Moscow is home to a number of incredible city squares, but one of the most popular and intriguing is the Red Square. Situated in the heart of the city the Red Square acts as a buffer between the Kremlin and a historic Moscow shopping district known as Kitay-gorod. Because of its central location, the Red Square has been called one of the most important squares in the capital.

Once a haven of wooden buildings, everything situated within this section of the city was destroyed in 1493 after Ivan III declared the buildings to be a fire hazard. The square has slowly evolved over time, serving as a shopping district and then later as a formal setting for important public ceremonies. The Red Square has become so popular that all of Russia's governments seek to use it for their official ceremonies as well.

Contrary to popular belief, the name of the square has nothing to do with the color of the bricks used in construction, nor does it refer to communism. The name, in fact, comes from the Russian word "krasnaya," which translates to either "red" or "beautiful." The term was once applied in reference to the astounding St. Basil's Cathedral and the name eventually grew to apply to the entire square.

The Red Square is home to a number of incredible Moscow sites. Within reasonable distance from most Moscow apartments and hotels, the Red Square is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. Each building within the square has had a significant impact on the evolution and history of Moscow, and each is treated with the respect it deserves.

On one side of the square you'll see Saint Basil's Cathedral, which has been long considered one of the most famous buildings in all of Moscow. Behind the cathedral you'll also be able to see the other cathedrals and palaces contained within the complex known as The Kremlin.

The Red Square is surrounded by a number of historic landmarks. The Kazan Cathedral was reconstructed as part of the post-communist revitalization project, as was the Resurrection Gate and the Iberian Chapel.

The only sculpted monument in the square is the Statue of Minin and Pozharsky. Dmitry Pozharsky was a prince and Kuzma Minin was a butcher, but they successfully led the militia that saved the city of Moscow from a Polish invasion in 1612. The statue used to sit in the center of the square, but now sits closer to Lenin's mausoleum. The reason? Stalin had it moved so that he could launch military parades through the square.

No trip to Moscow, or even to Russia in general, will be complete without a trip to the Red Square. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds on their own, but are also encouraged to take advantage of the many guided tour opportunities available. You'll find a few tours on the grounds of the square and in certain cathedrals and museums, while others may visit the square as part of a tour led by an outside company. Regardless of how you get there, you'll never forget the experience.