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.

Recent history

During the Soviet era Red Square maintained its significance, becoming the main square in the life of the new state. Besides being the official address of the Soviet government, it was renowned as the location for military parades. Kazan Cathedral and Iverskaya Chapel with the Resurrection Gates were demolished to make room for heavy military vehicles driving through the square. There were plans to demolish Moscow's most recognized building, Saint Basil's Cathedral, as well. The legend is that Lazar Kaganovich, Stalin's associate and director of Moscow reconstruction plan, prepared a special model of Red Square, in which the cathedral could be removed, and brought it to Stalin to show how the cathedral was an obstacle for parades and traffic. But when he jerked the cathedral out of the square, Stalin objected with his famous quote: "Lazar! Put it back!"

Related Topics:
Soviet - Kazan Cathedral - Iverskaya Chapel with the Resurrection Gates - Saint Basil's Cathedral - Lazar Kaganovich - Stalin

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Two of the most significant military parades on Red Square were the one in 1941, when the city was besieged by Germans, and troops were leaving Red Square straight to the front lines, and the Victory Parade in 1945, when the banners of defeated Nazi armies were thrown at the foot of Lenin's Mausoleum.

Related Topics:
1941 - 1945 - Nazi - Lenin's Mausoleum

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On May 28, 1987, a German pilot named Mathias Rust landed a light aircraft on Red Square.

Related Topics:
May 28 - 1987 - Mathias Rust

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