The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow’s Alexander Garden is a significant and moving ceremony that takes place regularly, offering visitors a chance to witness Russia’s respect for its fallen heroes and the grandeur of the Russian military tradition. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the foot of the Kremlin walls, serves as a memorial to Soviet soldiers who died during World War II. The changing of the guard is a ceremonial event that honors these soldiers and is a must-see for anyone visiting Moscow. Here’s where to get the best view of this impressive ceremony.
1. Best General Viewing Spot: Near the Tomb’s Entrance
Why It’s Great:
The best and most direct view of the Changing of the Guard is from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier itself, especially near the entrance where the soldiers march in and out. This area gives you a clear view of the ceremony as the guards take their positions and exchange shifts, often with some pomp and precision.
Where to Stand:
- At the entrance to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you will be closest to the action. The guards will march towards and around the eternal flame, and this spot allows you to witness the exchange up close. From here, you’ll also get a good view of the soldiers’ uniforms and the symbolism behind the event.
Tips:
- Arrive a bit earlier to secure a spot. As this is one of the most popular ceremonies in Moscow, the area can get crowded, especially during the peak tourist season.
- Be prepared to stand still for a few minutes as the ceremony takes place.
2. Along the Path Leading to the Tomb (East Side)
Why It’s Great:
If you prefer to have a slightly wider perspective of the ceremony and the surrounding area, the east side of Alexander Garden offers an excellent angle. From here, you can view the guards marching toward the tomb, the changing process, and the surrounding scenic beauty of the Alexander Garden and the Kremlin walls in the background.
Where to Stand:
- Stand along the pathway leading to the Tomb, where you’ll have a view of the procession and the ceremonial details. This gives you a broader shot of the event and also offers a great chance to take photos with the Kremlin and the walls of the Alexander Garden in the background.
Tips:
- This spot also allows you to move around if you want to capture different angles. It can be a great place for photography, as you can capture the guards in motion with historic landmarks framing the scene.
3. Opposite Side (West Side of the Tomb)
Why It’s Great:
The west side of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier also provides a good viewpoint for the ceremony. From this angle, you’ll be able to see the guards approaching the tomb and the ceremonial exchanges from a more frontal perspective. The setting sun in the afternoon can also offer beautiful lighting for your photos.
Where to Stand:
- The west side allows for a view of the ceremony with the tomb’s eternal flame and guards marching into position. From here, you also get a nice angle of the Kremlin walls and the Alexander Garden’s greenery in the background, adding depth to your photos.
Tips:
- Since this side often sees fewer people, it might provide more personal space to enjoy the ceremony. It’s a good spot if you want a quieter experience with some additional photography opportunities.
4. At the Tomb’s Rear (Near the Flame)
Why It’s Great:
For a more intimate view of the ceremony, standing at the back of the Tomb, near the eternal flame, gives you an incredible look at the guards’ movements. While this spot can be more crowded due to the focus on the flame, it provides a unique perspective on how the ceremony flows around the central monument.
Where to Stand:
- Position yourself towards the back of the tomb, where you can see the guards marching toward and standing near the eternal flame. This view is perfect for capturing the moment of silence and the solemnity of the exchange.
Tips:
- Arriving early will help you secure a good spot here, as it tends to get crowded closer to the ceremony’s start time. This is also a spot with a lot of historical significance, as it’s where the guards pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.
5. Inside the Alexander Garden (Near the Kremlin Wall)
Why It’s Great:
If you’re looking for a view of the ceremony that includes both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kremlin walls, the northern part of Alexander Garden is a great spot. From here, you can capture the entire scene, with the ceremony happening in the foreground and the Kremlin walls in the background.
Where to Stand:
- Find a spot along the pathway inside the Alexander Garden, especially near the Kremlin wall. From this position, you can see the full ceremonial procession and enjoy a more dramatic view of the military guards alongside the Kremlin’s towering walls.
Tips:
- This spot offers a more wide-angle perspective, so it’s great for photographers. Try to arrive early to avoid the crowds and to get a clean shot of both the Tomb and the Kremlin.
6. Best Time to View the Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony Schedule:
- The Changing of the Guard happens every hour from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except for certain national holidays when the ceremony might be altered or suspended.
- The best time to view the ceremony is typically mid-morning or late afternoon, when the ceremony is less crowded. If you want to experience the changing ceremony in the full grandeur, aim for the midday ceremony, but be prepared for larger crowds.
Tips:
- Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, so if possible, try visiting during a weekday for a less crowded experience.
Conclusion: A Memorable Experience
Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorable and moving experience. By choosing the right viewing spot, you can enjoy a detailed perspective of the ceremony, whether you want to be close to the action or capture the broader scene with the Kremlin as your backdrop. Here’s a summary of the best spots:
- Near the entrance to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the closest view.
- East side of the tomb for a wide perspective of the ceremony and surrounding landmarks.
- West side for a frontal view of the ceremony with great lighting in the afternoon.
- Back of the Tomb near the eternal flame for a more intimate view.
- Northern part of Alexander Garden for a wide-angle view that includes both the tomb and the Kremlin walls.
Make sure to arrive early, respect the ceremony’s solemn atmosphere, and enjoy the remarkable display of Russian military tradition.