2012, SEPTEMBER 7: RUSSIA, MOSCOW - RED SQUARE
The Russian word for ‘beautiful’ also means ‘red.’ But
the incorrect English translation of the Russian name of the “Beautiful Square”
in Moscow as “Red Square” has stuck to it.
Red Square, Moscow (Open Stock Photo)
Red Square is considered to by the central point not only
of Moscow, but also of Russia, as all major streets of Moscow and all major
highways of Russia start from here.
Originally used as a market square, under the Soviets it
was used by for their important and impressive military parades. Now, however,
it is used for various social and cultural events.
We entered the Square from the north side, through the
twin-towered Resurrection Gate. There was electronic screening of people and
their bags at each entry point.
The Resurrection Gate is named after the large icon of the Christ’s Resurrection on its southern wall. It was rebuilt in 1995, as the original gate had been destroyed by Stalin in 1931.
Resurrection Gate, Red Square, Moscow
The Iberian Chapel was built, even before the building of
the gate. The Chapel enshrined the icon of the Iberian Virgin. Believed to have
miraculous powers to cure the sick, and stop wars, it was venerated by the
Muscovite people as well as the imperial family.
Iberian Chapel, Resurrection Gate, Red Square, Moscow
Kazan Cathedral occupies the northeastern corner of the
Red Square. Originally it was built in the early 17th century to
honor the icon of the Virgin of Kazan to which was attributed recovery of
Moscow from the armies of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, in 1612.
Expanded, and restored several times afterwards, it was ordered destroyed by
Stalin in 1936. The present Cathedral was built in early 1990’s.
Kazan Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow
The tall Red northeastern wall of the Kremlin with its
Clock Tower stands on the western edge of the Red Square.
Clock Tower, Red Square, Moscow
To the south of the Square is the picturesque St. Basil’s
Cathedral. It consists of nine chapels, each with its own distinct dome.
St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow
In front of the Cathedral has is a statue of a butcher
and a prince, who together had raised and led an army, which rescued Kremlin
from the Polish occupation in 1612.
The Butcher & the Prince, St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow
During the time of our visit, the Red Square was the
major venue for celebrations related to a very important event in the Russian
history, the 300th anniversary of the 1812 War with Napoleon.
Various musical programs, equestrian events, and marching bands entertained hordes of visitors.
and impersonators entertained people, and soldiers presented balloons to children.
On the eastern side of the Red Square is the famous GUM
shopping Mall. I will write about it in my next installment.
After a brief rest-room and ice-cream stop at the Mall,
we exited the Red Square through Kitay Gorod, originally a merchant’s area. Here,
in front of a beautiful arch, we found a bridal party posing for a photograph.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home