This is one of the most famous landmarks in Russia and one of the main symbols of Moscow. The correct name of the temple is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Basil's Cathedral is a colloquial version. An incredibly beautiful Orthodox church, located in the heart of Red Square, was built in the mid-16th century by order of Ivan the Terrible. It did not lose its splendor even in Soviet times. Today, services and daily excursions are held here. It’s definitely worth going inside: the interior decoration is in no way inferior to the external beauty. You will be able to see rare Russian icons, frescoes and examples of monumental painting.
pl. RedIn front of St. Basil's Cathedral there is a sculptural group dedicated to Russian national heroes - Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. During the difficult Time of Troubles for the country (the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries), they led the second people's militia - they united peasants and townspeople to fight foreign invaders from Poland and won. The monument was created by sculptor Ivan Martos in 1818. This is the first monument in Moscow dedicated to national heroes.
The most famous of the twenty towers of the Moscow Kremlin. It was built in 1491 by an Italian architect. This is where the main gates of the Kremlin are located. They are decorated with the icon of the Savior of Smolensk. At the top, the famous clock, the chimes, keeps time. The Kremlin five-pointed star was installed only in 1935.
pl. Krasnaya, 3This elevation, surrounded by a fence, is actually a monument of ancient Russian architecture. It is believed that public executions were carried out here, but these are just rumors. Most often, royal decrees were announced here and ceremonial events were held. The name is also associated with the geographical location: the beginning of Vasilyevsky Spusk, where Lobnoye Mesto is located, was simply called “forehead” in the Middle Ages.
Red SquareThe place where the body of the leader of the proletariat Vladimir Ilyich Lenin rests. It was opened in 1924, then rebuilt several times. The famous stone sarcophagus, which no bullet can penetrate, appeared in 1973. To get inside, you will have to stand in a huge line and go through a metal detector. You should behave inside yourself as if at a funeral ceremony.
pl. RedThe elegant facade of the most famous shopping complex in the capital overlooks Red Square. The main building of GUM is designed in the style of a passage - stores are located on different tiers on both sides of a wide gallery passage. There are more than a thousand retail outlets here: the Russian souvenir store “Heritage”, the “Zhostovo” salon, where unique hand-painted products are presented, the “Humpty Dumpty” art gift gallery and other interesting shops.
Red Square, 3To experience the Soviet atmosphere, have lunch in Canteen No. 57 on the third floor of GUM. Here you can try borscht and meatballs, Kiev cutlets, mashed potatoes and other Russian dishes. It is noteworthy that the prices here are quite low, and the food is prepared exactly as in Soviet times.
Red Square, 3
The Orthodox church, named after the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, rises on the corner of Red Square, in front of the mint. It was demolished under the Bolsheviks, then completely restored. Here is the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, especially revered in the Russian Orthodox Church.
Red Square
You definitely won’t pass by this building - it looks like a Russian tower from fairy tales. The largest national museum in Russia contains exhibits reflecting the history and culture of the country - from ancient times to the present. The total number of exhibits is about 4.5 million. Inside you can join a tour or find out more information using interactive monitors.
Krasnaya sq., 1The double gates of the Kitai-Gorod Wall are located in the passage between the Historical Museum and the City Duma building. Above them are two towers crowned with double-headed eagles. They are also called the Iveron Gate - in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, which is located in the existing chapel.
Resurrection Gate passageWhen walking along Red Square, look not only around, but also at your feet. In the transition between Red and Manezhnaya Square, near the Resurrection Gate, there is the Russian Zero Kilometer - a place that symbolizes the beginning of all highways in Russia.
Manezhnaya SquareThe area of the Alexander Garden is about 10 hectares. The garden was laid out by Alexander II. Today there are monuments here that remind visitors of the Great Patriotic War, as well as the First Patriotic War - 1812. But the main attraction of the garden is, of course, the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Also in the garden is the Manege - the Central Exhibition Hall. As in the old days, the Alexander Garden is a popular place for walking.
Alexander GardenNear the Alexander Garden is Manezhnaya Square, which got its name due to the Manege building overlooking the square. Built in the 30s of the XX century. The building of the famous Moscow Hotel rises here and there is a whole complex of beautiful fountains.
pl. ManezhnayaIn the 90s, the Okhotny Ryad underground shopping complex appeared on Manezhnaya Square. Its glass dome is visible from the square. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, a monument to Marshal Zhukov was erected on it. On the three underground floors of the shopping center there are more than 100 stores of famous brands, restaurants, cafes and bars.
st. Okhotny Ryad
The restaurant is located inside one of the towers of the China Town Wall. The atmosphere inside is medieval. You will have your meals under vaulted ceilings, sitting on antique-style chairs. They also serve Russian cuisine: borscht, pies, pancakes, game and much more.
Red Square is known throughout the world and this is not an exaggeration. There is no such person who, having arrived in Moscow, did not strive to visit Red Square. This is a symbol of our country and its pride. The entire area is a single architectural ensemble, which is protected by UNESCO.
Red Square is the pride of Russians; it is impossible to be here without excitement, because every pebble of paving stones and the surrounding buildings of magnificent beauty are imbued with the atmosphere of our history.
Tsar Ivan the Terrible determined the location for the square in front of the newly built Kremlin. However, during the fire, all nearby buildings burned out, and the small area increased to 240 m in width. The people and the ruler liked the empty place and began to call it simply – Fire, in memory of the events that led to the birth of the square in front of the main royal mansions.
Along the edges of the open space, shopping arcades were set up, which for a long time marked the borders. Since trading shops surrounded almost the entire square, it was here that Moscow residents organized fairs and noisy folk festivals.
Already in those distant times, many significant events took place here. The appearance of the square began to change in the 17th century, when cathedrals and towers began to be built here that decorated the square and people began to call it red, that is, beautiful. This is exactly the meaning given to this word in Rus'. The official name Red Square was established by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1661.
The architecture of this building is surprisingly intertwined with Russian culture, since the temple is very reminiscent of gingerbread in multi-colored festive glaze. Not many people know the official name of this magnificent, well-known temple - the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is on the Moat.
The cathedral was built during the time of Ivan the Terrible in honor of the overthrow of the Khanate of Kazan, which is celebrated on the day of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, hence the name of the cathedral. And the relics of St. Basil, which have been kept here for several centuries, gave the cathedral a second, popular name.
The Kazan Cathedral is called the true decoration of Red Square. The temple was built in the 17th century at the behest of Dmitry Pozharsky, a Russian prince. It is here that the shrine of the Russian land is located - the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
The State Department Store is a legendary shopping center throughout Russia. All residents of the Soviet Union who live thousands of kilometers from Red Square and have never been here know about its existence. There is no such store anywhere else in our vast state.
And since this store is not a simple one, many people come here just to look at it from the inside, because the building, built in 1893 on the site of the Pozhar shopping arcade, is made in pure Russian architectural style. From the outside, the building blends perfectly with the entire architectural ensemble of Red Square.
The building of the State Historical Museum is considered one of the symbols of the capital of Russia, with which Red Square is decorated. Today the museum presents exhibitions of more than 22 thousand exhibits. While viewing the exhibitions, you can learn about the entire history of our Fatherland, starting with the primitive system.
The body of the leader of the revolution V.I. Lenin has not yet been buried and is in a mausoleum built urgently due to his death. The mausoleum building was periodically rebuilt and its third version can currently be seen. You can still visit the mausoleum on certain days completely free of charge.
Red Square is a unique architectural ensemble, the heritage of the Russian people. By visiting all the attractions located on the most famous square of the country, you can understand the spirit of Russia and learn about its historical past.
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 Torg or Fire. In the 17th century, this square began to be called Red, which meant “beautiful”, “wonderful”. Over time, various monuments and attractions appeared on the square. The square is paved with paving stones and is a pedestrian zone. Since 1963, traffic on Red Square has been prohibited.
Red Square is located in the center of Moscow and adjoins the Kremlin wall from the northeast. Its length is 330 meters and its width is 75 meters. Its area is 23,100 square meters. meters.
Red Square began its existence in the 15th century. It was erected during the time of Ivan the Third, under whom the white stone walls of the Kremlin were replaced with brick ones. Ivan the Third issued a decree according to which any construction near the Kremlin walls was prohibited. This territory was cleared of various churches and buildings and was intended only for creating a market and holding auctions. In those days, Red Square was called Torg or Big Torg. The Kremlin was surrounded on all sides by the Moscow River, on the banks of which there were piers: from these piers goods were delivered for sale on Red Square. Bridges were built to the gates of the Kremlin itself.
In 1571, a fire occurred on Red Square, which is why the square received the name Pozhar. After this incident, it was forbidden to build wooden benches and erect various wooden structures on Red Square, since wooden buildings could easily ignite again. In the 16th century, the first stone shopping arcades were built, and the square began to be called Red. From the north, the square was closed by the gates of Kitay-Gorod.
In the 16th century, Lobnoe Mesto was built on Red Square, and in 1555-1561 St. Basil's Cathedral (Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary) was erected. In the eastern part of the square, the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was erected in 1625 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 there was the Main Pharmacy and the Mint. In 1709, wooden Triumphal Gates were built near the Kazan Cathedral. In the 18th century, the book trade was in full swing at the Spassky Gate, and libraries were erected. In 1755, the Main Pharmacy was rebuilt into the State University. In 1786, new shopping arcades were built.
In 1804, Red Square was paved with cobblestones. In 1812, most of the square's buildings burned down. The work of restoring Red Square fell on the shoulders of the architect Osip Ivanovich Bove. In the 19th century, new construction began on the square: the Historical Museum and a new shopping mall building began to be built.
In 1892, multi-colored lighting appeared on Red Square. Since 1918, processions, parades and holidays in honor of the city and the country as a whole began to be held there. In 1924, Lenin's mausoleum was built. The mausoleum became the compositional center of Red Square. In 1930, the square was paved with paving stones. In 1930, the monument to Minin and Pozharsky was moved to St. Basil's Cathedral. In 1974, the square was re-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 Rus'. It arose in 1872. In 1894 it became known as the Imperial Historical Museum. In 1917 it received the name State Historical Museum.
Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin is a monument-tomb 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. A wooden mausoleum was built in 1924, and in 1930 it was rebuilt using reinforced concrete and brick with granite cladding.
GUM (State department store) — This is a huge shopping complex located on Red Square in Moscow. Until 1921 it was called Upper Trading Rows. GUM is part of China Town and a monument of federal significance. The store's assortment is varied 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 architectural monument. Until the 17th century it was called Trinity, as it was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Currently it is a branch of the State Historical Museum.
Resurrection Gate is the gate of Kitay-Gorod between the City Duma and the Historical Museum on Red Square. The gate gave its name to Resurrection Square. Initially they were called Lion's, later - Neglimensky, then Epiphany. Since 1689, the gates began to be called Resurrection Gates.
Lobnoye Mesto is a monument of ancient Russian architecture on Red Square in Moscow. The place of execution is also called the Tsar's place. This is a hill surrounded by a stone fence. The place of execution was considered holy, and royal decrees were read from it. Executions were rarely carried out here.
The 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 people's militia - Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky in honor of the victory over Poland in 1612. These heroes remain forever in the memory and hearts of people.
Alexander Garden is a park next to Red Square in the center of Moscow. 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 have a nice walk.
The 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 chimes, is installed on the tower itself. The tower was founded in 1491. Initially it was called Frolovskaya because of the name of the Church of Florus and Laurus. In 1658, the gates were renamed Spassky 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 represents a helmet and a laurel branch. A little further from the monument there 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 visits Moscow must visit Red Square, as it is one of the main attractions of the city.
Attractions
107436
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 festivities in Moscow - Red Square - is rightfully called the heart of the capital and the face of the country. The history and power of the entire state are imprinted in its appearance. The majestic beauty and unchanging solemnity of a truly iconic place delights tourists from all over the world, who never tire of capturing the full power and monumentality of the square in vivid photographs. A walk around Red Square and its immediate surroundings is not just mandatory, but a priority route for every guest in Moscow. After all, it is in this public space, which has become sacred over several centuries, that the main attractions and a whole complex of unique monuments are concentrated, embodying national ideas and values of different eras. These - the main objects that make up the capital's most popular walking route - will be discussed in our guide.
“The earth, as we know, begins from the Kremlin...” The history of the main square in Moscow also began from the Moscow Kremlin. At the end of the 15th century, after a devastating fire, the burned-out space between the north-eastern Kremlin wall and Torg was not built up; the surviving buildings were demolished, and trade soon began to boil in the newly formed square. Fire, Torg, Trinity (after the Church of the Holy Trinity) - this is how the area adjacent to the Kremlin was called for almost two centuries. The modern name was assigned to it at the end of the 17th century. The place was named Red Square not because of the red color of the Kremlin walls, but because of 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 close proximity to Red Square.
The medieval fortress, which served as the residence of Russian rulers since the end of the 15th century, is to this day the main socio-political and spiritual center of the country. The Moscow Kremlin is one of the world's largest architectural ensembles, the appearance of which has evolved over the centuries. “The Place of the Greatest Historical Memories” has surprisingly many faces: the high walls and towers amaze with their power and beauty, and the 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 treasuries of historical and artistic relics and monuments. Having absorbed the centuries-old culture of the country, the Kremlin turned into a national shrine and became an undeniable symbol of the great state.
Read completely Collapse Landmark, Museum, Religion, Landmark
The main temple in Moscow is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is on the moat, built on Red Square in 1555–1561. The construction of a grandiose religious building marked the triumphant victory over the Kazan Khanate. The amazing beauty of the temple and the intricacy of the architectural design of its image gave rise to an interesting legend that the architects who participated in the creation of the cathedral, by order of Ivan the Terrible, were blinded so that they would not have the opportunity to 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 added to it in honor of St. Basil the Blessed, giving the ancient temple a second, “folk” name.
The Intercession 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 custodian of the Orthodox faith. The cathedral also represents an encrypted image of the Heavenly Jerusalem: the multi-figured and multi-colored heads of eight churches surrounding the high tent of the ninth temple form an eight-pointed star in plan - a symbol referring to the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the Magi the path to the Savior.
Today St. Basil's Cathedral is a functioning temple, as well as one of the largest museums in the country and Moscow in particular, telling about the history of Orthodox Rus'.
Read completely Collapse Sight
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 the Polish occupiers in 1612. The idea of perpetuating the glory of national heroes arose at the beginning of the 19th century. Russian sculptor Ivan Martos was chosen as the author of the monument. In 1812, work began on creating the monument. It took 1,100 pounds of copper to cast it.
The 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 social and patriotic meaning: it was intended to become a symbol of the victorious expulsion of the invaders from Moscow. The initial 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 interfered with parades and demonstrations, was moved to St. Basil's Cathedral.
Read completely Collapse
The existence of a public tribune on Red Square, called the Execution Place, was first reported in chronicle sources from the mid-16th century. The emergence of the “theater of proclamations” in Moscow is associated with the salvation of the capital from the invasion of the Crimean Tatars in 1521. Until the times of Peter the Great, Lobnoye Mesto remained the main political platform of the country. From this elevated round platform, royal decrees and sentences were announced, the election of a patriarch, the start of a war, or the conclusion of peace were announced.
Often, the relics of Orthodox saints were displayed at Lobnoye Place for public veneration. But executions, contrary to popular belief, occurred here extremely rarely, in exceptional cases. The Old Russian oratorical pedestal, also known as the “Tsar’s Place,” has long had a sacred meaning. Until the revolution, religious processions stopped near it, and from here the bishop made the sign of the cross over the people.
The structure acquired its current appearance in 1786. Then the outdated platform was reconstructed according to the design of Matvey Kazakov. The round platform, made of cut stone, has a stone railing; the entrance was designed in the form of a door with an iron openwork grille; There is a staircase for access.
Over time, Lobnoye Mesto lost its original role. However, people do not stop gathering around him. This extraordinary landmark attracts millions of glances not only as an unusual architectural object, but also as a historical place, marked by solemn and tragic events of centuries-old Russian history.
Read completely Collapse Landmark, Landmark, Shopping and Entertainment Center
The front facade of the GUM building, the main domestic department store, faces Red Square. A large-scale three-story structure in pseudo-Russian style stretches along the eastern border of the square for about a quarter of a kilometer. Erected in 1893, the building was almost always (with the exception of the first years of Soviet power) used for its original purpose. Upper shopping arcades, State Department Store, “GUM Trading House” - these three names capture not only the fate of the country’s largest arcade, but also outline the main stages in the development of the Russian state. Before the revolution, more than 300 showrooms of famous trading companies were located here, where almost all groups of industrial and food products were represented. It was here that price tags excluding bargaining first appeared. In the 20th century, the historical and architectural monument survived nationalization, repeated threats of demolition, which ultimately resulted in two reconstructions (in 1953 and the early 1980s), and, finally, privatization.
Modern GUM never tires of improving its internal 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 recreation area with numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as a venue for various cultural events - art exhibitions, concerts, fashion shows, interesting photo shoots. Every winter, a Christmas market and the main city skating rink open in front of the GUM building.
Read completely Collapse Museum, Landmark
It is impossible to imagine the ensemble of Red Square without the Historical Museum. A huge red-brick building, reminiscent of an elegant ancient 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 outstanding Russian architects V. Sherwood and A. Semenov. It is no coincidence that there are symbolic elements in the decor of the building: the tops of the main towers are double-headed eagles, and the small side tents are crowned with figures of lions and unicorns. After all, it was here that, shortly after the completion of construction, the Imperial Museum (“Museum named after His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Heir Tsarevich”) was located, designed to become the custodian 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 reflecting the politics, economics, and culture of the Russian state from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century. Among the exhibits are personal belongings of kings and emperors. The large-scale exhibition is divided into halls, each of which is dedicated to a certain period in the life of the country.
Read completely Collapse Landmark, Religion, Landmark, Historic Monument
The path to Red Square from Manezhnaya Square and Revolution Square lies through the Resurrection Gate - a restored fragment of the Kitai-Gorod wall. A two-arched structure with gate chambers and two hipped towers topped with double-headed eagles is located between the Historical Museum and the City Duma building. The gate acquired a ceremonial superstructure in 1680. The construction of a two-span passage on this site dates back to 1535.
Over its centuries-long history, the fortress structure has changed more than one name: the gates were called Neglinensky (after the bridge across the Neglinnaya River that once stood nearby), Trinity (after the nearby Trinity Tower of the Kremlin). The gate was also called Triumphal: through it the ceremonial entries of Russian rulers into Red Square were carried out. The emergence of the now common name “Voskresensky” is explained by 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 Iveron Gate. Back in the 17th century, the Chapel of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God was installed between the passages - one of the most revered in Moscow. The cult building was demolished soon after the revolution, and in 1931 the Resurrection (Iverskie) Gate, which had interfered with the passage of military equipment during parades, was also dismantled. Both the gate and the chapel were restored in 1994.
Read completely Collapse Landmark, Religion, Landmark
Located in the northern part of Red Square, the single-domed cathedral, decorated with four tiers of keel-shaped kokoshniks, is an example of Russian temple architecture of the first half of the 17th century. Above the northwestern corner of the open gallery surrounding the main volume, a tented bell tower rises - a characteristic structure of that time. However, the 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 the historical site in the post-Soviet period, in 1990–1993.
Back in 1625, the wooden predecessor of the stone church was consecrated in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The nationwide fame of this shrine is associated with the events of the Time of Troubles. The list from the icon (copy) accompanied the second militia that liberated Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. The Kazan Cathedral, erected in 1635 at the expense of the founder of the Romanov dynasty - Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, became a military temple, a kind of monument to Russian soldiers who died in the struggle for the independence of their Fatherland. The religious building has been rebuilt more than once over the several centuries of its existence. Today we can both observe its original appearance and take an excellent photo of such an iconic landmark.
Read completely Collapse
Behind the Kazan Cathedral along Nikolskaya Street there is an architectural complex of the late 17th century. This is one of the old mints in Moscow. It was called Red or Chinese (based on its location near the Kitai-Gorod wall). The oldest building in the complex is two-story brick chambers with a passage arch, built in 1697. The façade of the building, facing the courtyard, is richly decorated in Baroque style. The windows of the second floor are framed with white stone carved frames, the walls are decorated with attached columns, and a colored strip of tiled frieze runs along the top of the wall. The basement of the chambers was used for storing precious metals; a forge, smelting and other production facilities functioned on the lower floor; the upper floor was occupied by the treasury, assay room, and storeroom.
The Red Mint operated for a century. Gold, silver and copper coins of national standard were minted here. A reliable security system made it possible to use the yard as a debt prison. Subsequently, the complex was rebuilt, new buildings appeared to house government institutions. The prison continued to operate, where such dangerous criminals as E. Pugachev and A. Radishchev were kept. At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the buildings of the Old Mint was converted into Nikolsky shopping arcades, and some of the buildings were adapted for retail premises. During Soviet times, administrative institutions were located in ancient buildings. Today the former mint is at the disposal of the State Historical Museum.
Read completely CollapseKremlin, Moscow
Landmark, Landmark
The two-story building, located opposite the Historical Museum, between the Resurrection Gate and the Kazan Cathedral, was built in the 30s of the 18th century as one of the buildings of the Mint. Since Catherine's time, it was occupied by the Moscow provincial government. Its original Baroque decor, created by the architect P.F. Heyden, the building was 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, courtyard facades are often no less interesting than front facades. In the courtyard you can see preserved elements of decorative brickwork typical of the early Baroque. From 1806 until the beginning of the next century, the town hall tower rose above the House of Provincial Government, serving as a fire tower.
Not long ago, the historical and architectural monument was restored and today, with its updated facade, it forms the eastern line of the main entrance to Red Square.
Read completely CollapseKremlin, Moscow
Landmark, Landmark
At the end of the 19th century, a representative building intended for the Moscow City Duma was added to the House of Provincial Government. 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 ancient building determines the appearance of Revolution Square (formerly Voskresenskaya), one of the closest to Red Square.
Deputies met in a luxurious “mansion” until 1917. After the revolution, instead of the coat of arms of Moscow, a medallion with the image of a worker and a peasant appeared above the main entrance, and the building itself 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. was opened in the building. Lenin is the largest exhibition center entirely dedicated 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 holding various exhibitions.
Read completely CollapseKremlin, Moscow
Museum
One of the youngest and most interesting museums in the capital - the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812 - opened its doors in 2012. The unique collections are located in a new two-story pavilion, which occupies the space of the courtyard between the building of the former Moscow City Duma and the chambers of the Red Mint. The author of the project for a modern building, successfully integrated into the 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 there is an exhibition reflecting the prehistory of the legendary events - the 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 exhibition halls of the second floor, the image of the Patriotic War of 1812 itself is revealed, and the foreign campaigns that followed it are also highlighted, thanks to which Europe was liberated from the rule of Napoleon. The modern exhibition space is equipped with a multimedia information system, which makes visiting the museum even more exciting.
Read completely Collapse Landmark, Historical Landmark
In front of the Senate Tower of the Kremlin there 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 mausoleum building, erected in 1929–1930, is the third in a row. The two tombs that preceded it were created as temporary and were wooden. The first mausoleum was built just 6 days after Lenin’s death - January 27, 1924: this made it possible to extend the farewell ceremony to the leader of the world proletariat after the official funeral. Six months later, the very modest building was replaced by a more significant stepped structure with columns and stands. Both projects were completed by architect A.V. Shchusev. Subsequently, the idea of preserving Lenin's body acquired important socio-political significance, in addition, embalming was considered successful. The same Shchusev designed a version of the building, intended 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, lined with granite, and trimmed with marble and labradorite. The inscription “Lenin” above the entrance is inlaid with porphyry. Often the plastic design of the mausoleum, which has a stepped composition, is associated with Babylonian ziggurats. However, the building on Red Square represents a unique and even innovative form in the spirit of the achievements of the avant-garde. Although, of course, the ritual and memorial nature of the monument and Lenin’s sarcophagus itself send us back to the distant past, to the ancient tradition of worshiping the relics.
Read completely Collapse Sight
On Red Square there is also one of the most famous memorial cemeteries in the country - the Necropolis at 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 the Nikolsky to Spassky Gates. Subsequently, not only mass graves appeared near the Kremlin wall (over 300 people were buried in them), but also individual burials. The first person to be buried in a separate grave on Red Square was Y. Sverdlov (in 1919), the last was K. Chernenko (in 1985).
Over the course of 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. Budyonny, L. Brezhnev and others), as well as 115 burials in the form of urns with the ashes of prominent personalities. Monuments are erected above the graves - busts of famous Bolsheviks, behind each of which a blue spruce is planted. On the Kremlin wall, which is a columbarium, you can see memorial plaques on which the names and years of life of “heroes of their time” are engraved in gold letters.
The list of those buried near the Moscow Kremlin is not limited to Soviet politicians and military leaders, but also includes foreign communists, scientists, pilots and cosmonauts. A. Lunacharsky, V. Chkalov, M. Gorky, S. Korolev, Yu. Gagarin, G. Zhukov, M. Keldysh and others were buried in the necropolis.
Read completely CollapseKremlin, Moscow
Landmark, Landmark, Historic Landmark
Of the twenty towers of the Kremlin, four overlook Red Square - Corner Arsenalnaya, Nikolskaya, Senate and Spasskaya. The last one, a tall and beautiful clock tower, is familiar to everyone: the festive chiming of its chimes has long become an attribute of the New Year in Russia.
The architectural structure, built in 1491, towers over the main gates of the Moscow Kremlin, which have long been revered as saints. Through these gates, great princes and tsars entered the ancient fortress, and, starting from the 18th century, Russian emperors; ambassadors of foreign states arrived through them; religious processions passed through them.
Initially, the tower was called Frolovskaya, in honor of the nearby church of Frol and Lavra, now defunct. The second name was given in 1658 in the image of the Savior of Smolensk, placed above the Frolov Gate after the liberation of Smolensk by Russian troops in 1514. The icon, hidden under a layer of plaster for more than 70 years, was restored in 2010.
To observe the time of worship, the first clock was installed on the tower back in the 16th century. The chimes acquired their current appearance in the middle of the 19th century. The mechanism was “taught” different melodies at different times. Today, the main clock of the country can play the melody of the anthem of the Russian Federation and the choir “Glory” from the opera “Ivan Susanin” by M.I. Glinka.
Read completely Collapse Landmark, Museum, Religion, Landmark, Historic Landmark
Back in the first half of the 14th century, the first white-stone churches were erected on the top of Borovitsky (Kremlin) hill, which determined the spatial organization of the future Cathedral Square. The ancient buildings have not survived, but new cathedrals have risen on the site of their predecessors. The construction of majestic religious buildings was carried out at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th centuries - during the period when the unification of Russian lands around Moscow, which turned into the capital of a single Russian state, was completed.
Cathedral Square, which is the historical and architectural center of the Moscow Kremlin, after five centuries has preserved a unique architectural ensemble, including famous monuments of Russian temple architecture - the Assumption, Archangel, Annunciation Cathedrals, the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles. In addition to their architectural value, temples have important historical and memorial significance. The Assumption Cathedral is famous for the fact that all the coronations of Russian monarchs took place there, starting with Ivan III and ending with Nicholas II. And the Necropolis of the Archangel Cathedral became the tomb of Russian rulers (great and appanage princes, tsars). Currently, the Kremlin cathedrals are not only active Orthodox churches, but also museums exhibiting masterpieces of ancient Russian art.
Read completely Collapse Museum, Landmark, Historic Monument
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 a treasury stored in the Kremlin, the first information about which dates back to the 15th century. After the revolution, in addition to the Armory Chamber, the Kremlin Cathedrals and the Patriarchal Chambers became museum institutions. Today, the walls of historical buildings house permanent exhibitions and temporary thematic exhibitions.
Many collections of the Moscow Kremlin museums are truly unique. This is a collection of state regalia, a collection of amazing diplomatic gifts, a collection of coronation costumes, rare ancient carriages 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 11th to the beginning of the 20th century. Of particular interest is the archaeological collection, which consists of artifacts found on the territory of the Kremlin.
The ensemble of the Ivan the Great bell tower that has survived to this day, which took shape over more than three centuries, includes three volumes at 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 mid-16th - second half of the 17th century, as well as the Filaret extension topped with a tent - the belfry of the first half of the 17th 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 bell tower pillar survived, but the northern extensions were destroyed to the ground. Soon after the end of the war, the monument was restored.
Today, on the three tiers of the Ivan the Great bell tower and on the adjacent extensions there are 22 ancient bells. Since 2008, a museum has been operating in the historical building, introducing visitors to its unique interior space. From the observation deck of the monument there is a panoramic view and amazing views of the Kremlin and Zamoskvorechye.
The Tsar Cannon, which is undoubtedly a weapon in its design, never took part in hostilities. No one managed 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 a hole for a whole century, appearing to the public only in 1836. However, the question about the functionality of one of the Kremlin giants in the 20th century received an unexpected answer: researchers found that the Tsar Cannon fired at least once. Be that as it may, the very appearance of the monuments - their impressive size and skillful decorative design - amazes the imagination and causes genuine delight.
Read completely Collapse Museum, Landmark, Landmark, Historic Monument
The Grand Kremlin Palace is rightly called the Museum of Russian Palace Interior. However, the luxurious palace complex of the Moscow Kremlin has never been a museum institution. The large-scale structure, erected in 1838–1849, originally served as the Moscow residence of Russian monarchs and their families. A group of outstanding Russian architects, led by the famous St. Petersburg architect, master of the “Russian-Byzantine” style Konstantin Ton, worked on the creation of an architectural masterpiece.
During 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 for the inauguration of the head of state, negotiations with leaders of other countries, ceremonies for presenting state awards and other official national events are held here. However, it is still possible to see the magnificent decoration of the palace: in free time from events, excursion services are provided here upon prior requests from organizations.
The main attraction of the embankment is the Moscow Kremlin, namely its southern wall. At its very beginning there is a round Vodovzvodnaya tower, then the Annunciation Tower, followed by the Tainitskaya, two Nameless and Petrovskaya towers. The embankment is closed by the corner Beklemishevskaya Tower and the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge. Behind the wall and towers you can see not only the Grand Kremlin Palace, but the Archangel and Annunciation Cathedrals and, of course, the 81-meter Ivan the Great Bell Tower. From the Kremlin embankment there is an amazing view of Vasilyevsky Spusk and, partially, of Red Square.
Read completely Collapse Park, Landmark, Landmark, Historic Monument
From Red Square to the Kremlin embankment, a park stretches along the western wall of the Moscow Kremlin, the history of which goes back almost two centuries. The garden, designed by the famous architect Osip Bove, dates back to 1820–1823. At that time, restoration work was actively carried out in Moscow 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 Kremlin. The current common name was received in 1856 in honor of Alexander I, the conqueror of Napoleon and liberator of Europe.
The ancient garden, which has been transformed in recent years, still retains its former charm and original layout. There are still clear boundaries between its three parts. The main entrance to the garden is still a magnificent cast-iron gate with double-headed eagles, designed by E. Pascal. Among the famous attractions of the Alexander Garden are 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 imitating 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 two-hundred-year-old oak.
Read completely CollapseView all objects on the map
The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are the main ones of Russia. Twenty towers and the same number of walls were, in fact, a grandiose fortification for protection against enemy attacks. Currently, the fortress has lost its fortification purpose. The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are the calling card of Russia, its cultural heritage.
The Kremlin is located on the Moscow River, on its left bank, high along the perimeter there are several passage towers, the rest are of an architectural and historical nature. The main tower of the ensemble is Spasskaya; there is a chiming clock on it, by which it is customary to celebrate the New Year throughout the country. The watch always shows the exact, reference time. The Spasskaya Tower is a separate landmark of Moscow, but its interior is closed to tourists.
The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are connected together and complement each other. Vasilyevsky Descent begins from the Spasskaya Tower, leading to the Moscow River, Zamoskvoretsky Bridge and the corner Beklemishevskaya Tower.
In the 16th century, the Kremlin streets were expanded and improved: Nikolskaya, Chudovskaya and Spasskaya. This was done to resettle numerous boyars and representatives of the clergy, who literally filled the territory of the Kremlin, settling for permanent residence with their families. The vacated zones began to be built up. In 1552, the Ivan the Great belfry received an extension in the form of the Church of the Resurrection, then the Churches of the Three Saints and the Solovetsky Wonderworkers appeared in the courtyard of the Metropolitans. The Grand Duke's palace was radically rebuilt. The royal family received the Bed Chambers near the Church of the Savior on Bor.
In the Kremlin there are:
The main square of Moscow is famous for St. Basil's Cathedral; its other name - Pokrovsky Cathedral of stunning beauty was created during the reign of Ivan the Terrible in honor of the conquest of Kazan. The architectural value of the cathedral has not yet been determined. This greatest masterpiece of temple architecture was created by architects named Postnik and Barma. Nine churches are brought together. Each has its own name. In the center is the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin. Then follow:
In close proximity to the Intercession Cathedral there is a monument to Minin and Pozharsky. A little further is Lobnoye Place, where public executions were carried out. Next lies the vast expanse of Red Square, covered with paving stones. At the end is the Russian Museum. On the left, along Red Square, it stretches and ends with the Nikolskaya travel tower.
Until recently, the public was interested in the mausoleum of V.I. Lenin and the section of the Kremlin wall with honorary burials. Today everything there is planted with blue spruce trees, but this area is not popular. On the opposite side of Red Square is GUM, Moscow's oldest department store.
While illuminating Red Square, we can mention the annual parade of military equipment that takes place on the square on May 9th.
During Soviet times, many buildings of the Moscow Kremlin were destroyed. Moreover, this was done as a result of official directives of the Soviet government. The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square were not considered the property of Soviet power. Especially many exhibits were damaged as a result of the barbaric actions of militant atheists. Many sights of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square were damaged. The letter of the People's Commissar of Education Lunacharsky, which he sent to the Chairman of the USSR Central Executive Committee Kalinin in order to prevent further destruction, was considered harmful, anti-communist and anti-Soviet. Two of the oldest Kremlin monasteries, Voznesensky and Chudov, were immediately demolished.
The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square were successfully restored in the post-Soviet period. Cathedrals and museums are active, and new exhibits are appearing. There is no clear answer to the question of which of the sights of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square is the most interesting. All the sights are grandiose, each in its own way. The Armory Chamber, Intercession Cathedral and the Russian Museum leave a particularly strong impression of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. It is also impossible to pass by church ensembles, Cathedral Square, and other sacred buildings of antiquity. The exact answer to the question of which of the sights of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square is the most significant will be given by the Moscow Antiquities Competition, scheduled for 2016.
