Red Square is Russia's main square. The Kremlin on one side, St. Basil's Cathedral on the other, GUM opposite. It's a symbol, a postcard, a reference point.

Why Red

Not from brick or communism. Krasnaya in Old Russian means beautiful. Named since the 17th century.

What's on the Square

St. Basil's Cathedral — nine churches under one roof, each dome unique.

GUM — luxury department store under glass roof.

Lenin's Mausoleum — the leader's body displayed since 1924.

When to Come

Early morning or late evening. Crowds during the day. At night lighting transforms the square into a stage.

Practical

Open 24/7, free. Metro: Okhotny Ryad, Ploshchad Revolyutsii.