6 Things To See In Red Square In Moscow, The Capital Of Russia

Moscow’s Red Square is the most famous in the Russian capital and in the entire country. It has an area of ​​300 meters long and 70 meters wide and is the nucleus of the city, since the most important streets converge there. Not only is it huge and beautiful, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.

Brief history of Moscow’s Red Square

The current area where the square is located was populated by wooden buildings, until Ivan III of Russia removed them to prevent them from burning. And for this reason, the new square served to establish markets and celebrate public ceremonies and proclamations. It became the place where the tsars were crowned.

Its name derives from the Russian word  Красная , which means “red”, but which in Old Russian meant “pretty”. That is to say, “pretty square”. During the time of the Soviet Union the square was used for military parades. Today it is the most visited place by tourists who come to Moscow.

What to see in Moscow’s Red Square

With its 23,100m², the immense surface of the Moscow Square, as well as its importance, mean that there are different historical icons around it. These are the most important places in this spectacular square :

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

It is the main symbol of the city, despite not being the main cathedral in Moscow (which is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior). Its construction was ordered by Tsar Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to celebrate the conquest of the Kazan Khanate.

During the time of communism it was considered to tear it down, so that more tanks could parade, but Stalin flatly refused to do so. It has also survived fires and Napoleon’s invasion.

The visit lasts about two hours  and can take place from June 1 to August 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the rest of the year from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2. The Kremlin

It is a group of civil and religious buildings located west of Moscow’s Red Square. It is made up of four palaces and four cathedrals. It is the place of government of the President of Russia, although long before it was the residence of the Tsars.

Within its walls are presidential and administrative government buildings, the Grand Palace, a congress palace, Russia’s main museum (the Armory), and four cathedrals. Except for the government buildings, the rest can be visited.

For example, the Grand Kremlin Palace can be visited by prior request, but the cost is high. However, some monuments are free to visit.

3. Lenin’s Mausoleum

It is the resting place of Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, known as Lenin. He was the leader of the Bolsheviks of the Workers’ Party and the main leader of the October Revolution of 1917, one of the most important moments in Russian history.

Being such an important figure for the country, the Soviet government ordered his grave to be raised in the square when he died in 1924. It was made by Alekséi Shchúsev, in granite. It can be visited on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 to 13 h.

4. State Museum of Russian History

It was built between 1875 and 1881 by Tsar Alexander III. Inside are historical relics acquired by the Romanovs. It is a very large museum, which houses a collection of millions of objects.

In front of the façade there is a statue of Marshal Zhukov, one of the most prominent commanders of the Second World War. The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10 to 18 pm and weekends from 10 to 21 h.

5. Kazan Cathedral

It is a Russian Orthodox church located on the corner of Red Square in Moscow. It was built in 1625, but it was rebuilt in 1936 by order of Stalin. Inside is the icon of the Virgin of Kazan, a symbol of the Russian faith.

When the Soviet Union disappeared, it was rebuilt again between 1990 and 1993. The visit is free and the monument is open from 8 in the morning to 8 in the afternoon. The duration is less than an hour.

6. The GUM Galleries

It is the best-known shopping center in Russia and the most visited by tourists. It is located on a building built in 1890, with a 242 meter long facade and impressive interiors.

The mall is dedicated to the sale of luxury goods, so even if you don’t buy anything, it will be worth a look. Inside there are good places to eat for only 10 euros per person. There are terraces where you can enjoy the views of Moscow’s Red Square. In addition, in the galleries you can try the mythical Russian ice cream.

These are the recommended places to visit in Moscow’s Red Square. Undoubtedly, around its walls there are hundreds of pages of Russian history that deserve to be known. Of course, there is more to see in the city, such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Novodechy Convent, or Gorky Park. Do not miss it, Moscow is worth it!