Kremlin Walls and Red Square: A Walk Through Central Moscow

A short walk from Pashkov House along the Kremlin wall to Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Floating Bridge and Lubyanka Square.

5 stopsabout 80 minuteson foot

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The route at a glance

1. Pashkov House Moscow
2. Red Square
3. Saint Basil's Cathedral
4. Floating Bridge Moscow
5. Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Moscow

1. 1

   Pashkov House Moscow

   We start at Pashkov House, a pale neoclassical mansion on a hill above the western Kremlin wall, near the crossing of Mokhovaya and Vozdvizhenka streets. Its design is attributed to the architect Vasily Bazhenov, though the attribution is not certain. The house once held the Rumyantsev Museum, the first public museum in Moscow, and today it belongs to the Russian State Library. Notice the calm, symmetrical facade, then turn toward the Kremlin and begin walking.

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2. 2

   Red Square

   Now follow the Kremlin wall to Red Square, the ceremonial heart of Moscow. The cobbles stretch between the red Kremlin wall, the long facade of the GUM department store and the State Historical Museum. Stand near the middle and turn slowly: you will see the Kremlin towers on one side and colorful domes at the far end. Take your time here, and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.

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3. 3

   Saint Basil's Cathedral

   At the southern end of the square stands Saint Basil's Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat. Count the domes: each has its own pattern of stripes, spirals or diamonds, and they crown separate chapels grouped around a tall central church. The traditionally credited architects are Barma and Postnik, though historians still debate this. Walk around the building to see how its shapes change from each side.

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4. 4

   Floating Bridge Moscow

   Walk down to Zaryadye Park and find the Floating Bridge, a V-shaped bridge that reaches out over the Moskva river from one bank only. Its cantilevered part extends about seventy meters, so you stand above the water with the Kremlin, old churches and a Stalinist skyscraper in view. Take your time on the bridge, mind the wind, and look back at the park's green hills before you move on.

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5. 5

   Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Moscow

   Our last stop is the Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Square, widely known by its old name, Detsky Mir. It is a large department store for children and a familiar landmark of the square. At the top there is a viewing point that opens in good weather, with a view over Kitay-Gorod toward the Kremlin. Lubyanka Metro station lies right under the square, so this is an easy place to end the walk.

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