Visiting Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan in Russia
Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan and the 6th largest city of Russia. It officially bears the title of the “Third Capital of Russia” due to its rich cultural and historical heritage. It also serves as the Capital of Tatarstan. Furthermore, this beautiful city is on the banks of the Volga River and Kazanka River. It is noted for its centuries-old religious tolerance. So, the Cathedral of all Religions is a true example of its religious harmony. Nearly half of its residents are ethnic Tatars. So a visit allows you to experience the unique foods and traditions of Tatar culture.
How to Get To Kazan Russia
Kazan is located about 800 km east of Moscow and easily accessible by train. Although, we reached there from Novosibirsk and after visiting it went to Moscow. While Vosstanie-Passazhirskaya is the name of the train station that mainly serves Kazan city. Whereas you can book your train ticket from the Russian Railway Website.
Kazan has one international airport that operates several domestic as well as a few international flights. The airport is about 25km from the city center. Further, you can reach the city center by bus, Train or Taxi.
To go to Kazan in your own car is another way. From Moscow, you can follow the M7 route to reach Kazan in around 12 hours. Whereas from Perm, you can follow the E22 route to reach Kazan.
How to Get Around Kazan Russia
The transportation system of Kazan city composes of trains, buses, trolleybuses, and taxis. The fare of one ride is 25 Rubles.
- Most of the attractions of Kazan city can be visited on foot. Especially you can visit the most of city attreactions at the area from Kazan Kremlin to Millenium Park via Bauman street .
- Kazan subway is a more convenient way to getaround the city of Kazan into Russia. It is listed among Guinness World Records as the shortest metro system in the world. Kazan Subway has 5 stations and one can get from one end to another for 10 minutes.
- Lat but not the least, Taxis in Kazan are also affordable. Therefore, you can call a taxi by using Yandex Taxi App.
Where to Stay in KAzan Russia
You can book a dormitory bed in the city center Hostel for under $10. You can find a good hostel from a large number of hostels around Bauman Street. I have booked with People Hostel for my short stay in Kazan. Besides, it was very near to Kazan Kremlin.
Initially, we had a plan to visit Kazan as a day trip while going from Novosibirsk to Moscow on our long Trans Siberian Train Route. However, due to a change in our plan, we have to cancel our next ride to Moscow and consequently opt for air travel from Kazan. So, we decided to take a little rest while our stay in Kazan.
Places to see in KAzan Russia
I regretted that I have only one day for this fairytale city. Due to some unforeseen reasons, I have to shorter my original plan. So, I have left Kazan City in such a way that seems I never came to this city. This city has abundant sights with a rich historical background that it can offer to its tourists. I spent my day while walking from one point to another. So, I decided to start my day at Kazan Kremlin.
Kazan Kremlin
I left my luggage at my hostel and came out for my day’s tour to Kazan City. I followed the Bulak Cannel and took my way toward Kazan Kremlin. After a few minute’s walk, I passed beside the Pyramid Cheops hotel(Piramida Kheopsa). It was a beautiful Hotel with Egyptian themes. Finally, I crossed Levo Buachava Street and entered Kremlin Park. If you go slightly further toward Kazanka River then you can reach Kazan Circus.
Entrance to Kazan Kremlin
The entrance to Kremlin park is exotic. You can enter the park after passing through a three-step Heart lane. Here you can get a beautiful photo of the Kul Sharif Mosque from a unique angle. Here a large row of steps leads me to the Gigantic wall of the Kazan Kremlin. Now Starting from Preobrazhenskaya Tower, I passed to another unnamed tower and finally reached Taynitskaya tower. Not to mention there were a couple of Viewing platforms to watch the left side Panorama views of the city. Taynitskaya is one of the two entry points to Kazan Kremlin. Also, the Spasskaya Tower on the Southern side is the other point of entrance.
Entry Fee to Kazan Kremlin
Entry to Kazan Kremlin is free. However, you have to take an entrance ticket to one of the many inside museums. The ticket range is 150 to 300 Rubles for different Museums. However, you can take a day ticket for 700 Rubles and enjoy your day while visiting these museums. The list of inside museums is quite high. Although, some of them include
- History Museum of the state of Tatarstan
- Museum of The courtyard of the CAnyons
- Hermitage Kazan Center And Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan
- Manzeh Exhibition Hall
- Museum of Islamic Culture in Kul Sharif Mosque
- Histry Museum of Annunciation Cathedral
Kazan Kremlin from my Eyes
When I entered the Kremlin the first look of the Uphigh view was splendid. I was the three different shapes of building in my first view. That was Suvumbike Tower like a conical one, The palace Church resembles with a layer of rectangles and Presidency Palace. All these points were on my left side. On my right side were the Museum of the courtyard of canyons and Kazan Hermitage compounds.
Just after this view, the Cathedral of Annunciation popped up from the left and the Kul Sharif mosque from my right. These two buildings that were popping up from two different sides made a spellbound effect on me. The color combination and architecture were just fantastic. After then I went through the small garden that has the attraction of Monument to Kazan Kremlin Builders.
After visiting the Kremlin, I spent a little time on the eastern observation deck. From this deck, you can spot a large number of Kazan attractions beyond the Kazanka River. At the far end, you can spot the Kazan Arena, Farmers’ palace, Kazan Cathedral, and a few more.
Farmers’ Palace and Park
After spending a couple of Quality time, I head forward to Farmers’ Palace. I came out from Voskresenskaya tower which is at the east/North end of Kazan Kremlin. I have to come back along the outward of Kremlin. Here I have crossed the road and entered into the Farmers’ Palace and Park.
This Palace is a building that serves as the Ministry of agriculture and the food Republic of Tatarstan Russia. Although it is state-building even then It is a must-see place in Kazan. You can definitely admire the entrance that reflects the objective of the building and office. After its construction in 2008, this building has quickly become one of the city’s most famous modern landmarks.
Cathedrals of Kazan City
Now I took the Southern route and my next stop was a couple of Blue and White cathedrals. The first one was the Church of the Great Martyr that was just beside the Farmers’ palace. You have to take a left turn while going back to Kazan Kremlin Road. It is a stone church that is related to Saint Paraskeva. It is an old church that was restored and partly rebuilt in 1904.
The second one The Kazan Cathedral was even more majestic. It is as beautiful but less rated than the Kazan Cathedral of St Petersburg.
Chernoye Ozero, The Black LAke
Here I took a route to Bauman Street. On the way, I made a small detour and reached Chernoye Ozero. Chernoye means black and Ozero means lake. So, this small artificial lake is called Black Lake. There is a garden in the eastern part of this park. Its main entrance is known as the famous and romantic “lovers arch”. The park often hosts festivals and concerts here. It is also commonplace for locals to walk on the outer jogging path. You can also sit on one of the benches and read a book or just relax.
Peter and Paul Cathedral Kazan
This golden yellow cathedral painted with turquoise mosaics was a true gem in the heart of the city. We have also visited a cathedral with the same name in St Petersburg beside the Neva River. Although, its counterpart in St Petersburg is a part of the fortress. However, this one is an active prayer place and its bright colors are a feast for our eyes. Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church that was built in 1722. It was partly reconstructed in 1824-1825. While a more large-scale reconstruction took place in 1888-1890. As it was very near to Bauman Street that was my next and last stop, so, I couldn’t visit it from inside.
BAuman Street KAzan
The main pedestrian street of Kazan starts From the Kremlin and ends at the “Ploshchad Tukaya. It is a pleasant walk of about 2km. . As Kazan’s busiest pedestrian street where you’ll find the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, monuments, and souvenir shops in the city. After visiting Peter and Paul Cathedral, I came to this historical street. You can see many fun performers in the afternoon till night. Many other prominent sub streets also make their way from BaumanStreet. One of which, the Musa Jalil street is also a famous one among foreigners. It is the best place for lodging in Kazan too. After visiting this street, I decided to go to my Hostel.
What we missed in Kazan Russia
The first and foremost thing is that we believe we missed the whole of Kazan. This city is not for one-dayers. At least it needs three days that include a full day of Kazan Kremlin. It was a shame if we couldn’t visit the Cathedral of all religions. Besides a full day to visit Sviyazhsk is also recommended. Sviyazhsk is a beautiful island about 65km from the city center and one can reach it in one hour. Last but not the least, the Museum of Socialist life is another top attraction to see Kazan History.
