Red Square, in the 20th century, became famous as the site of large-scale military parades and other demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. And since then it has evolved to become the largest and most famous square in Russia, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, receiving more than 5 million visitors per year.
Red Square was cleared in the 15th century to enlarge, and add beautiful red brick walls to the Kremlin by the Grand Prince of Moscow, Prince Ivan III (Aka Ivan the Great). The square was initially called Trinity Square in honor of Trinity Cathedral, which stood on its southern end during the Prince’s rule.
The square separates the Kremlin, which is now the official residence of the president of Russia, from Kitai-gorod, a historic merchant quarter.
Red Square is also home to some important landmarks like the State Historical Museum, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the enormous GUM Department Store, as well the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum.
One of the most recognizable features of Red Square, for tourists, is said to be the changing of the armed members of the Kremlin Regiment that guard Lenin’s tomb.