The Red Square (КраснаяПлощадь in Russian) is famous, huge, and, above all, it is surrounded by sites, monuments and buildings that you cannot miss out on. It is a massive space, 300 meters long and 70 meters wide, and throughout history it has been used as a marketplace, as the stage to crown tsar or for parades. Nowadays, every May 9 the largest military parade in Russia takes place here.

By the way, the square is not "red " but "beautiful"

You may have heard that the origin of the name "Red Square" is due to its red bricks or the color of the communist symbols. That is not true. The square was built in the late 15th century, and it was surrounded by wooden buildings. In other words, back then there were neither red bricks nor communist symbols. Actually, the name of the square comes from the word красная (кrasnaya) which in old Russian meant both "beautiful" and "red".

So, the most appropriate translation should have been "Beautiful Square", but it seems that "Red Square" became more popular. So, what can we see in this beautiful square? Most of the pictures you can imagine about Moscow are probably here. And if you want to know what the three most important things to see are, this is our recommendation.

1. Kremlin: where history and politics go hand in hand

Why should we visit it? Because it is the largest medieval fortress in the world.
Apart from being the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation, this is a huge complex that includes four palaces and four cathedrals. By the way, it also houses the largest bell and cannon in the world.
Something interesting about it: The word "kremlin" in Russian actually means "fortress" or "citadel". In other words, in many Russian cities we will find a "Kremlin" in the old town, but none is as famous as the Moscow Kremlin.
Tip: Spend a whole day visiting this place. The Kremlin is bigger than you can imagine: there are several buildings inside to see.

Moscow Kremlin from the sky. The Red Square is highlighted in red colour

2. St. Basil's Cathedral: Russia’s icon

Why should we visit it? Because it is the best known Russian building.
This icon of the Russian culture was built under the orders of the first Tsar of Russia, Ivan the Terrible, nearly 500 years ago. When a movie has a scene in Moscow, we always see its famous multicolor domes. By the way, if you have ever played Tetris (the world's most popular Russian videogame), you may remember that the building is displayed while playing in this cathedral.
Something interesting about it: This is such a beautiful building that it is the reason why the square was named “Beautiful Square” as we explained before. The cathedral is so nice that it ended up giving its name to the square.
Tip: After you take a picture from outside (like everyone does), you must visit it inside. If you like what you see, go directly to the Kremlin because several cathedrals with an even nicer interior wait for you there.

Saint Basil's Cathedral

3. Lenin Mausoleum: a peculiar visit

Why should we visit it? Because you will not see anything similar elsewhere.
Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known as Lenin, was the chief promoter of the October Revolution and the first leader of the Soviet Union. He died in 1924 and, since then, you can visit his embalmed body in a mausoleum in the middle of Red Square.
Something interesting about it: The visit is free and full of respect: inside the mausoleum it is forbidden to take pictures, talk, smoke, put your hands in your pockets or wear hats.
Tip: This is a very short visit but a very interesting one from a cultural, political and historical point of view. The mausoleum opens only three hours (from 10:00 to 13:00) and it is closed on Mondays, Fridays and holidays.

Lenin's mausoleum. People waiting to visit it.

And much more

The Red Square is a place where every corner holds a treasure. We have just mentioned a fraction of all the wonders you can see: The Kazan Cathedral (the first cathedral to be rebuilt after the fall of the Soviet Union), the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kremlin towers, the State Historical Museum, the GUM department store... Now it's your turn: What do you like the most from the Red Square?