2012, SEPTEMBER 7: RUSSIA, MOSCOW - RED SQUARE

The Russian word for ‘beautiful’ also means ‘red.’ But the incorrect English translation of the Russian name of the “Beautiful Square” in Moscow as “Red Square” has stuck to it.

Red Square, Moscow (Open Stock Photo)

Red Square is considered to by the central point not only of Moscow, but also of Russia, as all major streets of Moscow and all major highways of Russia start from here.

Originally used as a market square, under the Soviets it was used by for their important and impressive military parades. Now, however, it is used for various social and cultural events.

We entered the Square from the north side, through the twin-towered Resurrection Gate. There was electronic screening of people and their bags at each entry point.

 

The Resurrection Gate is named after the large icon of the Christ’s Resurrection on its southern wall. It was rebuilt in 1995, as the original gate had been destroyed by Stalin in 1931.

    

Resurrection Gate, Red Square, Moscow

The Iberian Chapel was built, even before the building of the gate. The Chapel enshrined the icon of the Iberian Virgin. Believed to have miraculous powers to cure the sick, and stop wars, it was venerated by the Muscovite people as well as the imperial family.

 

 

 Iberian Chapel, Resurrection Gate, Red Square, Moscow



 

Kazan Cathedral occupies the northeastern corner of the Red Square. Originally it was built in the early 17^th century to honor the icon of the Virgin of Kazan to which was attributed recovery of Moscow from the armies of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, in 1612. Expanded, and restored several times afterwards, it was ordered destroyed by Stalin in 1936. The present Cathedral was built in early 1990’s.

 

Kazan Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow

 

The tall Red northeastern wall of the Kremlin with its Clock Tower stands on the western edge of the Red Square.





Clock Tower, Red Square, Moscow

 

To the south of the Square is the picturesque St. Basil’s Cathedral. It consists of nine chapels, each with its own distinct dome.

 

 



St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow

 

In front of the Cathedral has is a statue of a butcher and a prince, who together had raised and led an army, which rescued Kremlin from the Polish occupation in 1612.

 

 

The Butcher & the Prince, St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow

 

During the time of our visit, the Red Square was the major venue for celebrations related to a very important event in the Russian history, the 300^th anniversary of the 1812 War with Napoleon.

 

 

 

Various musical programs, equestrian events, and marching bands entertained hordes of visitors.

 

 

 

 Additional entertainment was being provided by clowns....

 

and impersonators entertained people, and soldiers presented balloons to children.

 

 

 

On the eastern side of the Red Square is the famous GUM shopping Mall. I will write about it in my next installment.

After a brief rest-room and ice-cream stop at the Mall, we exited the Red Square through Kitay Gorod, originally a merchant’s area. Here, in front of a beautiful arch, we found a bridal party posing for a photograph.