Moscow Moved Out of My Way

Saint Basil’s Cathedral Moscow stood perfectly visible behind me as I walked across an unusually quiet Red Square. For a brief moment, it felt as though the entire city had moved out of my way and left one of its most famous landmarks exclusively for my photograph. I am used to seeing images of Red Square filled with visitors, movement and noise. That day, however, the enormous cobbled space appeared almost empty. The winter light, traces of snow and clear blue sky gave Moscow a calmness that is rarely associated with such a monumental capital. Behind me, the colourful domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral looked almost unreal. Each tower seemed to have its own shape, pattern and personality, yet together they formed one of the world’s most recognisable architectural silhouettes. The contrast between the cathedral’s rich colours and the restrained winter landscape made the building stand out even more strongly. I was simply walking across the square, but the timing made the scene look suspiciously well organised. No crowd, no traffic and no one blocking the view. Apparently, Moscow had checked my itinerary and decided to cooperate—at least until I finished crossing the frame.