TL20120709MoscowCityRedSquare

Moscow/City, Red Square & Subway tour

Moscow is the modern capital of Russia . Our tours begin in the heart of the city, Krasnaya Ploshchad, known in English as “Red
Square.” In the 16th century, krasny meant “beautiful,” but its meaning changed over centuries to mean “red.” Red Square does not
refer to communism but rather to the beauty of the city square. In the 16th century, the square became a place for state ceremonies,
where they have been held ever since.

We also took a ride on Moscow’s Metro subway, considered one of the best subway systems in the world.

Red Square is a city square in Moscow, Russia. The square separates the Kremlin, the former royal citadel and currently the official
residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter known as Kitai-gorod. As major streets of Moscow spread from
here in all directions, being promoted to major highways outside the city, Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow
and all of Russia.

The name Red Square comes neither from the colour of the bricks around it (which, in fact, were whitewashed at certain times in
history) nor from the link between the colour red and communism. Rather, the name came about because the Russian word красная
(krasnaya) can mean either "red" or "beautiful" (the latter being rather archaic; cf. прекрасная, prekrasnaya). This word, with the
meaning "beautiful", was originally applied to Saint Basil's Cathedral and was subsequently transferred to the nearby square. It is
believed that the square acquired its current name (replacing the older Pozhar, or "burnt-out place") in the 17th century.