There are plenty of ‘Revolution Squares’ in cities all over the world. But the one in Moscow has got to be among the most famous.

Located in the centre of the capital, in Tverskoy District, north-west of Red Square, the arc-shaped Revolution Square is bounded by Manezhnaya Square to the south-west, Okhotny Ryad to the north, and the buildings separating it from Nikolskaya Street to the south and east.

Photo: Wikipedia / Shakko

There are three metro stations located under the square: Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square in Russian), Teatralnaya, and Okhotny Ryad.

Originally, the Neglinnaya River – a tributary of the Moskva River, which currently flows underground – ran through the area. But when it was channelled into a tunnel, the area it left behind became a square.

Originally called Voskresenskaya Ploshchad (Resurrection Square) after the Resurrection Gate which stands there, in 1918, the square was renamed after the October Revolution. In the 1930s, Hotel Moskva was built on the northern side of the square, separating it from Okhotny Ryad. The hotel was subsequently demolished, but has recently been rebuilt as the Four Seasons.

Hotel Metropol stands on the north-western side of the square. Completed in 1907, it’s considered one of the finest Art Nouveau buildings in Moscow. The Lenin Museum building, completed in 1892, was originally used as Moscow City Hall. Also worth a look is Resurrection Gate. Built in 1535, rebuilt in 1680, demolished in 1931 and rebuilt again in 1994-1996, it connects Revolution Square with Red Square.

There are plenty more squares spread across Moscow, each with its own peculiarities and its own story to tell. Every one of them is well worth a visit, and as ever, we’re here to make sure you get the most from your time in Russia’s mighty capital. For all your travel and accommodation needs, there’s only one place to go – RNTO! Contact us today for friendly, expert advice.