KAZAN
The capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan is a cultural hub with a thousand-year-old history. Its’ name means “cooking pot” which is the perfect analogy for this city, where east meets west and different cultures and religions live peacefully side by side. Tatars are known for having a strong hospitality culture and the friendly locals will make you feel welcome. From medieval fortresses, multi-faith temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a unique cultural heritage Kazan is among my favourite cities.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
The Kremlin
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the absolute number one attraction in Kazan, The Kremlin is the oldest part of the city. It dates back to the mid-sixteenth century when Ivan The Terrible sieged Kazan and ordered construction of the fortress on the site of an old castle which had belonged to the Khanate of Kazan. Today the complex is home to the president of the Republic of Tatarstan. It is free to enter the fortress walls, but there are fees to enter the different museums and buildings inside. Pass the monument to Tatar poet Musa Jalil, best known for his resistance fighting during WWII, and enter through the main gate at Spasskaya Tower.
Once within the fortress walls a visit to the Kul Sharif Mosque is a must! Originally constructed during the 16th century it was the tallest mosque in Europe. The original building was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible and was not restored until 1996! Striking white minarets topped in sky blue, the inside is even more breathtaking. As with any mosque women are required to cover themselves, including a headscarf which are provided free of charge at the entrance. Entry to the mosque is free but it also houses the Museum of Islam which charges a 200RUB/$2.50USD fee. For the best view looking over the mosque, I recommend climbing the Preobrazhenskaya Tower.
The leaning Suyumbike Tower is among the cities most iconic buildings. Legend has it that when Ivan The Terrible took over the city he proposed to marry the deceased khan’s niece Suyumbike who agreed that if he built her a tower she would marry him. After just 6 days the tower was complete and Suyumbike looked out over her city from it’s top before jumping to her death. Others speculate that the tower wasn’t built until 100 years after Ivan The Terrible invaded the city. Some believe by touching its’ walls and making a wish it will come true. Beneath the tower is the Khan Mausoleum.
The oldest preserved building within the fortress is the Cathedral of Annunciation, designed by the same architect who designed St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Inside a museum recounts its’ history for a fee of 500RUB/$6.85USD. The garden out back has views over the river.
Other notable museums inside the complex include the Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan, History Museum of the State of Tatarstan, Museum of the Courtyard of the Canyons and the Hermitage Centre, a sister art gallery to that of St Petersburg. Once you’ve had your fill of the fortress I recommend exiting through the Taynitskaya Tower to continue to the embankment.
The Krelmin Embankment
Alongside the river, lined by restaurants and café lounges, the Kremlin Embankment is a wide pedestrian walkway with an additional lane for cyclists, roller-bladers and skateboarders. It hosts a range of events year round and had a lively atmosphere.
Bauman Street
The oldest street in Kazan, it is now a pedestrian street lined with restaurants, gift shops and 19th century houses. The main thoroughfare, it stretches from the Kremlin at one end towards Nizhny Zaban Lake at the other. Like any main tourist street live performances and buskers are sure to draw a crowd here.
The Old Tatar Settlement
Colourful wooden houses fill the streets of the Old Tatar Quarter where the ethnic Tatars were forced to live after the 1552 siege of Kazan. Wander through the streets which are home to traditional Tatar houses, mosques and Kazan’s smallest street, Kunche Street.
The Temple of All Religions
Perhaps the most perfect example of Kazan’s religious unity, The Temple of All Religions is the only place in the world where you can find 16 individual religious structures combined into one single building. From catholic domes, to mosque minarets, to Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples, the idea is to unite people regardless of their faith. The rooms inside consist of the Genghis Khan Pagan Hall, Orthodox Hall, Egyptian Hall, Islamic Hall, Gothic Concert Hall, Exhibition Halls, Japanese Tower as well as a workshop. Entry costs only 200RUB ($2USD) but being completely honest the inside was a little disappointing and run down. I definitely think it’s worth a visit to view the incredible architecture from the outside and take the time to appreciate the peace and unity which the Temple represents and this world so desperately needs more of. The easiest way to get here was via Uber. It was a 30 minute drive and cost around 300RUB/$4USD.
Chak Chak Museum
Located within the Old Tatar Settlement, the Chak Chak Museum takes you through the history of this national dessert and delicacy. Chak Chak is made of fried pieces of soft dough, wrapped in honey and can come with a variety of additions including chocolates, nuts or sesame seeds. It’s a great souvenir or gift to bring back from Tatarstan.
Epiphany Cathedral
For sweeping views over the city centre and Bauman Street climb the 74 meter bell tower at the Epiphany Cathedral.
Kaban Lake Embankment
Situated between the Old Tatar Quarter and busy Bauman Street is the Kaban Lake Embankment. After a busy morning of sightseeing head here to relax by the water. Beside garden beds and a series of water fountains is the Tatar State Academic Theatre which overlooks the lake. We decided to hire a pedal boat and soak up some sun before enjoying a cold pint at one of the bars along the embankment.
National Museum of Tatarstan
This museum, as its’ name suggests, exhibits all things Tatarstan. It takes you through a historical journey beginning with the region’s development in the Stone Age, through Volga Bulgaria and the Golden Horde, the Soviet era to modern day Tatarstan. It showcases historical artifacts and also has a room dedicated to taxidermy wildlife found within the region, including a rather terrifying basket shark.
Kazan Family Centre
You won’t miss this giant bowl shaped structure sitting across the Kazanka River. The Kazan Family Centre is a wedding palace surrounded by statues which symbolise the importance of family. You can visit its’ 32 meter high observation deck for views of the Kremlin from across the river.
The House of Agriculture
For fans of architecture make sure you pass by The Palace of Famers, which houses the Tartarstan Department of Food & Agriculture. A relatively new building, it was only constructed in 2010. Front and centre in a huge arch, is a 20 meter high bronze tree. Pass by at night to see it illuminated.
Zilant The Dragon
Sitting at the entrance to the Kremlin Metro station is a sculpture of Zilant The Dragon. The mythological, part dragon/part snake creature is a symbol of Kazan whos’ many legends date back to the city’s origin. One story says that Kazan was founded on a hill infested with snakes. In order to rid the settlement of snakes a wizard lit bonfires to kill them, however the snake-king Zilant managed to escape to a nearby mountain. He continued to terrorise them until another wizard managed to slay the creature. The winged snake was featured on the city’s coat of arms and over time became referred to as Zilant The Dragon. Today it appears on the Kazan flag.
Sviyazhsk Island
60 kilometers outside of Kazan is the medieval fortress town of Sviyazhsk. Located on an island where the Volga and Sviyaga Rivers meet, the fortress was built under the order of Ivan The Terrible during the siege of Kazan in the 16th century.
Among the island’s most famous sights is The Assumption Cathedral and Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage sight was designed by the same architects of St Basil’s in Moscow and 16th century frescoes can be seen inside.
The John The Baptist Monastery is home to The Holy Trinity Church, the oldest building on Sviyazhsk dating back to the 1500’s. The wooden church was built without one single nail.
There are several other churches which can be visited as well as craft workshops, exhibits, markets and cafes.
Try Tartar Cuisine
The Republic of Tatarstan has its’ own distinctive culinary heritage and traditions. Heavily influenced by it’s neighbours in surrounding Russia and Central Asia typical dishes often include soups, meat, pastries, dough and baked sweets. Make sure you try an echpochmak, this triangular pie has been a national favourite from the days of Turkic nomads. Other savoury options include zur belish, elesh, tokmach, peremyach and krystyby. For something sweeter try some chak chak, a slice of gubadia, some bauyrsak or talkysh kaleve.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
By Air
You can fly into Kazan International Airport (KZN) which has direct flights to 15 countries across Europe, The Middle East, Central Asia as well as other Russian cities. From the airport to downtown Kazan bus 197 departs the airport for the Agricultural Park from 6am-10am or you can choose to take a taxi or uber.
By Train
Kazan can be reached by train which is exactly how I arrived on my journey on the trans-Siberian Railway. I travelled here from Irkutsk in Siberia before continuing on to Moscow. For my complete guide to the Trans-Siberian Railway click here.
By Bus
Busses operate intercity connections between Kazan and other Russian cities. The main bus station is located about 20 minutes from the city centre and public busses connect the two.
By River
Kazan has its own Riverport where cruises traveling along the Volga River can stop. From here you can take return long distance trips to places like Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow and Astrakhan nearby Kazakstan and the Caspian Sea. There are also boats offering day trips to further out destinations like Sviyazhsk Island or Velikie Bolgary.
Public Transport
Kazan has it’s own Metro station, albeit only one line with 11 stations. From one end to the other takes approximately 15 minutes. Among the shortest metros in the world, it connects central Kazan. Although it doesn’t compare to that of Moscow’s metro stations it is known for it’s interiors which feature frescoes, mosaics and stained glass. The metro operates from 6am-12am. As well as the metro, Kazan also has buses, trolleybuses and trams.
Taxi
Reliable Taksi Tatarstan taxis are readily available but we chose to get around by Uber. This is by far the easiest way of reaching destinations further out of the city such as The Temple of All Religions and Sviyazhsk Island.
WHERE TO STAY
Kazanskoe Podvorye
Smack bang in the middle of Bauman pedestrian street it’s hard to find a better location than Kazanskoe Podvorye Hostel. I’m not sure if it was because I had just spent 3 nights on a train but I highly rate this hostel! We passed through the brick courtyard overrun with green vines and home to a popular café to get to the reception. I stayed in an air-conditioned 4 bed dorm which was clean and modern with power point, reading light, locker and curtain for each bunk. They offer 6 bed dorms and private lofts as well. They served a huge buffet breakfast which was included in our nightly rate. There is also a communal kitchen, laundry facilities and free wifi.
