Red Square

Red Square (Russian ??????? ???????, Krasnaya ploshchad) is the most famous city square in Moscow. The square separates Kremlin, the former royal citadel and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter, known as Kitay-gorod. As major streets of Moscow radiate from here in all directions, being prolonged into major highways outside the city, the Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and of all Russia.

Origin and name

The land that Red Square is situated on was originally covered with wooden buildings, but cleared by Ivan III's edict in 1493, as those buildings were dangerously susceptible to fires. The newly-opened area (originally known simply as the Pozhar, or "burnt-out place") gradually came to serve as Moscow's primary marketplace. Later, it was also used for various public ceremonies and proclamations, and occasionally as the site of coronation for Russia's tsars. The square has been gradually built up since that point, and has been used for official ceremonies by all Russian governments since it was established.

Related Topics:
Ivan III - 1493 - Moscow - Coronation - Tsar

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The name of Red Square derives not from the colour of the bricks around it, nor from the link between the colour red and Communism. Rather, the name came about because the Russian word ??????? (krasnaya) can mean either "red" or "beautiful". The word was originally applied (with the meaning "beautiful") to Saint Basil's Cathedral, and was subsequently transferred to the nearby square. It is believed that the square acquired its current name (replacing the older Pozhar) in the 17th century. Several ancient Russian towns, such as Suzdal, Elets, or Pereslavl-Zalessky, have their main square named ??????? ???????, namesake of Moscow's Red Square.

Related Topics:
Brick - Red - Communism - Saint Basil's Cathedral - 17th century - Suzdal - Elets - Pereslavl-Zalessky - Moscow

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