6 Cool Places to Visit in Kazan

Kazan, a city deriving its name from the Tatar word for cooking pot, is true to its name. Over a hundred years older than Moscow, a genuine stew of both Tatar and Slavic cultures makes the capital of the Tatarstan Republic a treasure to explore. Here are 10 recommendations for what to do in Kazan that will ensure you get the most out of the city.

Hermitage-Kazan Center

Lesser-known than its sibling museum in St. Petersburg, the Hermitage Kazan is still a must-visit for art lovers. Many exhibitions comprehensively showcase both Russian and international art across artistic periods and mediums. Housed in a former Junker school, the building’s architecture dates back to the early 19th century and the elegant interiors are eye-catching works of art in themselves.

Kazan Kremlin

World Heritage-listed, the Kazan Kremlin is the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia, parts of it dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Built at the request of the Ivan the Terrible, the bright white sandstone walls encircle the city’s historical centre filled with age-old buildings. Highlights include the Kul Sharif Mosque, the Hermitage and the Tatarstan Museum of Natural History.

Kul Sharif Mosque

First constructed in the 16th century and reputed to be the largest mosque in Europe at the time, the Kul Sharif Mosque was destroyed when Ivan the Terrible stormed through Kazan in 1552, effectively bringing the city into Russia’s realm. Efforts to rebuild the mosque didn’t start until 1996, and were only completed in 2005. While restoration may seem like it was a long time coming, it was worth the wait. With white-washed arches, domes and minarets topped with sky-blue, the Kul Sharif Mosque is as grand and impressive as it ever was while staying true to its former self.

Temple of All Religions

As a multi-faith place of worship, the inclusivity of religious beliefs systems is a driving force in the Temple of All Religions’ design. Created by local artist, architect and benefactor Ildar Khanov and a team of assistants he met through his work in rehabilitation services, the delightful jumble of colours and design draws on sixteen different faiths for inspiration. Sixteen minarets, spires and cupolas are coloured with neon greens, yellows and azures, each embellished with with a Christian cross, the Star of David or Muslim crescent, representing the unification of the major religions under one roof.

Syuyumbike Tower

The legend of the tower says that after Ivan the Terrible seized Kazan he then wanted to wed Princess Syuyumbike, who was less than impressed with the idea. She convinced Ivan that she would marry him on the condition he built a tower higher than any the city already had. He obliged and under the guise of taking in the view, Syuyumbike went up to the top and flung herself off, so to avoid the impending marriage. While this fable has managed to linger throughout the years, it is estimated that construction of the 58-metre tower occurred in the 17th or 18th century, long after Ivan the Terrible, when tiered, wedding-cake like buildings were popular.

Soviet Lifestyle Museum

Over-flowing with kitsch knick-knacks, trinkets and relics of a time now long gone, the quirky Soviet Lifestyle Museum pays homage to the cultural happenings during life under the Iron Curtain. Based in a former communal apartment, the collection spans from the 1930s to the 1990s. While most of the memorabilia relates to the music and art of that era, there is a Soviet secondary school experience exhibition as well as a rack of vintage soviet clothes visitors can dress up in.

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