When I think of the color red, one of the travel destinations I think of first is Red Square. Russia, for many years a place that was off limits to travel for fear of the anti-Western political regime that held sway over its people, finally is accessible and turns out to be a very interesting place to visit.
If there were one word I would use to describe Moscow, it would opulent. Never have I seen as much gold as I saw there- and it was everywhere, most notably on the onion-domed churches which dot the landscape.
But today, we are going to Red Square. Here is what one sees walking toward the entrance:
Everything is on a grand scale. No expense has been spared.
The actual entrance to Red Square is through the arches under those two towers. Military equipment and large numbers of troops would file through those arches for shows of military might on May Day. Inside Red Square, there is a very very large area that is open for assembly and military exhibitions and there is also a building that houses Lenin’s tomb. People line up and file through the mausoleum to view Lenin.
At the opposite end of the square is the incredibly magnificent St. Basil’s Church. Here it is from afar.
The church was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century and presumably, after completion, he had the architect blinded so that he could never create anything more beautiful. I am not certain that beautiful would be the word I would use to describe it, but it certainly is noteworthy and unique.
Here is a picture of some detail:
OF course nothing compares to Red Square at sunset, especially when sunset is after 10 p.m. in early summer
I found both Moscow and St. Petersburg to be a delight to the senses. More about both of them in the days and weeks to come.
Oh, I so enjoyed this visit! I would love to see this in real life…I would be standing there with my mouth hanging open and dumb look on my face.
These red edifices are tremendous, impressive. Mere size can do that, the the stunningly detailed domes are works of art themselves. The red sky over the final picture adds the finishing touch to a ruby portfolio!
This Russian architecture is so regal looking. It’s great to see it through your lens!
Red Square is very aptly named!
I do love the church. Your night shot is stunning!
Lovely post!
Carletta’s Captures.
I found this very interesting, with plenty of red. The domes on St. Basil’s are ornate. The sunset is magnificent!
My brother in law played hockey agains the Russians in Red Square. I have a great shot of him in his jersey… and it’s red.
Great great shots.
Happy RT
Love Claudie
xo
It’s an incredibly beautiful square. It’s easy to see the church and the czar had tons of money to spend – it was the people who were poor. No surprise a revolution happened. But now, a century later, the people can be proud of all this beauty.
That is absolutely spectacular! I love it!
O swirling turrets
of St. Basil’s Cathedral,
you make me dizzy!
My Ruby Tuesday
What wonderful spires St. Basil’s has, but I think the prize goes to Red Square at sunset – what a beautiful sight.
Wow those pictures are breathtaking!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a wonderful post of these magnificent buildings. I wouldn’t want to go to Russia but I sure enjoyed viewing your great photos.
Very nice photos, Love seeing the close ups. Happy RT
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. HRT