The main sights of Kazan and the surrounding area
27.08.2024
Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and the third capital of Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. This city attracts tourists with its cultural heritage and well-developed tourist infrastructure, so many choose it instead of a traditional resort.
Architecture lovers can enjoy the Kazan Kremlin and a walk along Bauman Street, and museum fans will be glad to know that Kazan is among the top ten cities in terms of the number of museums.
If you are still in doubt whether it is worth visiting the capital of Tatarstan, we present to your attention the top best attractions of Kazan. We are sure that you will find a lot of interesting things among them!
1. Kazan Kremlin
The Kazan Kremlin is a symbol of the city and a must—stop for all tourists. According to historians, its history began in the X century, synchronously with the foundation of the settlement itself. Fortresses of that time were necessary for protection from enemies. From the 10th century to the 16th century, the Kremlin belonged to the Kazan Khanate, until it was destroyed after the siege of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. Just a few years after that, the fortress was restored, and the first brick buildings appeared after the fire of 1672. The Kazan Kremlin was constantly expanding and being rebuilt, which can be seen from the variety of its architecture. In 2000, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are many historical sites on its territory, each of which has its own unique significance.
2. Suyumbike Tower
The Syuyumbike Tower, located in the Kazan Kremlin, is one of the most famous sights of the city and a symbol of its history. There are many disputes about the time of its construction: some believe that it was built in the XVI century during the Kazan Khanate, others claim that it happened in the XVII century as part of the Moscow Principality. The modern name is associated with the famous ruler of the Kazan Khanate Syuyumbike, and according to legend, it was she who ordered the construction of this tower in memory of her husband Safa Giray. There are also rumors of hidden treasures and ancient scrolls inside, but their existence has never been confirmed.
3. Kul Sharif Mosque
During the siege of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible in 1552, the Kul Sharif mosque, a famous religious figure and the last Imam Seyid, was destroyed. In 1995, a competition was launched for the best project for its restoration, and construction began in 1996 and was completed in 2005 for the millennial anniversary of Kazan. Materials from all over the world were used in the construction: carpets for the interior were donated by Iranians, and granite and marble were brought from the Urals. Also in the interior you can see unique stained glass windows and a five-ton chandelier made in the Czech Republic. The Kul Sharif Mosque not only serves as a place of worship, but also represents a museum dedicated to the history of Islam in the Volga region.
4. Annunciation Cathedral
The Annunciation Cathedral, built in the XVI century, is an example of Pskov architecture and is the most remote building in this style from Pskov.
5. Island-city of Sviyazhsk (64 km from Kazan)
After an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Kazan, Ivan the Terrible decided to quickly establish the city of Sviyazhsk on a small island where the Volga, Sviyaga and Pike rivers converge. The construction of the fortress took only 4 weeks, and for a while it became the largest in Russia, exceeding the size of the Kazan and Moscow Kremlins. Ostrov Grad is known for its temples and monasteries, which have been recognized as cultural heritage sites. If you are interested in the traditional Russian architectural style, then Sviyazhsk will definitely become an interesting place for you!
Kazan offers many unique attractions that are worth visiting.
This city is a place where history and culture meet in every corner, turning it into an ideal place for travel and discovery!
And you can stay in the city comfortably at 3A Kazan Hotel or 3A Kazan Airport Hotel!
Architecture lovers can enjoy the Kazan Kremlin and a walk along Bauman Street, and museum fans will be glad to know that Kazan is among the top ten cities in terms of the number of museums.
If you are still in doubt whether it is worth visiting the capital of Tatarstan, we present to your attention the top best attractions of Kazan. We are sure that you will find a lot of interesting things among them!
1. Kazan Kremlin
The Kazan Kremlin is a symbol of the city and a must—stop for all tourists. According to historians, its history began in the X century, synchronously with the foundation of the settlement itself. Fortresses of that time were necessary for protection from enemies. From the 10th century to the 16th century, the Kremlin belonged to the Kazan Khanate, until it was destroyed after the siege of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. Just a few years after that, the fortress was restored, and the first brick buildings appeared after the fire of 1672. The Kazan Kremlin was constantly expanding and being rebuilt, which can be seen from the variety of its architecture. In 2000, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are many historical sites on its territory, each of which has its own unique significance.
2. Suyumbike Tower
The Syuyumbike Tower, located in the Kazan Kremlin, is one of the most famous sights of the city and a symbol of its history. There are many disputes about the time of its construction: some believe that it was built in the XVI century during the Kazan Khanate, others claim that it happened in the XVII century as part of the Moscow Principality. The modern name is associated with the famous ruler of the Kazan Khanate Syuyumbike, and according to legend, it was she who ordered the construction of this tower in memory of her husband Safa Giray. There are also rumors of hidden treasures and ancient scrolls inside, but their existence has never been confirmed.
3. Kul Sharif Mosque
During the siege of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible in 1552, the Kul Sharif mosque, a famous religious figure and the last Imam Seyid, was destroyed. In 1995, a competition was launched for the best project for its restoration, and construction began in 1996 and was completed in 2005 for the millennial anniversary of Kazan. Materials from all over the world were used in the construction: carpets for the interior were donated by Iranians, and granite and marble were brought from the Urals. Also in the interior you can see unique stained glass windows and a five-ton chandelier made in the Czech Republic. The Kul Sharif Mosque not only serves as a place of worship, but also represents a museum dedicated to the history of Islam in the Volga region.
4. Annunciation Cathedral
The Annunciation Cathedral, built in the XVI century, is an example of Pskov architecture and is the most remote building in this style from Pskov.
5. Island-city of Sviyazhsk (64 km from Kazan)
After an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Kazan, Ivan the Terrible decided to quickly establish the city of Sviyazhsk on a small island where the Volga, Sviyaga and Pike rivers converge. The construction of the fortress took only 4 weeks, and for a while it became the largest in Russia, exceeding the size of the Kazan and Moscow Kremlins. Ostrov Grad is known for its temples and monasteries, which have been recognized as cultural heritage sites. If you are interested in the traditional Russian architectural style, then Sviyazhsk will definitely become an interesting place for you!
Kazan offers many unique attractions that are worth visiting.
This city is a place where history and culture meet in every corner, turning it into an ideal place for travel and discovery!
And you can stay in the city comfortably at 3A Kazan Hotel or 3A Kazan Airport Hotel!