Moscow - Red Square, the Kremlin and Nearby Areas

This is the History Museum that stands right outside the entrance to Red Square.  The statue here was erected in honor of one of Russia's greatest generals - Field Marshall Zhukov.  Stalin called on him when  a battle was not going well. Zhukov produced results.  In 1946 , with Zhukov's popularity equaling that of the leader, Stalin had him exiled to a place far from the capital..

This is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier erected in 1995.   It is surprising that a nation with such gratitude to its military men and women took fifty years to erect such a monument. This was considerably after the former Eastern block nations had established such monuments.

This is a third popular site on the edge of Red Square. The other two are the History Museum/ Zhukov Statue and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The young lady is standing on the zero mile marker. It is  from this point that distances in Moscow are measured.

There is a belief that if you stand exactly on the zero mile marker , toss a coin and make a wish, your dream will come true.  Do you see the people behind her?  They pick up every coin right after it hits the ground  and they do so in orderly fashion, each one taking a turn.. The mile marker works for them !  They get their wish.

Ladies and gentlemen: This is your Red Square.

 The History Museum is at one end .

St Basil's Cathedral is at the other end.

When we think of the "Kremlin", we think of the nerve center of Russian politics and  planning.  It certainly is  that and a lot of policy gets developed here at the Presidential Palace. But the Kremlin, established in the 1300s, was a living area first and foremost. The name -Kremlin- means "walled fortress" . It had living quarter for the Czars and their families along with churches and parks .

 This is the Church of the Assumption where Russian royalty, like Peter the Great, Ivan the Terrible and Catherine the Great would have their coronations, weddings, and baptisms.  Another church on the Cathedral Square, the Church of Michael the Archangel,  was used for funeral masses and internments.

This is the Bell Tower and Belfry of Ivan the Great.  It is one of five structures that stands on the Cathedral Square and the only non church building.

(Contest:  What is the difference between a belfry and a bell tower?  Winning entries must be received by midnight June 15 and sent to :  mynameisray@comcast.net.  Prizes will be awarded July 1)