RED PLACE

It appeared in the 15th century at the foot of the eastern wall of the Kremlin, and was originally called Trade or Fire Square, but around the 17th century it received its present name. "Krasny" has two meanings in old Russian: red and beautiful.

This square, which can be considered the real center of Moscow life, has been put to various military and ideological uses over the centuries. At first it was conceived in a defensive and military spirit because it was necessary to leave a large empty space in order to isolate the Kremlin. It then became a place of trade, at the crossroads of the great trade routes from Tver, Gorky and Novgorod. It was after Napoleon's occupation in 1812 that the square became the object of nationalist investment. Under the USSR, its cobblestones became the showcase of communism: the building of Lenin's mausoleum and the Necropolis of the Kremlin wall, parades, military parades in honor of the great nation, made this square one of the most famous in the world. The urban legend says that 24 hours a day several snipers are watching the square, so avoid being too much of a zouave.

The square has of course become a place for celebrations and shows. The most famous is the military parade on May 9, but it is then inaccessible to the public. However, since 2006, you can skate on its ice rink in winter, decorated by GOUM. Moreover, the best students of the country are invited to celebrate their graduation there every year at the end of June with a live concert.