Few places in the world are destined to become a kind of symbol. One of them is Red Square, a symbol of great emotive power. Although the square itself is not very big (695 metres long and 130 metres wide), it impresses one by the richness and variety of its forms which merge in austere harmony. The ensemble is dominated by the Kremlin and the Lenin Mausoleum which stands by its walls. The powerful tent roofs of the Saviour and St. Nicholas towers emphasize the key position of this memorial which links the old ensemble with the present day.
      Echoing the Kremlin is the picturesque multi-domed Intercession Cathedral (the Church of St. Basil the Blessed) on the south side of the square and the pointed tent roofs of the State History Museum on the north side. To the east the square is bordered by the long building of GUM, the largest department store in the country.
      Red Square has been the arena of many historic events in the life of the capital and the state as a whole. The Day of International Workers' Solidarity and the anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution were celebrated here.
      The square is rarely empty even on weekdays. There are always people here-schoolchildren, young people and tourists who have come to Moscow from many other towns and countries. Cosmonauts come here before their space flights.