The Red Square

Most visitors begin their acquaintance with Moscow’s Red Square, Krasnaya Ploschad, the heart of the city.

Its history goes back to the 15th century when it was known as the marketplace. In the 16th century it became a place for ceremonial. Here the imperial ukases (decrees) were proclaimed. The present name of the square dates from the 17th century, though in those days "krasnaya" meant "beautiful" and not "red".

Today Red Square, encompassing an area of more than 70.000 square metres, is definitely one of the world’s most beautiful sites. The square is bounded by the Kremlin walls, the Lenin Mausoleum, the Historical Museum, the GUM department store and St. Basil’s Cathedral, which is called the "stone flower" of Red Square. St. Basil’s Cathedral is the oldest building in Red Square. It is a unique combination of nine smaller cylindrical churches. The central structure is 107 feet high, surrounded by eight tower-like chapels linked by an elevated gallery. Each tower has its own decorative pattern. Red Square is at present used as a huge gathering place for public events, markets, fairs, and festivals.