Red Square, Central square in Moscow, Russia
Red Square is a large rectangular space in the heart of Moscow, surrounded by Saint Basil's Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, and the red walls of the Kremlin. The area stretches over several football fields and is paved with dark cobblestones that shine under visitors' shoes, giving them a wide open view of the surrounding structures.
The square emerged in the late 15th century as a marketplace outside the Kremlin walls, where merchants and citizens gathered. The name appeared in the 17th century, with the Russian word krasnaya meaning both red and beautiful, initially referring to the splendor of the place.
Locals and visitors gather here during national holidays, when military parades pass over the cobblestones and flags wave between the historic buildings. Families stroll through the space on weekends, while some evenings feature ice rinks or concerts that keep the city's public life active and visible.
The nearest metro stations are just a few minutes' walk away and bring visitors directly to the square's entrances. The ground consists of uneven cobblestones, so sturdy shoes are recommended for longer walks and photo stops between the buildings.
The Lobnoye Mesto, a round stone platform in the middle of the square, served for centuries as a place for tsar declarations and public announcements. Visitors often overlook this simple structure, though it played a central role in the city's political life and still stands between the larger buildings today.
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