Since the iron curtain was lifted, Westerners flocked to Russia to experience its rich history and culture. There is a mixture of the historically prominent buildings, as well as modern architecture that has been added to the area as communism fell. There are many fascinating things to see, such as the famous Red Square.
Red Square in Moscow which was once considered the slum, has now become a place of activity and the most famous tourist destination in the whole of Russia. ‘Red Square’ has a dual meaning in the Russian language as ‘kransnyi’ meaning beautiful and red for colour of blood. Under the rule of Ivan the Terrible, there was great blood shed here.
St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of Russia’s most impressive sites. The large cathedral contains nine smaller cathedrals within it. Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible ordered that the eyes of the architects be burned out so that it would be impossible for them ever creates something of such beauty again. This stunning cathedral is a foremost example of Russian architecture. The eyes of its visitors to the building are drawn its onion-shaped domes and stunning colors.
Each of the interior nine cathedrals has an onion colored dome over the top. The building was built in the year 1552 to capture Tartar. Inside the decor is awe-inspiring with bright colors and decorative works of art. No one has even seen such as stunning site and it is the most recognized cathedral in the entire world. Many are stunned to find that this site was actually designed from Biblical interpretation. In the book of Revelation, John describes the New Jerusalem coming down to earth. The translation of his vision is what the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, uses as his inspiration.
There are many other things to see in Red Square, such as Lennon’s tomb. While there are historical elements, there is also a major shopping center with European fashion and Western influence. Visiting today it is hard to fathom that this was once a place where many lost their lives and great blood was shed. Today, it is still used as Russia’s main marketplace. It is not uncommon to see people buying and selling goods, shopping for clothes and enjoy a day with family and friends.
Visiting Red Square is one of the main things one should do when visiting Russia. In fact, when you are in Red Square you should stop to see the cathedral that cost one man his sight and was initially intended to serve as a prison. Visitors are awe-stricken by the beauty of St. Basil’s Cathedral and surprised that such a beautiful building served such a dark purpose. Today its stands as a testament of Postnik’s Yakolev’s beautiful interpretation of John the Relevelator’s vision.
When visiting this area, the Saint Basil’s Cathedral is an area that one must visit. The pictures will be something to share with family and friends for years to come.
Cecelia Owens is a travel writer for BestFlights.co.za, a top South African travel comparison website and also wrote the article, “The History of Russia’s Kremlin“.

