Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is not among the most famous cities in Russia, yet it is full of fascinating attractions.
First of all its Kremlin (no, there is not only the one in Moscow!) and then its mosque, among the largest in Europe. Sixth city of Russia, Kazan is marked by the coexistence of different religious beliefs, rich in natural resources and home to the 2013 Universiade and some World Cup matches in 2018.
It is located at the meeting point of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, 820 kilometers from the capital Moscow.
If you have chosen to include it on your itinerary to discover Russia, here is what to see in Kazan.
The must-see attractions
1. Kazan Kremlin
Kazan Kremlin coincides with the old town hall of the citadel, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible on the ruins of a previous castle. Today World Heritage Site, it consists of several ancient buildings, including the Annunciation Cathedral. The Kremlin was built in local sandstone, probably designed by architect Postnik Jakovlev.
The leaning tower of Sjujumbike is its most characteristic element. Another tower that attracts attention is the Spasskaja tower, which also serves as the main entrance.
2. Qol-Şärif Mosque
Qol-Şärif Mosque is the largest and most important mosque in Tatarstan and is located within the Kremlin. It derives its name from the last imam of Kazan, before the city became part of the Russian kingdom. His construction work lasted eleven years, between 1996 and 2005, in memory of a previous mosque destroyed in 1552 during the attack of Ivan the Terrible. Its construction was also financed by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. It has four 58 meter-high minarets and a large central dome with decorations reminiscent of the Kazan crown, which is housed in the Armory Palace in Moscow.
It was built with Ural marble and is furnished inside with Iranian rugs.
3. Millenium Park
Millenium Park is an urban park in the center of the city, opened in 2005 on the occasion of the celebrations for the millennium of Kazan. Besides observing its fountain, you can walk along tree-lined avenues, some planted by local people worthy of note. The entrance to the park is marked by impressive statues of dragons.
4. Black lake
The Black Lake Park is another green area in the center of Kazan. In spite of its name, there is no lake, but a rectangular pond with fountains. It is a rather ancient park: the first works date back to 1829. Today it is home to city events, concerts, parties and various celebrations. Its main attraction is the Lovers' Arch, also called the Arch of Sighs, built in the 1930s.
5. National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan
The National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan is the largest museum in Tatarstan. Opened in 1895, it houses, among other things, a private collection of objects belonging to the local archaeologist Andrei Fedorovich Likhachev.
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