Lenin's Mausoleum, Moscow

Lenin's Mausoleum, a prominent and somewhat controversial landmark, stands in the heart of Moscow, in the iconic Red Square. This austere granite structure serves as the final resting place of Vladimir Lenin, the revolutionary leader and founder of the Soviet Union, whose embalmed body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

The Mausoleum, characterized by its pyramid-like shape, was designed by the architect Alexey Shchusev and completed in 1930, replacing a temporary wooden structure that originally housed Lenin's body. The building's somber appearance, with its dark red and black hues, mirrors the gravity and reverence with which Lenin was regarded by the Soviet state.

Visitors from around the world come to see the Mausoleum, which operates as a museum, albeit one with a single exhibit: the body of Lenin himself, preserved in a glass sarcophagus. The experience is both historical and macabre, as it provides a direct and tangible connection to the early days of Soviet power.

Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Lenin's Mausoleum remains a significant site of political and historical importance. It is a testament to the complex legacy of Lenin and the era he shaped. The debate continues on whether Lenin's body should remain on display, but for now, it continues to draw crowds, curious to see the man who changed the course of Russian history.

The Mausoleum is typically open to the public several days a week, and admission is free, although visitors must pass through security screening. Photography inside the mausoleum is strictly prohibited, and visitors are expected to maintain silence as a sign of respect.