Red Square & St. Basil's Cathedral

Red Square is the most famous city square in Moscow. The square separates the Kremlin, the former royal citadel and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter known as Kitay-gorod. As major streets of Moscow radiate from here in all directions, and the Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia. The name of Red Square derives neither from the colour of the bricks around it nor from the link between the colour red and communism. Rather, the name came about because the Russia word Krasnaya can mean either “red” or “beautiful”. The work was originally applied to the St. Basil’s Cathedral and was subsequently transferred to the nearby square in the 17th Century. During the Soviet era, Red Square maintained its significance, becoming the main square in the life of the new state. Besides being the official address of the Soviet government it was renowned as the location for military parades. Kazan Cathedral and Iverskaya Chapel with the Ressurection Gates were demolished to make room for heavy military vehicles driving through the square (both were later rebuilt after the fall of the Soviet Union).

St. Basil’s Cathedral is a multi-tented church on the Red Square that features the distinctive onion domes. The cathedral is traditionally perceived as symbolic of the unique position of Russia between Europe and Asia. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan IV (also known as Ivan the Terrible) to commemorate the capture of the Khanate of Kazan. The cathedral is named after Basil Fool for Christ, a Russian Orthodox Saint. It is located at the southeast end of Red Square, just across from the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin.