The first time we went to Red Square, it was one of those pinch-me moments. I never imagined I would be there, but there I was, staring at the iconic Saint Basil's Cathedral. During my month-long stay in Russia, we visited Red Square several times.
Me in front of Saint Basil's Cathedral
Red Square (Красная площадь) is one of the oldest and largest squares in Moscow. It is located in the historic part of the city within the walls of the Kremlin. It is the city's most famous landmark, with many famous buildings within it: Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Lenin Mausoleum, and GUM department store. Its name means "red and beautiful."
Inside the Kremlin
We went to the Lenin Mausoleum. I had to surrender my camera before I could go in. They had other rules. You walked completely around Lenin's preserved body. It was a weird feeling. There have been calls to bury Lenin, but there is indecision (and controversy). Trump will probably want the same treatment after he dies. A wax Donald Trump would be better than the one we have now. Lenin actually wanted to be buried in St. Petersburg next to his mother and away from external adoration.
Guarding Lenin
Tomb of the unknown soldier, c. 1967
Two students: Russian (L) American (R)
Historically, Red Square has been the scene of many executions, demonstrations, riots, parades, and speeches. I could only imagine. On one of the days we visited, Boris Yeltsin was giving a fiery speech. Little did we know he would be president a year later and the Soviet Union would be no more.
Large picture of V.I. Lenin during Party Congress
No longer inside Red Square (it was removed in 1706), the famous Tsar Cannon has a place on Ivanovskaya Square near the Tsar bell. It's just outside Red Square. The cannon is mostly symbolic, primarily a show of military strength, having never been used in a war. It holds the Guinness record for caliber.
Tsar Cannon, c. 1586
Post created 29 May 2026