parades and demonstrations of workers. From here on November 7, 1941, our soldiers went to the front. The first Victory Parade was held on June 24, 1945, which marked the beginning of the tradition uniting the Russians. Now every year on May 9, on the day of signing the act of unconditional surrender of Germany, we recall the great victory and the heroes who brought it, and Red Square has become the central venue for the celebration.

The parade was especially solemn on May 9, 2015, on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The parade on Red Square was attended by over 15 thousand military personnel, including 1.3 thousand foreign military personnel from ten countries. 194 units of armored vehicles, 143 aircraft and helicopters were involved.

The parades taking place on the square always attract the attention of Muscovites, guests of the capital and all Russians. At the same time, the paving of Red Square suffers from the passage of military equipment.

How to get to Red Square

Red Square is located in the very center of Moscow, and it is surrounded by two metro interchange nodes. Getting to the sights from the nearest metro stations is not difficult.

The first interchange hub includes three stations: Okhotny Ryad, Revolution Square, and Teatralnaya. This is the intersection of red, blue and green branches, or Sokolnicheskaya, Arbat-Pokrovskaya and Zamoskvoretskaya lines.

Red Square in winter


As soon as you get to these stations, then get out of the car and look around in the lobby. You need a pointer to the exit to Manezhnaya Square. Going up the street, you will see a large beautiful building made of red brick - this is the State Historical Museum. If you go straight to him, and then go around, you will go straight to Red Square.




The second interchange hub is four metro stations: "Arbat", "Borovitskaya", "Alexander Garden" and "Lenin Library". These are the intersections of the red, blue, gray and blue metro stations, they are called Sokolnicheskaya, Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya, Serpukhov-Timiryazevskaya and Filevskaya lines. In the hall of the stations you need to find a pointer to the exit to the Alexander Garden. As soon as you get into it, you will immediately see the Kremlin: the garden is located right next to it. Turn right and go around the Kremlin wall a bit. A few minutes walk - and you will see Red Square. Among other things, you will pass by the Kutafya tower, through which you can enter the Kremlin itself.

Red Square is open around the clock, however, during preparations for the big holidays, its visit is closed.

Keep in mind that officially photography in Red Square is prohibited! But everyone takes pictures quietly and without a tripod. Smoking and drinking alcohol on its territory is also prohibited.

Red Square in Moscow is one of the main symbols of the city, and of the country as a whole. This is the most popular attraction among tourist groups and guests of the city. It is here that those who come to spend only a few hours in the capital come.

The Red Square.

However, the residents of Moscow themselves do not deny themselves the pleasure of walking along the paved cobblestones of the square, visiting the GUM, visiting museums, seeing the Moscow arena or visiting churches and cathedrals located near the Kremlin walls. Here, the historical significance and importance of many events is acutely felt, and the mixing of epochs creates a bizarre ensemble in which at each visit it is possible to find something new, previously unknown.

Please note that some of the attractions are located directly on the territory of the Kremlin (we will note this in the article). You can get there both as part of the excursion group, and individually, however, in any case, the visit will be paid. Tickets can be purchased at one of the ticket offices (the main one is located in the Alexander Gardens near the Kremlin walls), however, queues are possible during the tourist season. You can buy tickets online:

1. On the official website - Federal State Budgetary Institution "State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve" Moscow Kremlin ". Usually tickets are sold no later than two days before the visit. The purchased ticket must be printed out and exchanged for an entrance ticket at the box office.
2. A more simplified version of online ticket purchase is specialized sites for booking excursions, where you can choose the date of your visit more flexibly. There are many such sites, one of the most famous:

Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

Ending with Vasilyevsky Descent and originating at the Resurrection Gate of Kitai Gorod, Red Square is the territorial center of the capital, which, as you know, has a radial-ring layout.

Vasilievsky descent: leads from Red Square to Moskvoretskaya Embankment.

Entrance to Red Square through the Resurrection Gate from the Okhotny Ryad metro station.

It is here that the streets begin, which later go into the largest transport arteries of the big city. Sacred objects for Russian history are located on the square itself.

For example, at which public executions were carried out, royal decrees were announced, and other important public events were also held. Frontal place was first mentioned in the annals of 1549.

Frontal place.

No less famous is the leaders of the militia in times of turmoil.

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky.

It was installed in 1818, but on a historical site, in the center of the square (next to the modern GUM), it stood only until 1930, after which it was moved closer to another attraction - Pokrovsky Cathedral.

Mausoleum of Lenin  - the tomb of the first head of the USSR and the place of many years of tourist pilgrimage. In addition to the Mausoleum, tourist groups usually visit the Necropolis located here - the burial place of participants in the October Revolution of 1917, as well as state and military figures of the country.

Lenin's Mausoleum and Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin in the background.

But the main pearl of Red Square, of course, is moscow Kremlin and its Spasskaya Towerwell known far beyond the borders of Russia. It is this architectural monument, erected in 1491, that the country sees during the chimes on New Year's Eve and the traditional congratulations of citizens by the President of the Russian Federation.

Museums and historical sites of Red Square

The building which is located opposite the Intercession Cathedral, was erected in the second half of the XIX century. Like most buildings in the square, it is made of red brick, and its towers are crowned with heraldic symbols of imperial greatness: lions, eagles and unicorns. The giant exposition of the museum totals more than 4 million (!) Objects. It covers the history of Russia from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century.

State Historical Museum on Red Square.

The Armory and the Diamond Fund  are part of the museums of the Moscow Kremlin and have been operating since the time of the Russian Empire. It is here that relics of national importance are stored. In particular, the Diamond Fund stores the large and small imperial crown, the scepter with the legendary Orlov diamond and many other values \u200b\u200bthat are a national treasure.

Palace Square on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin.

The Armory chamber contains real historical relics of the 12-18 centuries, including the crews used to travel the royal family, parade items for horse carts, fabric and fabric samples, ceremonial and military weapons, accessories made of gold and silver, as well as many another. (note: The Armory and the Diamond Fund are located on the territory of the Kremlin).

The Armory on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin.

Temple complexes of Red Square

Kremlin Cathedral Square  - a special place, and today it stores majestic shrines and at the same time masterpieces of stone architecture. Borovitsky Hill, from which the construction of the Kremlin and temple complexes began, today greets guests with domes of the Arkhangelsk, Assumption and Annunciation Cathedrals, as well as the Robe Deposition Church and Ivan the Great Bell Tower. (note: Cathedral Square is located on the territory of the Kremlin).

On Red Square itself, outside the Kremlin, there is also a place for prayers. Kazan Cathedral  It is a vivid example of the best traditions of stone architecture of the 17th century. A bell-tent and multi-tiered ornaments in the form of kokoshniks crown his poppy. The cathedral was completely destroyed in 1936, and now it is difficult to believe that this architectural masterpiece reappeared here only in the nineties of the 20th century, when the city authorities decided to restore the historical appearance of the square and recreated the Kazan Cathedral with detailed accuracy on historical documents and sketches.

Kazan Cathedral on Red Square.

St. Basil's Cathedral in fact, it is called Pokrovsky (in honor of the Protection of the Virgin), and only one of its churches is really named after the saint, who gave the national name to the entire temple complex. The majestic building with nine dome heads is one of the most popular objects of Russian cultural heritage for tourists.

Walking and entertainment in Red Square

GUM  - The main department store of the capital today has turned not just into a luxury shopping complex, where you can find everything you want, it is a place for meetings and pleasant walks. It regularly hosts cultural and entertainment events, and in winter the square in front of the store turns into a huge festively decorated skating rink.

GUM on Red Square.

GUM on Red Square.

GUM on Red Square.

Alexander Garden, located on the northwest side of the walls of the Kremlin, is one of the most beautiful parks in Moscow. Famous fountains and alleys, the legendary Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, numerous monuments and sculptures, rare species of trees and shrubs make this place very attractive for leisurely walks.

Alexander Garden near Red Square.

Alexander Garden near Red Square.

Alexander Garden near Red Square.

Alexander Garden near Red Square.

Moscow Manege  - the legendary exhibition hall, originally erected in 1817, but underwent reconstruction after the fire at the beginning of the two thousandths. Today it hosts the largest festivals and exhibitions in various art directions. The building with a bicentennial history continues to attract those who sincerely love and know how to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

The capital of Russia, Moscow and its main symbol, Red Square, welcomes guests from all over the world all year round.

First interchange node:

Metro stations: Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii are located closer to the main entrance to Red Square.

Second transfer hub:

Metro stations: "Alexander Garden", "Library named after Lenin", "Borovitskaya" and "Arbat" are located closer to the Alexander Garden.

sights

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The most famous and iconic place in Russia and Moscow, a witness to the fateful events of the past, and now - the main arena of grandiose festivals in Moscow - Red Square - is rightly called the heart of the capital and the face of the country. In its appearance, the history and power of the whole state were captured. The majestic beauty and invariable solemnity of a truly iconic place delight tourists from all over the world who are not tired of capturing the full power of the monumentality of the square in bright photos. A walk along Red Square and its immediate surroundings is not just a must, but a priority route for every guest in Moscow. Indeed, it is in this public space, which has become sacred over several centuries, that the main sights and a whole complex of unique monuments that embody national ideas and values \u200b\u200bof different eras are concentrated. About them - the main objects that make up the most popular walking route of the capital - will be discussed in our guide.

“The land begins, as you know, from the Kremlin ...” The history of the main square in Moscow began from the Moscow Kremlin. At the end of the 15th century, after a devastating fire, the burned-out space between the northeast Kremlin wall and Torg was not built up, the surviving buildings were demolished, and trade soon began to boil on the newly formed square. Fire, Torg, Troitskaya (according to the Church of the Holy Trinity) - this is what they have called the area adjacent to the Kremlin for almost two centuries. The modern name was fixed to it at the end of the 17th century. The place was called Red Square not because of the red color of the Kremlin walls, but for its exceptional beauty. The most crowded place in Moscow, which became not only the commercial, but also the political center of the city, was gradually built up with magnificent buildings - real masterpieces of architecture. At the same time, the Kremlin has always remained the main attraction located in the immediate vicinity of Red Square.

A medieval fortress, which since the end of the 15th century served as the residence of Russian rulers, to this day is the main socio-political and spiritual center of the country. The Moscow Kremlin is one of the largest architectural ensembles in the world, the appearance of which has evolved over the centuries. The “Place of Greatest Historical Memories” is amazingly diverse: its high walls and towers amaze with its power and beauty, and ancient temples and chambers, palaces and administrative buildings delight with their monumental solemnity. The Kremlin is also a unique museum complex in Moscow, one of the richest treasures of historical and artistic relics and monuments. Having absorbed the centuries-old culture of the country, the Kremlin has become a national shrine, has become an undeniable symbol of a great state.

The main temple in Moscow is the Cathedral of the Protection of the Holy Virgin, which is on a moat erected on Red Square in 1555-1561. The construction of a grandiose religious construction marked a triumphal victory over the Kazan Khanate. The amazing beauty of the temple and the intricacy of the architectural solution of his image gave rise to an interesting legend that the architects who participated in the creation of the cathedral were blinded by order of Ivan the Terrible so that they could not build such a masterpiece.

Throughout its existence, the Intercession Cathedral has undergone changes in its appearance more than once. So, in 1588, another (tenth) church was built in honor of St. Basil the Baptist, which gave the ancient temple a second, "folk" name.

Pokrovsky Cathedral was not only a military temple, but also a symbol of the national idea, according to which Moscow was proclaimed the Third Rome - a religious and political center, the main guardian of the Orthodox faith. The cathedral is also an encrypted image of Heavenly Jerusalem: the multi-colored and multi-colored chapters of eight churches surrounding the high tent of the ninth temple in plan form an eight-pointed star - a symbol that refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which indicated the way to the Savior to the Magi.

Today St. Basil's Cathedral is an active church, as well as one of the largest museums in the country and Moscow in particular, which tells about the history of Orthodox Russia.

In front of St. Basil’s Cathedral, there is a legendary monument dedicated to Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, the leaders of the second people's militia, whose troops liberated Moscow from Polish invaders in 1612. The idea of \u200b\u200bperpetuating the glory of national heroes arose at the beginning of the 19th century. The author of the monument was elected Russian sculptor Ivan Martos. In 1812, work began on the creation of the monument. Its casting required 1,100 pounds of copper.

A massive sculptural composition was planned to be placed in Nizhny Novgorod - a city that was the center of the formation of the militia. After the end of the Patriotic War of 1812, the monument acquired a special socio-patriotic meaning: it was intended to become a symbol of the victorious expulsion of invaders from Moscow. The original decision was changed, the monument was installed in the center of Red Square. Its opening was a solemn event in which Emperor Alexander himself took part. And already in 1931, the monument, which impeded the holding of parades and demonstrations, was moved to St. Basil’s Cathedral.

The existence of a public rostrum on Red Square, called the Lobny Place, was first narrated by chronicles in the mid-16th century. The emergence in Moscow of the “theater of proclamations” is associated with the salvation of the capital from the invasion of the Crimean Tatars in 1521. Until the time of Peter the Great, the Execution Ground remained the main political tribune of the country. From this elevated round platform, royal decrees and sentences were announced, they announced the election of a patriarch, the start of a war or the conclusion of peace.

Often on the Forefront for the veneration of the people exhibited the relics of Orthodox saints. But executions, contrary to popular belief, were extremely rare here, in exceptional cases. The Old Russian oratorical pedestal, also known as the “Tsarevo Mesto”, had a sacred meaning for a long time. Until the revolution, Religious passages stopped near him, from here the bishop overshadowed the people with the sign of the Cross.

The building that has survived to this day has acquired in 1786. Then the outdated platform was reconstructed according to the project of Matvey Kazakov. The round platform, made of carved stone, acquired a stone railing; the entrance was decorated in the form of a door with an iron openwork grate; a staircase is arranged to climb.

Over time, the Forefront lost its original role. Nevertheless, people around him do not stop gathering. An extraordinary attraction attracts millions of views not only as an unusual architectural object, but also as a historical place, marked by the solemn and tragic events of centuries of Russian history.

The main facade of the Red Square overlooks the building of the GUM - the main domestic department store. A large three-story pseudo-Russian-style building stretches along the eastern border of the square for about a quarter of a kilometer. The building erected in 1893 was almost always (with the exception of the first years of Soviet power) used for its original purpose. The upper shopping arcade, State Department Store, GUM Trading House - these three names captured not only the fate of the country's largest passage, but also identified the main stages in the development of the Russian state. Before the revolution, more than 300 salons of well-known trading companies were located here, where almost all groups of industrial and food products were represented. It was here that price tags for the first time appeared, excluding bargaining. In the 20th century, the historical and architectural monument survived nationalization, repeated demolition threats, which nevertheless turned into two reconstructions (in 1953 and in the early 1980s), and, finally, privatization.

Modern GUM does not tire of improving its inner space and semantic content. Today it is not just the most beautiful store in Moscow, offering customers the widest range of goods, but also a comfortable relaxation area with numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as a venue for a variety of cultural events - art exhibitions, concerts, fashion shows, interesting photo shoots. Every winter, a Christmas market and the main city ice rink open in front of the GUM building.

The ensemble of Red Square is impossible to imagine without the Historical Museum. A huge red-brick building, reminiscent of an elegant Old Russian tower, was erected at the northern end of the square (opposite St. Basil’s Cathedral) in 1875–1883. The authors of the architectural masterpiece were prominent Russian architects V. Sherwood and A. Semenov. It is no accident that there are symbolic elements in the decoration of the building: the tops of the main towers are double-headed eagles, and small side tents are crowned with figures of lions and unicorns. After all, it was here, shortly after completion of construction, that the Imperial Museum ("The Museum named after His Imperial Highness Sovereign Heir Tsesarevich") was located, designed to become the keeper of the country's historical relics.

During its existence, the institution not only changed its name, becoming the State Historical Museum, but also significantly expanded its funds. Today, the museum collection includes over 5 million items that reflect the politics, economy, and culture of the Russian state from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century. Among the exhibits are personal items of kings and emperors. The large-scale exposition is divided into halls, each of which is dedicated to a certain period in the life of the country.

The path to Red Square from Manezhnaya Square and Revolution Square lies through the Resurrection Gate - a restored fragment of the Kitaygorod wall. A two-arch building with gate chambers and two tent towers crowned with double-headed eagles is located between the Historical Museum and the City Duma building. The ceremonial superstructure of the gate was acquired in 1680. The construction of a two-span passage on this site dates back to 1535.

Over the course of its long history, the fortification has changed more than one name: the gates were called Neglinensky (on the bridge that once stood next to the Neglinnaya River), Troitsky (along the nearby Trinity Tower of the Kremlin). The gates were also called Triumphal: through them solemn entries of Russian rulers to Red Square were carried out. The emergence of the now widespread name "Resurrection" is due to the fact that in 1680 the icon of the Resurrection of Christ was attached to the gate. The historical monument is also known as the Iversky Gate. As far back as the 17th century, the Chapel of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most revered in Moscow, was established between the passages. The religious building was demolished shortly after the revolution, and in 1931 the Voskresensky (Iversky) gates were also dismantled, which interfered with the passage of military equipment during the parades. Both the gate and the chapel were restored in 1994.

Located in the northern part of Red Square, the one-domed cathedral, decorated with four tiers of keeled kokoshniks, is an example of Russian temple architecture in the first half of the 17th century. Above the northwestern corner of the open gallery surrounding the main volume, rises a tented bell tower - a characteristic building of the time. However, Kazan Cathedral is not a genuine monument of antiquity, but a recreated temple. An architectural copy of the ancient church, dismantled in 1936, appeared on a historical site in the post-Soviet period, in 1990-1993.

As early as 1625, the wooden predecessor of the stone temple was consecrated in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The national fame of this shrine is associated with the events of the Time of Troubles. The list from the icon (copy) accompanied the second militia, which liberated Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian invaders. Kazan Cathedral, erected in 1635 at the expense of the ancestor of the Romanov dynasty - Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, became a military temple, a kind of monument to Russian soldiers who fell in the struggle for the independence of their Fatherland. The religious building has been rebuilt more than once in several centuries of its existence. Today we can observe its original appearance, and make a great photo of such an iconic landmark.

Behind the Kazan Cathedral along Nikolskaya Street there is an architectural complex of the late 17th century. This is one of the oldest mints in Moscow. It was called Red or Chinese (located at the Kitay-Gorod wall). The oldest building of the complex is two-story brick chambers with a travel arch, erected in 1697. The facade of the building, facing the courtyard, is richly decorated in the Baroque style. The windows of the second floor are framed with white-stone carved platbands, the piers are decorated with attached columns, a colored strip of tiled frieze is stretched along the top of the wall. The basement of the chambers was used to store precious metals, on the lower floor there was a forge, smelter and other production facilities, the upper floor was occupied by the treasury, assay, pantry.

The Red Mint has been working for a century. Gold, silver and copper coins of a national pattern were minted here. A reliable security system made it possible to use the yard as a debt prison. In the future, the complex was rebuilt, new buildings appeared to accommodate state institutions. The prison continued to operate, where they contained such dangerous criminals as E. Pugachev, A. Radishchev. At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the buildings of the Old Mint was transformed into the Nikolsky shopping arcade, some of the buildings were adapted for commercial premises. In Soviet times, administrative buildings were located in ancient buildings. Today, the former mint is at the disposal of the State Historical Museum.

Kremlin, Moscow

The two-story building, located opposite the Historical Museum, between the Resurrection Gate and Kazan Cathedral, was built in the 30s of the XVIII century as one of the buildings of the Mint. Since Catherine’s times he was occupied by the Moscow provincial government. His initial baroque decor, created by architect P.F. Heiden, the building lost in 1781. Then, during the restoration work carried out by the famous Moscow architect M.F. Kazakov, the building acquired a stucco classicist facade. However, often the courtyard facades are no less interesting than the front. In the courtyard you can observe the preserved elements of decorative brickwork, characteristic of the early Baroque. From 1806 until the beginning of the next century, the Town Hall Tower, which served as a fire tower, towered over the House of Provincial Government.

Not so long ago, a historical and architectural monument was restored and today, with its updated facade, draws up the eastern line of the main entrance to Red Square.

Kremlin, Moscow

At the end of the 19th century, a representative building was erected to the House of Provincial Government, intended for the Moscow City Council. The scale of the structure and its elegant decor, characteristic of ancient Russian architecture, make it consonant with the neighboring building of the Historical Museum, erected a decade earlier. The author of the project was the outstanding Russian architect, master of eclecticism and pseudo-Russian style D.N. Chichagov. Nowadays, the main facade of the old building determines the appearance of the Revolution Square (formerly Voskresenskaya), one of the closest to Red Square.

Deputies sat in a luxurious "tower" until 1917. After the revolution, a medallion with a picture of a worker and a peasant appeared over the main entrance instead of the coat of arms of Moscow, and the building of the building was occupied by departments of the Moscow Council. In 1936, after the reconstruction of the interior, which destroyed the original decoration, the Central Museum of V.I. Lenin is the largest exhibition center dedicated entirely to the life and work of the leader of the socialist revolution. Today it is a branch of the Historical Museum, which is an excellent exhibition space for various exhibitions.

Kremlin, Moscow

One of the capital’s youngest and most interesting museums, the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812, opened its doors in 2012. Unique collections are located in the new two-story pavilion, which occupies the space of the courtyard between the building of the former Moscow City Council and the chambers of the Red Mint. The author of the project of a modern building, successfully inscribed in historical buildings, was the famous Moscow architect P.Yu. Andreev. The staff of the Historical Museum did a great job of selecting exhibits and preparing them for display.

On the ground floor of the exhibition complex, an exposition is presented reflecting the background of legendary events - a ten-year period of relations between Russia and France on the eve of the war, as well as a memorial section, including a series of paintings “1812. Napoleon in Russia "V.V. Vereshchagin and a collection of commemorative medals and rarities. In the exposition halls of the second floor, the image of the Patriotic War of 1812 itself is revealed, and the foreign campaigns that followed it are highlighted, thanks to which Europe was freed from Napoleon's rule. The modern exhibition space is equipped with a multimedia information system, which makes visiting the museum even more fun.

In front of the Senate Tower of the Kremlin is a unique historical and architectural object of the 20th century - the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin, which became the center of the western part of Red Square. The existing stone building of the mausoleum, erected in 1929-1930, is the third in a row. The two tombs preceding it were created as temporary and were wooden. The first mausoleum was built already 6 days after the death of Lenin - on January 27, 1924: this made it possible to extend the farewell ceremony with the leader of the world proletariat after the official funeral. Six months later, a very modest building was replaced by a more significant step construction with columns and stands. Both projects were completed by architect A.V. Schusev. Subsequently, the idea of \u200b\u200bpreserving the body of Lenin acquired important socio-political significance, in addition, embalming was considered successful. The same Shchusev designed a version of the building, designed to become the tomb of the leader for many years.

The monument that has survived to this day is a reinforced concrete structure with brick walls, faced with granite, decorated with marble and labradorite. The inscription "Lenin" above the entrance is inlaid with porphyry. Often, the plastic solution of a mausoleum having a step composition is associated with Babylonian ziggurats. However, the building on Red Square is a peculiar, and even innovative form in the spirit of avant-garde achievements. Although, of course, the ritual and memorial nature of the monument and the sarcophagus of Lenin himself refer us to the distant past, to the ancient tradition of worshiping relics.

On Red Square is located one of the most famous memorial cemeteries in the country - the Necropolis near the Kremlin wall. The history of the legendary churchyard began in 1917, when 240 revolutionary fighters who died in the October armed uprising in Moscow were buried in mass graves dug from Nikolsky to Spassky Gates. Subsequently, not only mass graves appeared at the Kremlin wall (more than 300 people were buried in them), but also separate burials. The first to be buried in a separate grave on Red Square was Y. Sverdlov (in 1919), the last - K. Chernenko (in 1985).

For several decades, the Honorary Necropolis was replenished with 12 graves of prominent state and military figures of the Soviet Union (I. Stalin, K. Voroshilov, S. Budenny, L. Brezhnev and others), as well as 115 burials in the form of urns with ashes of prominent personalities. Monuments were erected over the graves - busts of famous Bolsheviks, each of which was planted with a blue spruce. On the Kremlin wall, which is a columbarium, memorial plaques are visible on which the names and years of life of the “heroes of their time” are engraved in gold letters.

The list of those buried at the Moscow Kremlin is not limited to Soviet politicians and military leaders, but also includes foreign communists, scientists, pilots and astronauts. A. Lunacharsky, V. Chkalov, M. Gorky, S. Korolev, Yu. Gagarin, G. Zhukov, M. Keldysh and others are buried in the necropolis.

Kremlin, Moscow

Of the twenty towers of the Kremlin, four go to Red Square - Angular Arsenalnaya, Nikolskaya, Senate and Spasskaya. The latter - a tall and beautiful clock tower is familiar to everyone: the festive battle of its chimes has long been an attribute of the New Year in Russia.

The architectural structure, built in 1491, rises above the main gate of the Moscow Kremlin, long since revered as saints. Through these gates, the great princes and kings entered the ancient fortress, and from the 18th century, Russian emperors entered; through them ambassadors of foreign states arrived; religious processions passed through them.

Initially, the tower was called Frolovskaya, in honor of the nearest church of Frol and Lavra, which now does not exist. The second name was given in 1658 in the image of the Savior of Smolensky, placed above the Frolovsky Gate after the liberation of Smolensk by Russian troops in 1514. The icon, hidden for more than 70 years under a layer of plaster, was restored in 2010.

To keep the time of worship in the XVI century, the first clock was installed on the tower. The current appearance of the chimes acquired in the middle of the XIX century. At different times, the mechanism was "taught" to different melodies. Today, the main clock of the country knows how to play the melody of the anthem of the Russian Federation and the “Glory” choir from the opera “Ivan Susanin” M.I. Glinka.

In the first half of the XIV century, on the top of Borovitsky (Kremlin) hill, the first white-stone churches were erected, which determined the spatial organization of the future Cathedral Square. Ancient buildings were not preserved, but new cathedrals grew on the site of their predecessors. The construction of magnificent religious buildings was carried out at the end of the XV - beginning of the XVI century - at the time when the unification of the Russian lands around Moscow was completed, which turned into the capital of a single Russian state.

Cathedral Square, which is the historical and architectural center of the Moscow Kremlin, five centuries later preserved a unique architectural ensemble, including the famous monuments of Russian temple architecture - the Assumption, Arkhangelsk, Annunciation Cathedrals, the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles. In addition to architectural value, temples have important historical and memorial significance. The Assumption Cathedral is famous for the fact that all coronations of Russian monarchs took place in it, beginning with Ivan III and ending with Nicholas II. And the tomb of the Russian rulers (great and specific princes, kings) was the Necropolis of the Archangel Cathedral. Currently, the cathedrals of the Kremlin are not only active Orthodox churches, but also museums exhibiting masterpieces of ancient Russian art.

The history of museum work on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin began in 1806, when, by decree of Emperor Alexander I, the Armory Chamber received museum status. The initial collection was made up of the treasury stored in the Kremlin, the first information about which dates back to the 15th century. After the revolution, in addition to the Armory, the Kremlin cathedrals and the Patriarchal chambers became museum institutions. The walls of historical buildings today house permanent exhibits and temporary thematic exhibitions.

Many collections of museums in the Moscow Kremlin are truly unique. This is a collection of state regalia, a collection of amazing diplomatic gifts, a collection of coronation costumes, the rarest old crews of Russian rulers, a rich collection of weapons and armor. The museum collection includes about three thousand icons, covering the period from the end of the XI to the beginning of the XX century. Of particular interest is the archaeological collection, which is formed by artifacts found in the Kremlin.

The ensemble of the bell tower "Ivan the Great", which has been developing for more than three centuries, has come to our days and includes three volumes of different times. This is the pillar of the bell tower of Ivan the Great, which in 1600 increased its height to 81 m, the Assumption belfry of the middle of the XVI - the second half of the XVII century, as well as the Filaret Annex crowned with a tent - the belfry of the first half of the XVII century. Until the beginning of the 18th century, the Bell Tower was the tallest building in Russia. In 1812, during the retreat from Moscow, French troops blew up the temple: the pillar of the bell tower survived, but the northern annexes were destroyed to the ground. Shortly after the war ended, the monument was restored.

Today, on three tiers of the bell ringing of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and on the adjoining annexes there are 22 ancient bells. Since 2008, a museum has been operating in the historical building, introducing visitors to its unique interior space. A panoramic view and breathtaking views of the Kremlin and Zamoskvorechye come from the observation deck of the monument.

The Tsar Cannon, in its design, undoubtedly a tool, never participated in hostilities. No one was able to hear the ringing of the Tsar Bell, from which a huge piece weighing 11 tons broke off during the fire and which, moreover, lay in the pit for a century, presented to the public only in 1836. However, the question of the functionality of one of the Kremlin giants in the 20th century received an unexpected answer: the researchers found that the Tsar Cannon shot at least once. Be that as it may, the very appearance of the monuments - their impressive size and skillful decorative design amaze the imagination and cause genuine delight.

The Museum of the Russian Palace Interior is rightly called the Grand Kremlin Palace. However, the luxurious palace complex of the Moscow Kremlin has never been a museum institution. The large-scale construction, erected in the years 1838-1849, originally served as the Moscow residence of the Russian monarchs and their families. A group of prominent Russian architects, led by the famous St. Petersburg architect, master of the "Russian-Byzantine" style Konstantin Ton, worked on the creation of the architectural masterpiece.

In Soviet times, sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR were held in the halls of the former imperial palace. Today it is the ceremonial residence of the President of Russia. Ceremonies of the inauguration of the head of state, negotiations with leaders of other countries, state awards ceremonies and other official nationwide events are held here. However, it is still possible to see the magnificent decoration of the palace: in their free time, according to preliminary requests from organizations, excursion services are provided here.

The main attraction of the embankment is the Moscow Kremlin, namely its southern wall. At its very beginning there is the round Vodovzvodnaya Tower, then the Annunciation Tower, followed by the Tainitskaya Tower, two Bezymyanny and Petrovskaya Towers. The angular Beklemishevskaya tower and the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge closes the embankment. Behind the wall and towers, you can see not only the Grand Kremlin Palace, but the Arkhangelsk and Annunciation cathedrals and, of course, the 81-meter Ivan the Great Bell Tower. The Kremlin Embankment offers amazing views of Vasilyevsky Spusk and, partially, Red Square.

From Red Square to the Kremlin Embankment, a park stretches along the western wall of the Moscow Kremlin with a history of almost two centuries. The garden, designed by the famous architect Osip Bove, was built in 1820–1823. Then in Moscow, restoration work was actively carried out after the fire of 1812. The park, which grew above the Neglinka river enclosed in a pipe, included three gardens (Upper, Middle and Lower), called the Kremlin. The current common name was obtained in 1856 in honor of Alexander I, the winner of Napoleon and the liberator of Europe.

The ancient garden, transformed in recent years, still retains its former charm and original layout. There are still distinct boundaries between its three parts. The main entrance to the garden is still the magnificent cast-iron gate with double-headed eagles, designed by E. Pascal. Among the famous attractions of the Alexander Garden is the "Italian Grotto" at the foot of the Middle Arsenal Tower, symbolizing the rebirth of Moscow from the ashes, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a composition with fountains and sculptures that imitate the bed of the Neglinka River. Along the picturesque alleys of the park, which become an excellent backdrop for tourist photos, various types of shrubs and trees grow, including a bicentennial oak.

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Red Square (Moscow, Russia) - description, history, location, reviews, photos and video.

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Red Square is the main and most famous square in Moscow and Russia, the arena of many important events of Russian history and the history of the Soviet state, the place of mass demonstrations of the working people of the capital and parades of the Armed Forces of Russia. Muscovites generally do not visit Red Square often - returning at night from clubs and on New Year's Eve.

Even in ancient times, an area appeared near the eastern wall of the Kremlin, where busy trade was noisy. In the 16th century it was called Trinity from the name of the church of St. Trinity, standing on the site of St. Basil's Cathedral. In the Middle Ages, fires often blazed here, so the square also had another name - “Fire”. From the middle of the 17th century they began to call it “Red”, which in Old Russian meant “beautiful”.

Modern Red Square is a solid stone, but it acquired this form only in the 19th century, and before that it was mainly wooden. The cobblestone square was completely paved in 1804.

After the revolution, Red Square retained its importance, becoming the main square of the new state. The Lenin Mausoleum was built near the Kremlin wall, making the square the ideological center of Moscow. According to the plan of socialist reconstruction of Moscow, the Kazan Cathedral was demolished, and even earlier, the Iverskaya Chapel with the Resurrection Gate was destroyed. So they freed up space for holiday parades and demonstrations. In November 1941, in the besieged capital on Red Square, the famous parade of Soviet troops took place, from where they went straight to the front. And in June 1945 the columns of the Victory Parade passed here, and 200 Nazi banners were thrown to the foot of the Mausoleum. At present, Red Square has regained its historical appearance - the efforts of the Moscow authorities have recently restored national shrines.

Since 1993, photography using professional cameras and a tripod in Red Square and other areas adjacent to the Kremlin is prohibited. The ban covers all cameras with a housing height of more than 140 mm and a diameter of a removable lens of more than 70 mm. To obtain permission, you must contact the Moscow Kremlin Commandant's Office. An application for filming must be brought in person and wait for permission within a few days - by fax and e-mail applications will not be accepted.

What to see

On the north side, the Red Square is blocked by the Historical Museum (architect Vladimir Osipovich Sherwood, engineer A. A. Semenov, 1875-1883) with a restaurant of traditional Russian cuisine. From the south - the most beautiful Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat (St. Basil's Cathedral, 1555-1560). Vasily the Blessed is a popular, unofficial name on behalf of the Moscow holy fool who was buried at the northeast corner of the church.

Almost the entire side opposite the Kremlin is occupied by the Upper Trading Rows - now GUM. Near St. Basil is now the very first monument in Moscow, a monument to "citizen Minin and Prince Pozharsky." Here, near St. Basil the Baptismal Place (literal translation of the Jewish Golgotha). At the Kremlin wall - the mausoleum of V.I. Lenin.

Church of the Protection of the Mother of God

The Church of the Protection of the Mother of God (St. Basil's Cathedral) was built by decree of Ivan the Terrible in honor of the capture of the Kazan Khanate, part of the former Golden Horde. The temple was erected by Russian architects Barma and Postnik Yakovlev. There is a legend that, when he saw the temple, Ivan the Terrible ordered to blind the masters so that they could not build such a miracle anywhere else. The throne of the central tent was consecrated in the name of the Protection of the Virgin, and the cathedral was completely called the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God, which is on the Moat. The small church of St. Basil the Blessed, later built on the grave of the holy fool revered in Moscow, later gave the whole church another, more common name - St. Basil's Cathedral.

Red Square at night

Frontal place

To the left of St. Basil’s Cathedral is the Lobnoe Mesto - a high platform of white stone behind a cast-iron fence. It appeared here in the first half of the 16th century and served as a platform from which the king’s decrees were announced and sentences sentenced to criminals.

The frontal place is located on a steep hill - "headwaters". In Orthodox Moscow, it symbolized Mount Golgotha \u200b\u200bof Jerusalem, on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

Holy relics were exhibited at the Lobny Place for a nationwide celebration, from here Ivan the Terrible addressed the people, and the boyars Boris Godunov and Vasily Shuisky were proclaimed kings with him. According to custom, when the heirs of the throne reached 14 years old, they were carried in their arms to the Lobnoye place, so that the people could see firsthand their future legitimate tsar and would not allow the impostors to enter the Russian throne. Contrary to popular belief, executions at the Execution Ground itself were never carried out. Scaffolds were placed near it, and more often - on Vasilyevsky Descent behind St. Basil's Cathedral.

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky

The monument to the leaders of the militia of 1612, Minin and Pozharsky, was erected on Red Square in 1818 according to the project of the sculptor I. Martos. Until 1936, the monument stood in the center of Red Square, and Minin symbolically pointed out to Pozharsky the Moscow Kremlin occupied by the Poles, calling for his release. After the construction of the mausoleum, the monument was directly opposite it, and Minin's inviting-warlike gesture became very ambiguous, and the monument began to interfere with the demonstrations. At that time, calls were made to destroy him, but then the monument was transferred to St. Basil's Cathedral.

Mausoleum of Lenin

The mausoleum was built on Red Square in January 1924 by the architect A. Schusev to preserve the body of Lenin. The name comes from the tomb of the Carian king Mausoleum, built in Halicarnassus (Asia Minor) in the 4th century BC. e. In the spring of 1924, Schusev was given the task of building a new mausoleum - monumental and majestic, and the mausoleum in the form of a step pyramid, symbolizing eternity, was erected in two months. It was very similar to a modern, granite one, but it was made of wood - then it was still unknown whether it would be possible to permanently preserve the embalmed body of Lenin. Later, a resolution was issued to replace the wooden mausoleum with a stone one, without changing its usual appearance. Shchusev proposed a project of a granite mausoleum, which was erected on the square in 1930. In March 1953, a sarcophagus with the body of Stalin was installed in the mausoleum, but during the Khrushchev "thaw" it was decided to bury it in a necropolis near the Kremlin wall, where the graves of major figures are located Soviet state.

Kazan Cathedral

Kazan Cathedral is the first of the churches restored in post-Soviet times in Moscow. It was built in the second quarter of the 17th century in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in gratitude for the deliverance of Russia from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders in 1612 and in memory of the dead Russian soldiers. After the revolution, Kazan Cathedral shared the sad fate of most Moscow churches, however, in the 20s the architect P.D. Baranovsky managed to restore it and remove the drawings. In the summer of 1936 the cathedral was broken; later, a summer cafe was opened here. By decision of the Moscow government, Kazan Cathedral on Red Square was restored according to the project of Baranovsky’s pupil Oleg Zhurin. On November 4, 1990, Patriarch Alexy II laid the stone in the foundation of the cathedral, and three years later he consecrated the newly erected church.

Chapel of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God

The chapel of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God at the Resurrection Gate has always been one of the most revered shrines in Moscow. An exact list (the so-called copy of the icons) from the Iverskaya Icon was delivered to Moscow in the 17th century, and it was placed on the Neglininsky (Neglinnaya) tower. To protect the Iveron icon and praying people from wind and rain, a small canopy was erected above it. So the Iversky Chapel appeared in Moscow. The place for her was not chosen by chance: the Neglininsky Gate was the main gate of Kitai-Gorod, and, according to tradition, the ceremonial entries of the Russian tsars to Red Square were made. Therefore, there was another name at the gate - Triumphal.

In 1680, the dilapidated gate was rebuilt anew, and then two high tents, crowned with double-headed eagles, appeared above them. An icon of the Resurrection of Christ was placed above the gate, and since then they have become known as the Resurrection. Iverskaya Chapel got its modern look at the end of the 18th century. After the revolution, the Iversky Chapel was demolished, and in 1931 the Voskresensky Gate was demolished too - they made room for the passage of demonstrations and automobile traffic. Recently, Athos again made a list with a genuine iverian icon. In November 1994, Patriarch Alexy II consecrated the laying of the Iverskaya Chapel and the Resurrection Gate. In less than a year, they were restored by the architect Oleg Zhurin. In 1995, the chapel was reopened.

How to get there: on foot from the station. m. "Revolution Square" and "Okhotny Ryad".

It is located between the Kremlin and Kitay-Gorod. The appearance and history of the square dates back to the 15-16th century. Initially, Red Square was intended for trading and the market and was called Trading or Fire.   In the 17th century, this square began to be called Red, which meant “beautiful”, “beautiful”. Over time, various monuments and sights appeared on the square. The area is lined with paving stones and is a pedestrian zone. Since 1963, traffic on Red Square has been prohibited.

Where is Red Square located? What are the sizes of Red Square?

Red Square is located in the center of Moscow and adjoins the Kremlin wall from the north-east. Its length is 330 meters and a width of 75 meters. Its area is 23,100 square meters. meters.

Red Square in Moscow - Attractions and Monuments:

• Historical Museum;
• Mausoleum of Lenin;
• GUM (State Department Store);
• St. Basil's Cathedral;
• Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God;
• Resurrection Gate;
• Frontal place;
• Monument to Minin and Pozharsky;
• Alexander Garden;
• The Spasskaya Tower;
• Monument to the unknown soldier in the Alexander Garden.

The history of Red Square in Moscow.

Red Square began to exist in the 15th century. It was erected during the time of Ivan the Third, in which the white stone walls of the Kremlin were replaced with brick. Ivan the Third issued a decree according to which, near the walls of the Kremlin, any construction was prohibited. This territory was liberated from various churches and structures and was intended only to create a market and bidding. In those days, Red Square was called Trading or Big Trading. The Kremlin was surrounded on all sides by the Moskva River, on the banks of which there were marinas: from these marinas goods were delivered for sale on Red Square. Bridges were brought to the gates of the Kremlin itself.

In 1571, a fire occurred on Red Square, in connection with which the square was called Fire. After this incident, it was forbidden to build wooden benches and erect a variety of wooden structures on Red Square, since wooden buildings could again easily ignite. In the 16th century, the first stone shopping malls were built, and the square became known as Red. From the north, the square was closed by the gates of Kitai Gorod.

In the 16th century, Frontal Place was built on Red Square, and in 1555-1561 the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed (Cathedral of the Protection of the Holy Virgin) was built. In the eastern part of the square in 1625 the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was erected in honor of the great victory over the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. The Resurrection Gate became an arch and entrance to Red Square. Near the gate was the Main Pharmacy and the Mint. In 1709, the wooden Triumphal Gate was built at the Kazan Cathedral. In the 18th century, at the Spassky Gate, book trade was in full swing, and libraries were erected. In 1755, the Main Pharmacy was rebuilt into State University. In 1786, new shopping malls were built.

In 1804, Red Square was laid out with cobblestone. In 1812, most of the area’s structures burned down. The restoration of Red Square fell on the shoulders of the architect Osip Ivanovich Beauvais. In the 19th century, new construction began on the square: the Historical Museum and the new building of shopping arcades began to be built.

In 1892, multi-colored lighting appeared on Red Square. Since 1918, processions, parades and festivities in honor of the city and the country as a whole began to be held on it. In 1924, the Lenin Mausoleum was built. The mausoleum became the compositional center of Red Square. In 1930, the area was lined with paving stones. In 1930, the monument to Minin and Pozharsky was moved to the St. Basil's Cathedral. In 1974, the area was again paved with paving stones laid on a concrete base. In the 1990s, the Kazan Cathedral and the Resurrection Gate were reconstructed.

The State Historical Museum is one of the most famous and largest museums in Red Square, Moscow and Russia. The collection of exhibits in the museum covers the entire history of Russia. It appeared in 1872. In 1894 it became known as the Imperial Historical Museum. In 1917 it was named the State Historical Museum.

Mausoleum V.I. Lenin is a tomb monument in which Vladimir Ilyich Lenin is buried. When it became known about the death of this great man, it was decided to build a Mausoleum. In 1924, a wooden mausoleum was built, and in 1930 it was rebuilt using reinforced concrete and brick with granite cladding.

GUM (State Department Store) —   This is a huge shopping complex, which is located on Red Square in Moscow. Until 1921, it was called the Upper Trading Rows. GUM is a part of Kitay Gorod and a monument of federal significance. The assortment of the store is various and has elements of luxury and wealth. This complex consists of many departments, which are located on different floors.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is an Orthodox church located on Red Square. Famous monument of architecture. Until the 17th century, it was called Trinity, since it was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It is currently a branch of the State Historical Museum.

The Resurrection Gate is the gate of Kitai Gorod between the City Duma and the Historical Museum on Red Square. The gate gave the name Voskresenskaya Square. Initially, they were called Lions, later - Neglimensky, then Epiphany. Since 1689, the gates began to be called the Resurrection.

The frontal place is a monument of ancient Russian architecture on Red Square in Moscow. The frontal place is also called the Tsarevsky place. This elevation is surrounded by a stone fence. The frontal place was considered a saint; royal decrees were read from it. Executions were rare.

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky is a sculpture made of brass and copper, which was created by Ivan Martos. Located in front of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square. It is dedicated to the leaders of the second popular militia - Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky in honor of the victory over Poland in 1612. These heroes forever remained in the memory and hearts of people.

Alexander Garden is a park near Red Square in the center of Moscow. It was founded in 1812. The area is about 10 hectares. In the Alexander Garden there are many flower beds, alleys, trees and beautiful shrubs. People come here to enjoy the weather and take a pleasant walk.

Spasskaya Tower is one of the twenty towers of the Moscow Kremlin. It is in this tower that the main gate of the Kremlin — the Spassky Gate — is located, and the most famous clock in Russia, the chime, is installed on the tower itself. The tower was founded in 1491. Initially, it was called Frolovskaya because of the name of the church Flora and Lavra. In 1658, the gate was renamed Spasskaya in honor of the icon of the Savior of Smolensk.

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is a monument of gratitude to the unknown soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War. Located in the Alexander Garden. The monument is a helmet and a branch of the laurel. A little further than the monument is a wall on which the names of hero soldiers are displayed.

Red Square exists not only in Moscow, but also in the cities of Yelets, Krasnodar, Suzdal and Pereslavl-Zalessky. Any person who happens to be in Moscow must visit Red Square, as it is one of the main attractions of the city.