Best attractions in Kazan: Top 21
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If you want to know what every tourist should see in Kazan, study this review carefully. We will give you competent recommendations, and tell you about the most fascinating sights of Kazan - those without a visit to which your trip to the capital of Tatarstan will be incomplete.
What to see in Kazan in the first place
In compiling our rating, we took into account not only our own opinion, but also the reviews of experienced tourists. The most successful are such excursions in Kazan as:
1. Kazan Kremlin
Even if you come to the city for one day, devote them to a hike to the Kremlin (the official residence of the head of Tatarstan). The date of construction of the historical site is the 10th century. The area is essentially a complex of archeological and architectural treasures: cultural buildings, temples, the white-stone Kremlin, the third, second and first townships. The Kremlin is always included in the list of things to see in Kazan in 1 day.
Official website: http://kazan-kremlin.ru/
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2. Kul Sharif Mosque
A fascinating structure with four minarets, each 58 meters high, stained glass windows and observation towers. The facade is presented by crossed squares. The main decorations of the interior are the carpets presented by the Iranian head and the chandelier. The mosque has a museum of Islam, an office for the imam and viewing balconies for tourists.
Official website: http://www.kul-sharif.com/
3. Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Kazan Kremlin
The cathedral and main temple of Orthodoxy, preserved from the time of Pskov architecture. The building is cross-shaped and has a rich façade and interior. Inside are the remains of St. Gury, by whose decree the construction of the temple was begun.
Official website: https://web.archive.org
4. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Architectural monument, in the “Russian baroque” style, began to be built for the arrival of Peter the Great. Key features: 7-tier iconostasis covered with gilding, rich history and a height of more than 50 meters.
5. Temple of All Religions
Few sights in Kazan are as extraordinary as this building. The unique structure brings together 16 faiths (Judaism, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, etc.), including those that no longer exist. The building was built by the Khanov family, beginning work in the 1990s.
Official website: https://вселенскийхрам.рф/
Watch magnificent views of Kazan in this beautiful video!
6. Suyumbike Tower
Not sure what to visit in Kazan, but fascinated by unusual architectural structures? Come and see this romantic symbol of the capital. The 60-meter tower is slightly tilted to the northeast of the city, but it does not fall down permanently (the integrity of the structure is tirelessly monitored). According to legends, more than 5 centuries ago the beautiful queen Suyumbike ordered its construction after the death of her beloved husband.
Official website: http://kazan-kremlin.
7. Bell tower of the Epiphany Cathedral
Another famous symbol of Kazan, made of red brick. The Epiphany Monastery itself is located behind the bell tower with an observation deck. If you want to enjoy the panorama of the entire capital, come here. To see such the best sights of Kazan, you must pay for a ticket in advance. The money goes to the creation of new bells and the restoration of the former bells.
Official website: https://tatmitropolia.ru/
8. Alexander Passage
The complex of 1886, which formerly included a courtyard, entertainment and shopping facilities. The main building is made in different architectural directions: classicism, baroque, renaissance. The exterior is richly decorated with stucco ornaments. Once upon a time there was an idea to make a museum in the house, but it was canceled because of financial problems. Now there are commercial and administrative buildings.
9. Bauman Street
Where should every tourist go in Kazan? To the main most famous and ancient street of the capital. There are numerous architectural and cultural masterpieces - Catherine the Great’s Carriage, a monument to the Kazan Cat, a monument to Chaliapin. Modern pedestrian “Kazan Arbat” will introduce you to the Drama Theater, Epiphany Church, beautiful monasteries. You can look at fountains and sculptural compositions, do your shopping in the best stores of the city and have a meal in a cafe serving national dishes and drinks.
10. Farmers’ Palace
The palace in empire and classicist styles became the seat of the Ministry of Agriculture. The original decoration of the building is a bronze tree resting in an arch. At night, the colorful façade is lit up by bright lights, creating fantastic light images. Visit this beautiful palace is recommended by all guides in Kazan.
Official site: http://agro.tatarstan.ru/
11. Shamil House
A beautiful landmark of the city, created by the famous architects Amlong and Rush. The facade of the building is reminiscent of the traditions of Kazan architecture and the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, General Shamil and his whole family lived here. Later in the house it was decided to open a museum of G. Tuqay, working to this day.
Official site: http://g-tukay.tatmuseum.ru/
12. Ushkova House
The building was erected at the behest of the major industrialist and merchant Ushakov, who later gave it to his sister Zinaida. Today the building houses the largest library in the city (and the entire Republic of Tatarstan). Of particular interest is the decoration of the two-storey house, consisting of four united constructions: with luxurious stucco on the outer walls, a circular balcony with tracery lattices and a bay window of semicircular shape. The interiors are equally sumptuous: in Chinese, Moorish, Gothic and Empire styles. The interior is decorated with wooden and bronze sculptures, French windows depicting birds, a grand “oriental” staircase, and gilded stucco decorations. Be sure to see the grotto-room, created in the form of a cave with an aquarium. Such interesting places in Kazan are worth visiting with the whole family.
Official site: http://kitaphane.tatarstan
13. Kazan Family Center
Telling about sights of Russia, Tatarstan and Kazan, we pay a lot of attention to ancient constructions and values. This time we are talking about a modern facility created just 5 years ago. An architectural structure with three thematic zones, topped with a giant cauldron. The interiors are made in the classical style, the directions of the Khanate and the Volga Bulgaria. The purpose of the building is the same as that of any Wedding Palace. On the days when there are no marriage registrations, the guests are allowed to go up to the observation deck and look around the interior.
14. National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan
The largest museum complex in the capital, worthy to enter any list of “the main attractions of Kazan: briefly and with photos”. Your trip to the city should start with a visit here. The expositions tell about the traditions and historical events of the Republic and its population. The eras are completely different - from the present to historical times. Among others, there is an exhibition showing examples of nature of Tatarstan. The original carriage of Catherine the Great (there is a high-precision copy of this legendary vehicle on Bauman Street) is kept here.
Official site: http://tatmuseum.ru/
15. Millennium Park
The date of the arrangement of the beautiful park complex - 2005. The area is divided into thematic zones. In the center is the alley of the Millennium. In addition, there is a section called “Crossroads”, showing the kinship of cultures of Asia and Europe. Both visitors and locals love to walk and relax in the park. Folk festivals, concerts and exhibitions are often held there. The opening was timed to the thousandth anniversary of the city. The area is constantly maintained, so walks through it are a pleasure at any time of year.
Kazan sights: what else to visit in Kazan?
Those sights of Kazan, photos with names and descriptions of which you have now seen, are the most visited in the city. But we recommend you not to leave out such objects as:
16. Monument to Musa Dzhalil
Monument to poet and national hero Mussa Dzhalil, who was killed by the Nazis in 1944. Twice a year Kazan residents bring flowers to the monument and organize a mournful procession through the streets of the capital.
17. Monument to the Cat of Kazan
According to history, Catherine the Great ordered three dozen cats from Kazan to be brought to her chambers in St. Petersburg. She did this in order to get rid of mice. As a reminder of this interesting event, several monuments in the form of these animals were created in the capital of Tatarstan. If you are interested in hotels in Kazan, and you are looking for them on Bauman Street, be sure to look at one of the two funny “Ekaterina” cats cast in bronze.
18. Museum of Illusions and the House of the Giant
Two parts of the same entertainment complex that opened just three years ago. The rides-exhibitions can be explored for as long as necessary. The Giant’s House will amaze you with its giant household items, furniture and clothing. The Museum of Illusions will allow you to take unique and funny photos in 3D mode, without resorting to the help of photoshop.
Official site: https://domvelikana.ru/
19. Kremlin embankment
Another famous pedestrian part of the city that allows you to see the Millennium Bridge, the Registry Office and the Kremlin. You can walk to restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores. In addition, there are bicycle rentals, children’s car rentals, and roller skate rentals. Great pleasure to visit the embankment delivers in good weather.
Official website: http://kremlinnab.ru/
20. Millennium Bridge
Modern high-tech construction, over 1,5 km long. The bridge rises nearly 65 meters above the water level and consists of 2 pedestrian and 6 car lanes. The construction work lasted over two years. The bases of the construction form the letter “M”. In the darkness the chic illumination is switched on.
21. Lake Kaban
Another interesting place in the capital that should be visited on a sunny day with the whole family. From the east of the Kaban stretches the old Tatar sloboda. Here you can feed the blue or ducklings (seeds, grains and bread are sold by locals here). On the northern part you can see wonderful sculptures, flowering alleys and fountains (not working in winter). There is also an open theater named after Kamal. You should come to the lake, for example, to take a ride on a pedal catamaran or on a boat.
Now you know what to visit in Kazan is a must. When you arrive in the hospitable capital of Tatarstan, start your sightseeing journey as soon as possible. Read also about sights of Sochi and get inspired for your further journey through Russia.
