No trip to Moscow is complete without a visit to Red Square, where both St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin stand - two of the most recognisable sights in Russia. Some people mistakenly believe the square's name has a communist connection, however it has always been known as Red Square or Krasnaya Ploschad in Russian. In modern Russian the word 'krasnaya' means 'red' but originally it meant 'beautiful' (in modern Russian 'krasivaya'). So really it translates as beautiful square, which it of course is.  The square is considered to be the focus point of Russia and important events are still held here, such as the military parade which takes place on Victory Day on 9 May. Concerts are also occasionally held here and in winter months an ice-rink is set up.  Since 1990 Red Square has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

►sights by districts  ►sights in Central Moscow