The Annunciation Cathedral, located inside the Moscow Kremlin, is a must-see landmark, and it’s just a short walk away from one of the most famous public spaces in the world: Red Square. This easy, scenic walk takes you through the heart of Moscow, allowing you to experience some of the city’s most iconic sites.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this short but fascinating walk from the Annunciation Cathedral to Red Square.
1. Exit the Annunciation Cathedral
The Annunciation Cathedral is situated inside the Moscow Kremlin, so you’ll first need to exit the cathedral and head toward the Kremlin’s walls.
- Exit through the main entrance of the cathedral and walk out toward the Kremlin grounds.
- Depending on where you are inside the Kremlin, you will likely exit near the Assumption Cathedral or Ivan the Great Bell Tower, both of which are close to the Annunciation Cathedral.
2. Walk Towards the Kutafya Tower
Once you’ve exited the cathedral, head toward the Kutafya Tower — one of the main entrances to the Kremlin.
- The Kutafya Tower is located on the western side of the Kremlin and marks the path toward Red Square.
- From here, you’ll be able to glimpse the edge of Red Square across the road as you walk through the historic Alexander Garden, which is right next to the Kremlin.
3. Continue to Red Square
From the Kutafya Tower, continue walking toward the entrance gates and Senate Square, which leads to Red Square.
- Red Square is directly ahead of you, just beyond the Kremlin’s walls. It’s impossible to miss the iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the GUM department store, which are both visible as you approach.
- Take a few moments to admire the view of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, one of Moscow’s most recognizable landmarks, with its colorful onion domes and fairytale-like architecture.
4. Entering Red Square
Once you pass through the Kremlin’s walls at the Kutafya Tower or Senate Square, you will be entering Red Square from its southern edge.
- As you step onto Red Square, you’ll be surrounded by iconic buildings like Saint Basil’s Cathedral on your left and the Lenin Mausoleum straight ahead.
- You’ll also see the State Historical Museum and GUM department store on your right side. From here, you can explore Red Square at your leisure, whether you want to visit these landmarks or simply take in the historic atmosphere of one of the most famous public squares in the world.
5. Distance and Walking Time
- Distance: The walk from the Annunciation Cathedral to Red Square is relatively short, about 300 meters (approximately 1,000 feet).
- Walking Time: The walk should take you around 5-7 minutes depending on your pace and how much time you spend pausing to admire the surroundings.
6. Additional Tips
- Photography: The walk from the Annunciation Cathedral to Red Square offers plenty of opportunities for photography, especially if you want to capture the majestic Kremlin walls and the entrance gates leading into Red Square.
- Take Your Time: While the walk is short, the area is full of history and beauty. Take your time to explore the Kremlin’s gardens or stop to look at the sculptures and historical monuments along the way.
- Access to Other Attractions: From Red Square, you can also easily access other nearby attractions such as the State Historical Museum, the GUM department store, and the Mausoleum of Lenin.
Conclusion
Walking from the Annunciation Cathedral to Red Square is an easy and scenic journey that lets you experience some of the most iconic sites in Moscow. Whether you’re heading to Red Square to visit the Kremlin, take in the atmosphere, or admire Saint Basil’s Cathedral, this brief walk is the perfect way to transition between two of Moscow’s most important landmarks while enjoying the rich history of the area.
