Alexander Garden

Alexander Garden is a public park that runs along the western wall of the Moscow Kremlin, facing Red Square. It was laid out in the years after the 1812 French invasion of Russia and occupies a prominent central location in the city.

Paths, ornamental planting and monuments define the garden; the largest and most visited feature is the memorial complex at the Kremlin wall that includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame and guarded ceremonial detail. The garden is frequently used by locals and tourists as a route between Red Square and nearby museums and metro stations.

The garden was created in the early 19th century as part of post-war redevelopment of the Kremlin forecourt and has been modified and replanted several times since, with additional memorials added in the 20th century. It has long been both a public recreational space and a site for official commemorations.

Alexander Garden sits immediately west of the Kremlin and south of Red Square in central Moscow, within walking distance of the city’s historic core and served by several metro stations.

• Best time to visit: The eternal flame and the guarded tomb lie immediately adjacent to the Kremlin wall and are busiest at official wreath-laying times and national holidays.

What to See #

• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A state memorial and ceremonial site along the Kremlin wall, featuring an eternal flame, commemorative tablets and a guarded tomb dedicated to soldiers killed in the Second World War.