Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Monday, July 5, 2010

Ruby Tuesday - From Russia with Love: Red Square

One of the most remarkable sights in Moscow is of course, none other than Red Square. The word 'red' doesn't refer to the red walls of Kremlin or anything related to Communism but from the Russian word for "red", which literally means "beautiful". True to its name, it's one of the most beautiful squares in Europe I've ever seen.

We spent the last few days of our trip wandering around its corners and with its dazzling array of iconic buildings and the colourful domes of St Basil's Cathedral, they are definitely a sight to behold. It is far more impressive than any great Italian piazzas I've visited.

It was bitterly cold and snowy start to spring on the first day we arrived but we were pleasantly surprised by the radiant sunshine and gorgeous blue skies that greeted us on the next day.


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Resurrection Gate is a beautiful entrance that leads you into Red Square. It was demolished in 1931 during the height of Communism to make room for massive parades and later rebuilt in 1994-6.


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The world famous, iconic, St Basil’s cathedral stands in the center, the tower on the right is Spasskaya Tower of Kremlin and further to the left is GUM, a large department store which dominates the eastern side of the square. As can be seen, part of the square was empty in preparation for a military parade.


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We were fortunate enough to witness the impressive military parade, with Lenin's Tomb and The Nikolskaya Tower in the background. It is not often you get a chance to see such an event in the flesh so it's fascinating to be right there in person.


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At the north end of the square is the State Historical Museum, the largest historic museum of Russia. The museum boasts an impressive collection of archeological findings and priceless artworks.


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Whilst taking a stroll around the square, you won't miss the impressive Kazan Cathedral. This beautiful structure was built together with the Kremlin but it was demolished during the Communist period and later rebuilt in the 90's.




First Commenter

29 comments:

  1. Lucky you to be able to view such awesome architecture and sights, LR.

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  2. Those Russian solders marching are very smart but I saw it in the movie only! :-)

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  3. That's what we thought of 'red' is for red haha. Wowie nice buildings love the last pic of Kazan Cathedral so unique..tQ.

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  4. In the US, not much is as old and ornate as this. Red is the color, not the philosophy here, and the domes and such are beautiful. Nice captures!

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  5. In the US, not much is as old and ornate as this. Red is the color, not the philosophy here, and the domes and such are beautiful. Nice captures!

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  6. It truly is beautiful. What a shame that the "new kids on the block" destroy the old - but in this case it's great that the Kasan Cathedral has been rebuilt.

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  7. Wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing them with us.

    My entries:
    Moms... Check Nyo
    Yummy-as-can-be

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  8. Great photos. Those structures are amazing.

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  9. Wow, what awesome sights to see. Awesoem structures. Happy Ruby Tuesday!

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  10. gorgeous images..and one of these days l will visit Red Sq, as it is somewhere l have always wanted to visit. Thanks for sharingxlynda

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  11. so beautiful.. i love the second pic!!

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  12. The impressing red square actually is surrounded by indescribable red buildings.
    A rich culture nation has been revitalized and returned what was taken away. I find that great.

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  13. So interesting to see Russia up close. My mother was born in Russia, but I have mixed feelings about wanting to return to see it. There was good reason why they left.

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  14. So very, very beautiful. Amazing. Thank you.

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  15. Amazing shots!
    The St. Basil's image is magical looking all there by itself.
    You must have had a wonderful journey.

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  16. Interesting set of pictures.

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  17. The sky is stunningly blue and clear. Must be a rare sight to see these red buildings.

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  18. wow the place looks really amazing! thanks for sharing the photos!

    u may view mine too here

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  19. Thanx for posting the pic of the Kazan Cathedral. I had no idea they had finished it yet. It is just beautiful. Also the others from the Kremlin are amazing.

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  20. Great tour of the area. What luck to witness the parade. Amazing about the landmarks that were torn down and then rebuilt.

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  21. my grandparents came from Russia and it is a dream of mine to visit there

    stunning photos

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  22. Red means beautiful. This is something new to me. But the Red Square is indeed beautiful as shown in your pics. You're lucky to have witnessed the parade as a tourist in that country.

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  23. Love the clear and sharp photos! Love the architecture! Beautiful buildings there! : )

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  24. Was supposed to go there last April.. Oh wells.. I so wanna see the St Basil’s cathedral. Beautiful!! :D

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