Red Square, the central square of Moscow, is the heart and soul of Russia. It is dominated by the 16th century St Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful onion domes topped by golden needles. Queues still form along the Krelim wall to walk past Lenin’s embalmed body in his mausoleum at the Red Square. Directly opposite the mausoleum, lies Russia’s most famous shopping mall, GUM. Red Square is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I chose to stay at an apartment near the Red Square. It’s only 5 minutes walking distance away. And of course, Red Square is the first I visited in Moscow. The imposing red building on the right in photo above is State Historical Museum. It was previously occupied by the Principal Medical Store, built by order of Peter the Great in the Moscow Baroque style.
The blue, star-studded dome of a little chapel, sandwiched between the twin arches of Resurrection Gate is called Iberian Chapel. It housed a replica of miracle-working icon of Iberian Virgin. Everyone heading to Red Square should pay homage to the shrine before entering through the gates.
The Resurrection Gate, the first stone gate leading to Red Square was erected in 1535. An icon of Resurrection was placed on the gate facing towards Red Square, from which the gate derives its name.
Good morning, Moscow. The weather was cloudy but it didn’t dampen our spirit during our visit to Red Square.
On the northern side of the square is Kazan Cathedral, built in the 17th century. It was built to commemorate the repulsion of Polish invaders. Kazan Cathedral was the first church to be completely rebuilt after having destroyed by the Communists in 1936.
View of Red Square with St Basil’s Cathedral at the center, Krelim on the right and GUM shopping mall on the left.
Immediately after Lenin’s death in 1924, a wooden mausoleum was erected on Red Square. A year later, a more lasting home for the body was completed. Lenin is known for the father of the Russian Revolution which saw the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the installation the communist regime in Russia. He was also the first leader of the USSR.
These people were queuing to see the embalmed body of Lenin in his mausoleum. We were lucky enough to skip the queue since our local tour guide talked to the staff to allow us in since we were travelling with young children.
Walking along Kremlin wall towards the mausoleum.
Entering the mausoleum. No filming is allowed once inside. The chamber is very dark inside. And you are only allowed a few minutes before you’re ushered out by the guards. Lenin body was very well preserved, considering it was embalmed since 1924!
Joseph Stalin’s body shared a spot next to Lenin’s, from his death in 1953 until October 1961, when Stalin was removed and buried in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis outside the walls of Krelim.
The tomb of Joseph Stalin.
Time to exit the mausoleum.
Back to the Red Square.
St Basil’s Cathedral is open daily from 10am to 6pm in summer (May – October) except Tuesdays.
I decided to visit the interior of St Basil’s Cathedral on the next day.
The weather was much better when I visited St Basil’s Cathedral on the next day.
Entrance to the cathedral.
This cathedral was ordered by Ivan the Terrible to mark the capture of Kazan from Mongol forces in 1552. It was completed in 1561.
An interactive panel inside the cathedral which the different parts of the cathedral.
Believe it or not, the cathedral actually hides eight churches around a central ninth church, representing the medieval symbol of the eight pointed stars. The Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God is at the central core.
Four larger churches placed on the four major compass points are octagonal. There are four smaller churches in between.
Church of the Three Patriarchs of Constantinople.
Church of the Holy Trinity.
Church of St Alexander Svirsky.
Relics inside the cathedral.
Paired Holy Banners (19th century). It is carried in religious processions.
Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin.
Church of the Velikoretsky Image of St Nicholas. In 1555, a miraculous icon of St Nicholas was brought from Vyatka to Moscow. The paintings on the wall was executed in 1786.
Church of the Entry into Jerusalem. This western church is dedicated to the feast of the Entry into Jerusalem (the so-called Palm Sunday).
Silk Way Rally was set off from Red Square in Moscow and head east on 7 July 2017.
GUM shopping mall is on the eastern side of Red Square. It was the largest shopping mall in Europe at the end of 19th century.
GUM was closed by Stalin in 1928, who decided to use the building as the headquarters for officials working on the first Five Year Plan. It was later reopened in 1953.
As mentioned before, the shopping mall is located directly opposite Lenin’s mausoleum.
During Soviet Union times, the top floor was home to Section 100, a secret clothing store only open to the highest echelons of the party. Nowadays rows of exclusive boutiques fill the shopping mall and it is open to everyone.
Even if you don’t buy anything, a stroll down the aisles of GUM is still recommended.
My son was delighted as free balloons were given to visitors.
Also recommended is to buy an ice cream in GUM.
Exterior of the shopping mall is also carpeted with flowers.
Red Square is also beautiful during night when the square is brightly lit up with lights.
The Resurrection Gate.
St Basil’s Cathedral is especially beautiful during the night.
Definitely recommended to explore the Red Square during day and night time.
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