The Story Behind The Naming Of The Square
Contrary to popular opnion, the square has not been named the ‘Red Square’ due to the bricks that surround it which, according to historical documents, were color washed to be red at some point in the past. The name also does not find its roots in the link between the color red and the concept of communism. The name of the square actually traces its origins back to the Russian word “krasnaya”, which when translated into English can mean both “red” or “beautiful”. The modern version of the name, the 'Red Square', came into being sometime during the 17th century. Many towns and cities across the Russian state have named their central square after the Moscow Red Square.
Importance Of The Red Square Through History
The primary purpose behind building the Red Square was to provide a central marketplace for the city of Moscow. The square was also designed with the purpose of being a place where various proclamations, public ceremonies, events and sometimes, significant ceremonies such as the coronation of the Russian Tsars could take place. Over the years, the Red Square’s structure and layout has been added to and improved upon, and as the importance of the square in the public and political life of Moscow has increased, so has the number and grandeur of the events organized at it.
The importance of the Red Square can be traced through various forms of art through the ages in Russia. Grand master artists such as Konstantin You and Vasily Surikov have used the Red Square as both an inspiration and a direct theme for their artwork.
Important Sights Around The Square
The Red Square is surrounded by a number of buildings of great importance. These include St. Basil’s Cathedral, with its individually shaped and colored multiple domes, and the Kazan Cathedral. The northern side of the Red Square lies next to the State Historical Museum which in turn is flanked by the Kremlin Towers. The Red Square is also next to one of the most important sights in Russia, Lenin’s Mausoleum. The mausoleum holds the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, who was the establisher of the Soviet Union. The famous GUM Department Store, the largest and grandest department store in the state, is also next to the Red Square.