Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan and one of the largest ports on the left bank of the Volga. This city of the Russian Federation is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kazan is officially registered as the third capital of Russia. This is the cultural, historical, political and religious center of the country. The main attractions of Kazan with photos and descriptions are collected in the city book, which can be viewed in the central library.
History of the city
The history of the founding of this city is rooted in antiquity. In 2005, locals celebrated the millennium of their magnificent town. There are a lot of legends about the name of this place. For example, in ancient times, the sorcerer ordered the founding of a city where, without fire, water will boil in the boiler. Such a place was found on the shore of Lake Kaban. Hence the name of the city - "cauldron". Some believe that the name is associated with a typical landscape or river bend in this place.
Dates
In 2011, the city hosted the World Weightlifting Championships. Two years later, Kazan hosted the 27th World Summer Universiade. 2014 became famous for the fencing world championship, which was replaced in 2015 by the championship in water sports. In 2018, it is planned to host the World Cup. It is safe to say that Kazan is very fond of sports and is ready to receive athletes annually.
The most important sights of Kazan
Since 2015, the city of Kazan is among the top 3 most popular cities in Russia for booking hotels. Tourists rush to see the architecture, the beauty of nature and religious places at any time of the year. Already from the end of the 18th century, dozens of magnificent Baroque administrative buildings began to grow in the city.
A little later, from the second half of the XIX century, notes of eclecticism appear in urban architecture. This style can be seen in the bell tower of the Church of the Epiphany. However, this trend was not particularly widespread in the architecture of Kazan and was successfully replaced by modernism and classicism at the beginning of the 20th century. The main attractions of Kazan - the house of Mufke, the house of Shamil, the building of the current National Bank of the Republic of Tatarstan - all these buildings are made in the style of that time.
The city is decorated with many cathedrals and churches. Some buildings were reconstructed in a new style: the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the building of the Kazan Theological School, the Admiralty Office complex, the Church of the Four Evangelists, Osokin’s house. These structures are the property of modern architecture of the city. We can list the main attractions of Kazan (see the list below), but each time you will discover something new in the city.
The main attractions of the city are:
- Kazan Kremlin.
- Kul Sharif Mosque.
- Tower Syuyumbike.
- Blagoveshchensky cathedral.
- Temple of all religions.
- Blue Lake.
- Tugan Avylym.
- Palace of Farmers.
- Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
- Observation Decks “Bowl” and “Riviera”.
- Bauman street.
- Waterpark Riviera".
Kazan Kremlin
If you are in Kazan and do not know what to see, then, by all means, go to the Kremlin. This is the oldest building, which was built by order of Ivan the Terrible. Its snow-white walls and domes sparkle on a sunny day and remind tourists of the ancient history of the city. The main sights of Kazan are collected on the territory of the Kremlin.
Here are many relics and national values. There is also a mosque where tourists can enter, observing the basic rules.
Walking around the Kremlin will take about two hours, so you should take water with you. In total, over 20 objects are located in a small area: 13 towers and the Kul-Sharif mosque, the Vvedensky church and the Cannon Courtyard complex, the Provincial Palace, the Syuyumbike tower and many more architectural buildings.
You can enter the Kazan Kremlin in the summer from 8:00 to 20:00, and in the winter - until 18:00. By the way, this is the official residence of the President of Tatarstan.
Kul Sharif Mosque
The mosque is decorated with stained-glass windows and has four towers 58 meters high. Such a structure looks majestic. Tourists like this unusual architectural structure. Inside the mosque there are observation balconies with a beautiful view of the city.
The interior is fabulous. Carved railings and unusual ornaments turn space into a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. The facade is made in the style of two cross squares, which in Islam means "the mercy of Allah."
The complex of Kul-Sharif mosque includes a memorial stone, an imam’s office, the building of the mosque itself and the Museum of Islam. The main decorations are a chandelier with a diameter of about five meters and carpets donated by the head of Iran. The main sights of Kazan (a holy place and a monument of architecture) can be visited for free from 10:00 to 22:00.
Tower Syuyumbike
This is the famous "leaning tower", which deviates from the main axis by almost two meters. At the base is an arch, above which seven tiers of the main building rise. The spire is decorated with a crescent. There is a legend that if you touch the tower and make a wish, it will certainly come true. All tourists should try, maybe this is really true.
Blagoveshchensky cathedral
This is one of the oldest Orthodox buildings. From 1952 to 1918 the cathedral was a cathedral. The temple combines simplicity and grandeur. The combination of gold and blue domes, like a reflection of the sky and the sun.
For several centuries in a row the relics of St. Gurius, who began the construction of this holy place, were in the cathedral. Around the cathedral a lot of greenery and flowers. This place is especially picturesque in the summer or late spring. You can visit the Annunciation Cathedral from eight in the morning until six in the evening for everyone, and absolutely free.
Temple of All Religions
This unique place is not only a tourist attraction, but also the greatest religious repository. Here are 16 religions from around the world, including those that no longer exist.
Almost all tourists are eager to get into the temple. From the outside it becomes clear that a miracle awaits you. Facing and all decoration of the building is made in the canons of different religions. The same trend can be traced inside. The temple is located in the Kirovsky district and allows guests from 6:00 to 19:30.
Blue Lake
Not far from Kazan there is a reservoir with an interesting past. The lake was formed only a few centuries ago and is a reservoir failure. Thanks to silty layers, the water in it is sky-blue and crystal clear. The lake is fed only underground water, because it has no tributaries.
The phenomenon of this place is that the water in the lake, both in winter and in summer, is at the same temperature + 5 ° C. This is a favorite place for divers, as they can dive into the water all year round.
Tugan Avylym
If you want to plunge into the life of the Tatar people, then you are in this "village". It was built in the spirit of the Tatar hinterland especially for tourists. Here you can look at traditional houses, try local cuisine and take part in national entertainment. There are park and play areas for children.
Palace of Farmers
The name of this building already evokes thoughts of something majestic and beautiful. The Kazan Ministry of Agriculture is located in such an unusual building.
The basis of the palace is a bronze tree, which with its branches rests in an arch. And on both sides, the "wings" of the building seem to diverge. A wonderful combination of classicism and empire styles makes the building very attractive for tourists. The night illumination of the facade gives the image of the palace even more fabulous.
Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul
The construction was built in honor of the great commander Peter I. In Kazan, the hero of the country celebrated its 50th anniversary, thereby earning respect for the townspeople. The main sights of Kazan, the description of which will be presented below, are always confined to any event in the life of the city.
The cathedral is supposedly striving up to the sky itself, which sets it apart from similar buildings. The highlight of this building is the gilded iconostasis, which attracts tourists from all countries. The height of the cathedral is 50 meters, which also makes it unique.
The lining is made in the style of magnificent baroque, so it is simply impossible to pass by the building. Recently, the Cathedral underwent reconstruction: some elements of the facade and interior decoration were updated.
Anyone can admire the beauties of the Cathedral. Doors open at 7:00 and close at 18:00. Enough time to consider everything as it should.
Observation Decks “Bowl” and “Riviera”
These are two bowls that are installed directly on the banks of the Kazanka River. In addition to the fact that the buildings are observation platforms, they are also wedding palaces. Here are located wedding salons and exhibitions. The smiling staff will happily tell you many stories of marriages of famous people in these places. Entrance to both sites is paid, approximately 100 rubles.
Bauman Street
If you are in Kazan, you should visit Bauman Street. This is a tourist "path", which is completely strewn with shops, churches, unusual buildings in the style of classicism and baroque, and these are the main attractions of Kazan.
There are fountains and benches where you can relax. Along the way there are many cafes and restaurants. You will meet travel agencies and guides who will offer sightseeing walks in the ancient city.
The main attractions of Kazan for tourists are collected on this street. Its paths are paved with stone and they are quite long. While you are walking along the street, unusual objects of architecture, libraries and churches will meet on your way.
Waterpark Riviera"
A huge entertainment center - the water park "Riviera" in Kazan, attracts a large number of tourists. It is not necessary that you travel with children. Everyone is interested here: adults, adolescents and children of different ages.
More than 50 slides, both inside and outside, captivate the imagination. Beautiful landscapes and pools. Many SPA-salons, Jacuzzis, cafes and bars. Extreme rides and the greatest slide with a descent of 211 meters are waiting for you in the water park.
The park is divided into two zones: open and closed. The first works only in the summer and includes the closed beach of the Kazanka River. The second zone is open all year.
The cost of entertainment depends on the time and age of tourists. So, adults on a weekday can spend two hours in the park for 650 rubles, and on a day off - for 750 rubles. On Saturday, a full day will cost an adult tourist 1,500 rubles, and a little cheaper, on other days - 1350 rubles. Children's tickets vary in cost depending on age and height. A child under 4 years old and shorter than 120 cm will be able to pass for free.
The main attractions of Kazan: reviews of tourists
Many tourists write rave reviews about the city. Interesting places and beautiful buildings. There are observation platforms and a tourist street. In the city you can plunge into the Tatar identity of ancient times. The main attractions of Kazan, reviews of which are only positive, leave a good impression on almost all guests.
Some tourists in their reviews claim that Kazan can not be felt in a few days. You can come back here again and again and discover something new.
Many seekers of religious attractions find in Kazan something that is not available in other areas. This is a variety of cultures and religions gathered in one place. Tourists try to list the main sights of Kazan with names, but each time they discover new places.