Kremlin Palace, Red Square 🏰🔴

On the morning of July 24, 2019, amidst a light drizzle, we passed through the relatively strict security checks and crossed the Holy Trinity Tower Bridge to enter the inner sanctum of the Kremlin. The Kremlin, originally built in 1156, served as the central fortress of medieval Russian cities. The existing walls and buildings were mostly expanded during the 15th century under Ivan III, featuring Byzantine-style golden domes. The renowned Italian architects who participated in the expansion blended the Italian Renaissance style with the original medieval Russian architecture, making the Kremlin a unique example of Russian-style architecture. In the oldest square at the heart of the Kremlin, there are several churches, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Cathedral of the Archangel, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the Church of the Deposition of the Robe. Before the October Revolution, Russia relied on religious beliefs to govern society, and today, Russians have restored their faith in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The religious halls of the Kremlin are adjacent to the highest power institutions, yet they remain open to visitors, reflecting the Russian people's confidence, openness, and relaxed attitude. Entering Red Square, surrounded by buildings on all sides, the most eye-catching is St. Basil's Cathedral. The Lenin Mausoleum is no longer open, which is a considerable regret for those with a strong Soviet sentiment. Standing in the center of Red Square, witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one cannot help but recall the poignant and awe-inspiring parade ceremony on a snowy winter day in 1941, when Moscow's Red Square was shrouded in darkness and snow. Faced with heavily armed German invaders, Stalin issued an order to let the great Lenin's victorious banner guide them and crush the German aggressors. Soviet soldiers, shouting "Ura!" without fear or hesitation, marched resolutely to the battlefield, determined to fight to the death. The Soviet people, at the cost of millions of casualties, turned the tide of the war and won the dignity of the nation, a story both heroic and tear-jerking. Looking around Red Square, Russians and tourists alike walk with a light step, beaming smiles, and an air of composure. Considering the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, it seems that the once-proud fighting spirit of the Russian people has faded away, a sign of the times and the changing tides of fortune.