All residents of the former Soviet Union, and perhaps most people around the world, know one of the main attractions of the Russian capital - Lenin's mausoleum. Today we offer to learn the history of its creation and features of its functioning today.
History
After the death of V. I. Lenin in 1924, it was decided not to bury him in the traditional way, but to preserve the image of the leader by building a mausoleum in the center of the Soviet capital. The first mausoleum was erected hastily and was a wooden building consisting of a three-meter deepening in the ground with a cube-shaped structure rising above it. A few months later, according to the project of the architect K. Melnikov, a new wooden mausoleum of Lenin was built, the shape of which corresponds to the modern structure. In 1930, according to the project of the famous Soviet architect A. Shchusev, a stone building was erected, lined with dark red marble and granite. Tribunes were built on both sides, from which members of the Soviet government watched the passing onRed Square parades and demonstrations. Inside there is a mourning hall with an area of one thousand square meters, where there is a sarcophagus with the body of Lenin. Soviet scientists have developed a unique technology that allows the body of the leader to be stored for many decades.
After the collapse of the USSR, the question of the advisability of continuing to preserve the body of Lenin began to be actively raised. However, for now, the government of the Russian Federation does not plan to reburial his body, and the mausoleum functions as usual.
How the Lenin Mausoleum works
Most recently, this monument-tomb, located in the very heart of Moscow - on Red Square, was renovated, and today it opens its doors to everyone again. Excursions to the Lenin Mausoleum, as well as to other burial places of prominent Soviet and Russian figures, are completely free and are available from Tuesday to Thursday, as well as on weekends from 10 am to 1 pm.
As a rule, those wishing to visit this attraction are faced with a rather large queue, often starting even in the Alexander Garden. However, do not be upset, as it moves quite quickly, and very soon you will be able to see with your own eyes the body of the leader of the Soviet proletariat.
Rules for visiting the mausoleum
There are some rules that you must follow if you wish to go inside the mausoleum:
- all visitors must go throughmetal detector frame located at the checkpoint near the Nikolskaya Tower;
- it is forbidden to bring photo and video cameras, as well as phones inside the mausoleum. Employees of this institution are vigilant that no one takes photos or videos inside the premises;
- it is forbidden to enter the mausoleum with bags, large metal objects and drinks. All these items must first be handed over to the storage room located in the Alexander Garden;
- entering the mausoleum, visitors pass next to the sarcophagus in which the body of Vladimir Lenin rests. Men must take off their hats. Women don't have to do this.
