Throughout the history of Moscow Red Square has been integral part of the Kremlin ensemble. It’s original name was Poloye (‘”waste”) place, or Pozhar. Later it turned into the city’s main market place known as Torg. In the 17th century it was given its present name of Red Square which means “beautiful” in Slavonic. The Square has been the stage of most important events in Russian history. It witnessed long festive religious processions, royal trains and arrivals of foreign embassies. People crowded here to listen to the royal edicts that were proclaimed from Lobnoye Mesto (“place of a skull”) – a circular platform faced with stone slabs. Lobnoye Mesto was also the site of public prayers and executions. In its architectural perfection and beauty the Red Square can rival the most famous squares in the world like Piazza di San Marco in Venice, square in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and Placer de la Concorde in Paris.

Open: daily except 10am – 1pm on Wed, Thu, Sat and Sun, when viewing of Vladimir Lenin is permitted in the Mausoleum. During closing times you can cross the square on the pavement next to GUM shopping mall.
Tickets: admission free