great island trek

The Great Island Trek

9 September 2023

Limited numbers

Entry fee includes

• Fully supported walk across beautiful Magnetic Island
• High quality, lightweight, performance event tee
• On course fruit stall and hydration stations to keep you energised
• Chartered bus from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Picnic Bay Saturday morning and return for everyone from Horseshoe Bay to Nelly Bay ferry terminal after the event
• On course professional photography
• Bag transfer from start line to finish line
• Discounted travel with our partners Sealink and Magnetic Island Ferries
• Accommodation deals with Best of Magnetic
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife access fees

Registration fees

25km - adult closed.

includes GST

15km - Adult 6:40am wave start Closed

15km - child 6:40am wave start closed, 15km - adult 6:50am wave start closed, 15km - child 6:50am wave start closed, 15km adult - 7:00am wave start closed, 15km - child 7:00am wave start closed, top fundraisers, contact information.

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The Great Island Trek

Location: Magnetic Island, QLD

Note: location may be approximate

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Kazan Travel Guide - Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Kazan Travel Guide – Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Craving a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring trip to a place of ancient histories, visually spectacular, and spiritual marvels? The Kazan Travel Guide has everything you need to get just that.

Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, also known as Russia’s third capital. Just an hour-and-a-half flight away from Moscow, this beautiful and thriving metropolis has a centuries-old history. Founded in 1005, Kazan is one of Russia’s oldest cities (older than Moscow) with sites and architecture reminiscent of its glorious 12th-century reign by the river Kazanka. The multiethnic region is famous for the harmonious co-existence of many different religions, whose sculpted sacred sites are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find a sublime fusion of Tatar and Russian culture in this city, creating a glorious melting pot of different cultures. Whilst predominantly Muslim, you will find all religious backgrounds within the republic. Discover how easy it is to be entranced by the captivating Kazan – it is even worth making a detour on the Trans-Siberian Railway for.

This Kazan Travel Guide will help you plan everything down to preferred months of travel according to seasonal highlights, main attractions, meals from our pick of Tatar cuisine delicacies, methods of transport, and activities from morning until noon.

Table of Contents

Why travel to Russia’s Kazan?

Kazan kremlin.

This UNESCO listed fortified citadel is the most familiar landmark of Kazan. Kazan Kremlin is full of cozy parks, picturesque streets, delectable foods, and beautiful sites. Take a tour through the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and lose yourself in its Middle Ages era splendor with this heritage-listed site. Many of the Kremlin’s architectural wonders are sculpted by the famous Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shirjay, recruited by the Tzar. Kazan Kremlin is also home to the Söyembikä Tower and museums, where Kazan’s extensive history and legends take centre-stage. Many also flock to the multi-faith place of worship for its glorious sculpted sacred sites such as Kul Sharif Mosque.

Söyembikä Tower

Kazan’s tiered tower of Soyembika, also known as the leaning tower or ‘Khan’s Mosque’ is the highlight of Kazan Kremlin. Its construction is recorded by scholars to date back as far as the 16th century, whose age-old history is expressed in some of its majestic colonial architecture. The colours are stunning in summer, and even in winter, the snow creates a fairytale-like scene. Once inside, you should pay attention to the haram carpet and elaborate details on the ceiling. Romantic and mystic legends surround the tower and the only woman to rule the Kazan Khanate for which it’s named after. It is said to be the same tower that led the beautiful Princess Syuyumbike to her death, built for her by Ivan the Terrible who seized Kazan in 1552 and then demanded they wed. Others tell a different history of a Soyembika forcibly detained here by Muscovite forces, before being taken to Kasimov where she died. For those interested in its story, be wary of self-nominated guides- the official Kazan guides are a purchase worth making. Despite its tragic history, many locals believe if you touch the tower and make a wish it will come true.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque is Kazan Kremlin’s main mosque and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. You will hardly be able to take your eyes off this one-of-a-kind structure. This attraction is not just for Muslims. It is open to all Kazan’s travellers, but it is preferred that women have their hair covered during their visit. The Kul Sharif Mosque takes the place of a former mosque conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. From outside, the majestic lotus-flowered dome landmark sits atop a hill overlooking Kazan. Inside, it’s fitted with a modern yet classical interior where you can pray with the names of 99 gods inscribed on ceilings and window glass. On the ground floor is a Museum of Islam, where a tour in English may be available if there’s an English-speaking docent on shift. Otherwise, there are booklets in English that explain the whole exhibit. Whilst everything is free to all visitors, they ask you pay 3 rubles for shoe slip-covers to help keep its floors clean. It is recommended you go in the morning to avoid a queue to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, boasting a reputation as one of the best mosques in the world.

Temple of All Religions

For those interested in the spiritual marvels of Russia, it is also recommended you see the Temple of all Religions located along the Volga river of Kazan . This is under construction, so it’s not a must-see, but worth the visit if you have time to kill before taking a train or bus. It boasts 16 towers all for various different religions- a stunning sight to behold from the outside.

Baumana street

The Baumana Street is the main tourist and pedestrian zone between the Kremlin and Tokai Square. Tatarstan restaurants, stalls of street painters, boutiques, souvenir shops, fountains that fulfil wishes and kiosks are just a few of its gems that are ready to assure your every need and charm your socks off. Monuments and fountains make for a perfect photo backdrop, with statuary ranging from a bronze carriage of Catherine II to the “thick lazy Cat of Kazan”, a tribute to its feline protectors who fended off mice. Whilst mingling with the locals, the rich chimes of Kazan’s bell tower help bring the vibrant Arbat to life. Baumana street’s historical attractions include houses of the 19 th century, a monument to Feodor Chaliapin, and a Russian baroque style Epiphany cathedral. For opportunists seeking for the perfect Russian souvenir, Baumana street is the place to buy everything: Matryoshka dolls, Tatar folk costumes, and one particular favourite of tourists is the Tatar national male headwear “Tubeteika”. This is a street that never sleeps- when the sun sets, it becomes a hub for nightlife.

Palace of Farmers

The Palace of Farmers is a vast and regal building like something out of a fairytale. Despite being a recent addition to Kazan’s collection of ancient sites, it looks to be built well over a century ago. This eclectic architectural piece boasts elements of Classicism style, the Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. A magnificent, 65-foot tall bronze tree sculpture grows in the archway of the palace’s façade- a sight that makes for a mesmerizing photo backdrop. This is a governmental building related to agriculture, so the interior is not accessible. However, it’s worthwhile just to see its magnificently sculpted exterior. Located adjacent to the Kremlin and Kazan river embankment, the Farmer’s Palace makes for beguiling scenery for your riverside stroll. Manicured gardens out front create a serene, relaxing space in the summer sunshine, the site’s most popular season. When the sun sets, the Palace of Farmers comes alive with an array of spectacular light displays.

Raifa Monastery

Whilst known as one of the largest monasteries in Russia, Raifa Monastery had humble beginnings as a place of solitude where monastic followers could dedicate themselves to God. Found in a serene location by Sumy Lakes in a lush pine forest, this centuries-old site has been rebuilt time and time again. Its history tells of temple destruction, brutal plundering, arson, and has once made a home for juvenile delinquents. The history behind the monastery’s name is no exception to this trail of tragedies. In fact, the hermitage was established and named in memory of holy fathers tortured in Sinai and Raithu. Abandoned for over half a century, the ruins have been given new life with well doted on additions. This includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Cathedral of God’s Mother of Georgia, the Church of the Ss Reverend Fathers and bell tower, with beautiful onion-domed architecture and intricate iconography. It’s free to wander monastery grounds, where small shops and cafes populate the area. Arrive at this stunning rural monastery via a 40-minute drive from Kazan (with some free parking available), bus tour, or a scenic boat trip.

Sviyazhsk Island

Sviyazhsk Island, or “Conqueror City”, began as a fortress for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 when Kazan was an unassailable fortress. Frozen in time, visiting the Island is like going through a time machine with no fewer than 37 cultural-historical monuments. Its religious marvels are a must-see. Trinity Church is the last of its kind in Sviyazhsk- a wooden structure dating back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Axe marks made by Yaroslavl carpenters can still be seen. The Dormition Cathedral boasts a glorious collection of 16th-century frescos. Its most famed is St Christopher with a horse’s head- a fresco that tells the story of a saint so handsome he pleaded to God for ugliness, to avoid unwanted attention from women. However, these monasteries have seen their fair share of horrors- the Soviet political repression saw them turn into prisons, concentration camps, and psychiatric hospitals. A local museum, Sviyazhsk State Museum of History and Architecture, is no stranger to these horrors. Here, inmates and prisoners were executed and their belongings are still on display in abandoned cells inside. A monument to the victims of political repression forms a two-meter-tall marble slab on the island.

The Ancient City of Bolgar

Not far from Kazan, Russia’s mysterious Muslim City, Bolgar, dates back to the 7th and 15th centuries. With such a powerful history, this Eurasian metropolis is one of Russia’s first UNESCO listed sites. It’s served as the capital of the Mongol Golden Horde, ruled by the founder of the Timurids Empire, and even the Prince of Moscow. A 1969 excavation for the State Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve saw the city turned into a huge open-air museum.  Stone citadels, mosques, and tombs are some of its jaw-dropping remains from its glory days. Other attractions include the Khan’s palace, White Mosque, the hidden healing well of Gabdrakhman, a 700-year-old burial chamber for Bolgar nobility, and an interactive bread museum. The city of Bolgar has great religious significance, once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe. Here, you can find the largest printed Kora in the world weighing at 500kg. Bolgar remains a sacred pilgrimage destination to Tatar Muslims. The city of Bolgar is a three hours’ drive from Kazan along the scenic route of the river Volga.

Kazan from a boat

Kazan’s river station is flocked to by tourists eager to experience the scenic water route along the city’s shores. Travelling through Kazan with a Volga River boat trip is filled with incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping scenes. Gorgeous views of some of the city’s beloved icons include the Kazan Kremlin, whose structure sparkles like a jewel in the sun in all its Russian glory. The comfortable steam-ships on the rivers and lakes of Russia depart a few times a day to make for regular service (12:00, 15:00, and 19:00 on most days). Two-hour boat trips without stops, with a guided tour along Kazan’s coast. A total of 9 dams choke the river and halt its waters to a standstill- a glistening, magical scene that is a magnet for artists, writers and explorers. By its shores, the Volga river is a favourite for camping, relaxing, fishing, and swimming.

Kazan Cuisine Guide: A Foodie’s Haven

Kazan is the central home of Russia’s Tatar cuisine, boasting many restaurants and cafes that have earned its keep in the hearts of foodies across the globe. This Kazan Travel Guide will convince you why this is a haven for Russian and eastern cuisine.

Museum of Chak-Chak

The Museum of Chak-Chak (Çäkçäk) is named after the mouth-watering honey-baked balls of doughy goodness, a delicacy served at celebrations and festivities. This museum-turned food establishment is dedicated to traditional Tatar foods and drinks, particularly their national sweet foods. Bashkir dishes, chak-chak, bursak, and kak-tosh made from almonds are some of the recipes derived from Tatar enlightener kayum nasyri. These are only some of the most popular must-try dishes that cannot go unsampled. Here, guests drink tea and sample desserts whilst guides tell stories of the ancient Tatar people’s way of life, tradition and customs. If you want to learn the secret to cooking the perfect Tatar dish, this is the place to be.

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii (restaurant)

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii, or House of Tatar Cuisine, is one of the oldest national restaurants that has earnt its place in the heart of foodies from across the globe. Its dishes are based on Yunus Akhmetzyanov’s time-tested recipes and traditions – a beloved local guardian of traditional Tatar cuisine. Here you can find confectionary like Tatar sweets, and authentic dishes such as:

• Echpochmak: These are triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with mince and potatoes. A small hole remains at the top of the stuffed and folded dough. Halfway through the oven baking process, the pastries are filled with a spoonful of broth, ensuring that the meat (stuffed raw) is moist and tender.
• Gubadiya: Layered pie which contains cottage cheese or quark, minced beef or lamb and boiled egg, which is combined with raisins or mixed dried fruits (such as figs, prunes and apricots). This filling is then covered with melted butter before being baked into a mouthwatering dessert.
• Kazylyk: Originating from Tatar nomadic culture, this dish is a horse meat sausage which has been traditionally cured by air-drying in the sun and wind. It is often spiced with coriander or cumin, served in thin slices with pickled sliced onions
• Talkysh kaleve: This intricate dessert involves honey and sugar spun into a stringy fairy-floss which is then moulded into miniature cones and coated with a powder of melted butter and flour
• Manti: Tatar dumplings made from either spiced lamb, beef or horse meat, which can be mixed with pumpkin or squash depending on the region. They can be boiled or steamed in their own juices, typically served with butter, sour cream, onion sauce or red pepper powder.

In the evenings, your wining and dining with this Bauman street food will be accompanied by live music and the opportunity for master classes about preparing national dishes.

Kazan Travel Guide: Summer Highlights

Months & temperature.

  June, July, August: +24 – +27 C

Summer is by far the most popular and most frequented time of year to trek to Russia’s glorious Kazan city. The bustling, sunny and comfortable seasons of June, July and August are some of the best months to travel here. July is its hottest month at an average of 27 degrees- the perfect time to bask by the mesmerising Volga River.

The Sabantuy Tatar National Festival in June is jam-packed with competitions, sports events, dances, feasts, and music. This holiday hallmarks the end of spring crop planting and draws crowds of up to 40,000 in Kazan’s village of Mirny. Competitions of sportsmanship draw contenders near and far, both amateur and professional, in games like the egg-and-spoon race, sack races, horse races, and wrestling matches. Contenders for the more professional scenes like wrestling can earn prizes varying from home electronics to cars. The wrestling champion is declared ‘Batyr’ and lifts an overweight ram onto his (or her) shoulders for the cheering crowd. This festival is a marvel to behold, especially witnessing it for the very first time.

Similar to this: See also International handicraft festival ‘Spasskaya Yarmarka’ in August, Elabuga city

Kazan Travel Guide: Winter Highlights

  November, December, January, February – 0 to -10 C

For those far-reaching globetrotters, here is your chance for a true white Christmas- Kazan in Winter gets especially chilly in November, December, January, and February, the coldest months to travel. In November and December, there is a high chance of snow. Besides public holidays, winter outings mean fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more serene, quiet atmosphere.

The Nardugan Pagan Holiday Festival is popular in Kazan as an annual celebration honouring the winter solace. According to the ancient Tatar calendar, the birth of the Sun is December 22. This begins weeklong festivities and celebrations acknowledging the awakening of nature and the beauty of life. Dancing, traditional costumes, theatrical performances, Tatar baker’s delicacies, and fortune tellers are part of the joyous festivities.

For those creative art buffs interested in the sophisticated art forms of ballet and opera, see Kazan’s Shalyapin International Opera Festival (February), and the International Festival of Classical Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev Dance Festival (May).

Kazan Travel Guide: How to Get There

Kazan international airport.

Kazan’s international airport in the Laishevsky district is the only one in Russia that secured a win in the World Airport Awards of 2018. It’s equipped with paid and free parking, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, shops, cafés and restaurants, a post office and more whilst being English friendly. The train terminal of inner-city travel is located within the airport. Find out more about travel options via the air through the Russian Official  Kazan Aero site, Aeroflot Airlines, or plan your trip with Google Flights.

Railway station

For visitors travelling to Kazan from within Russia, the Russian railway is connected to the city’s two main stations: Kazan-Passazhirskaya and Vosstanie-Passazhirskaja station. Trains from the Russian cities  Moscow , Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, St. Petersburg , Novosibirsk and Adler pass by these stations. The railway stations are fitted to meet your every need, supplying luggage storage, baby changing facilities, tourist info desks, ATMs, cafes and more.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Kazan is one of the top must-see stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway . The traditional Russian Trans-Siberian Railway route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, and has Kazan as one of its main stops. Even if you weren’t planning on visiting Kazan but will be making your way through the Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a detour you won’t regret making. Kazan is a 1000-year-old ancient city, still full of life, and the perfect place to lose yourself in (but not too lost, because their diverse transport system will be sure to get you back on track).

Enjoy a short Kazan city tour via this entertaining video:

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Kazan city, Russia

The capital city of Tatarstan republic .

Kazan - Overview

Kazan , the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is a city with a long history located about 820 km east of Moscow on the left bank of the Volga River. This is one of the largest economic, scientific, educational, religious, cultural, and sports centers of Russia.

The population of Kazan is about 1,259,000 (2022), the area - 589 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 843, the postal codes - 420000-420141.

Kazan city flag

Kazan city coat of arms.

Kazan city map, Russia

Kazan city latest news and posts from our blog:.

24 September, 2022 / Sviyazhsk - a historical town-island in Tatarstan .

10 March, 2020 / Summer Evening in Kazan .

29 January, 2020 / The Historic Island Town of Sviyazhsk .

24 May, 2019 / Aesthetics of winter in provincial Russia .

6 March, 2018 / Winter in Kazan - the view from above .

More posts..

News, notes and thoughts:

10 July, 2013   / The situation in Kazan Universiade becomes ridiculous. The Russian team is leading with a total 82 medals, including 41 gold medals. However, the closest pursuers, Japan and South Korea, have 6 gold medals. Russian sports officials apparently are eager to show excellent results. That's why Russian champions of the Olympic Games, World Championships are included in the team. A brilliant solution!

Brief History of Kazan

Foundation of kazan and its early history.

Kazan was founded more than 1,000 years ago as an outpost on the northern borders of the Volga Bulgaria - a historic Bulgar state in the Middle Volga region and the Kama River basin, which existed from the 7th to 13th centuries. The age of Kazan was determined during excavations on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin, when a Czech coin dated 929-930 was found here, as well as the remains of masonry, a wooden fence, utensils.

In the 1220s-1240s, the Volga Bulgaria was conquered by the Mongols and, retaining some autonomy, was included in the Ulus of Jochi also known as the Golden Horde. After the formation of the Golden Horde, the Volga Bulgarians (Bulgars) became one of the main components in the ethnogenesis of today’s Kazan Tatars and Chuvashs.

In the 13th-14th centuries, Kazan became an important trade and political center of the Golden Horde. The growth of the town was also due to its favorable geographical position at the intersection of major trade routes connecting East and West. In the Russian chronicles, Kazan began to be mentioned in the 14th-15th centuries.

In 1438, the Bulgarian fortress of Kazan was captured by the Golden Horde khan Ulugh Muhammad, and the town became the capital of the Kazan Khanate. During this period, the production of leather goods, pottery, and weapons developed here. Kazan traded with Moscow, Crimea, the Ottoman Empire, and other regions.

More Historical Facts…

A series of conflicts with the Principality of Moscow eventually led to the capture of Kazan by the army of Ivan the Terrible in 1552. After the suppression of the uprisings in the Kazan region, a new era began in the history of the town - as part of the Russian state. In the 17th century, the first manufactories appeared in Kazan. In 1646, there were 5,432 men and 1,652 households in the town.

Kazan as part of the Russian Empire

In 1708, Kazan became the capital of the vast Kazan Governorate. During the reign of Peter the Great, it became one of the most important industrial and administrative centers of Russia. A tannery and a cloth manufactory were built here. In 1722, Peter the Great visited Kazan.

The rapid development of Kazan began after the visit of Empress Catherine II in 1767, when she lifted all previous restrictions on the construction of stone mosques and Tatar public buildings, as well as in connection with her decree “On the tolerance of all faiths.” She presented Kazan with a galley and a carriage. The galley was lost during a fire, but the carriage was preserved. It is also installed as a replica-monument on the pedestrian Bauman Street.

In 1781, Catherine II approved the emblem of Kazan, in 1782 - the first regular development plan for the city, which determined its development for a century and a half. By the end of the 18th century, about 22 thousand people lived in Kazan, more than 40 thousand with nearby settlements, Tatars made up only about 10% of the population.

In 1804, Imperial Kazan University was opened, the most famous students of which are Vladimir Lenin and Leo Tolstoy. In 1844, Karl Ernst Claus, professor at Kazan University, discovered ruthenium and named it in honor of Russia. Ruthenium is the only chemical element discovered in the Russian Empire and the USSR before the synthesis of transuranium elements in the late 20th century.

In the second half of the 19th century, significant changes took place in the infrastructure of Kazan: gas (1874) and electric (1897) lighting, one of the first electric trams (1899), telegraph (1859) and telephone (1881). In 1874, the city water supply was opened. In 1896, the railway connected Kazan with Moscow.

Kazan in the 20th century and beyond

In 1901, the Kazan Observatory was opened. In 1914, the population of Kazan was about 194,200 people. In 1918, during the Civil War in Russia, fierce battles were fought for Kazan. The troops of the Czechoslovak Legion in the course of five-day battles captured Kazan on August 6. The Red Army established control of the city on September 10.

On May 27, 1920, the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed with its capital in Kazan. In the 1930s, intensive industrialization of the city began, accompanied by rapid population growth. In 1939, the population of Kazan was 398,014 people.

During the Second World War, large factories were evacuated to Kazan. The city also became the temporary scientific “capital” of the USSR. The Academy of Sciences of the USSR, as well as most of the research institutes and a number of design bureaus were evacuated here.

After the war, the active development of the city continued. Kazan became one of the largest industrial, scientific, and cultural centers of the USSR, the population increased 2.5 times. In 1979, it exceeded 1 million people. Kazan also became one of the largest river ports, a new airport was built.

In 1990, Kazan was declared the capital of the sovereign Republic of Tatarstan. In the 1990s, this city became one of the most important interregional political, financial, sports, and tourist centers of Russia. In 2008, Kazan registered the brand “The Third Capital of Russia.”

In the 1990s-2000s, the historic center of Kazan was significantly rebuilt in preparation for the celebration of the millennium of the city. In 2005, the Millennium of Kazan was celebrated. In connection with this event, such objects as the Kazan Metro, the Kul-Sharif Mosque, the Millennium Bridge, the new hippodrome, Tatneft-Arena were built.

About one million tourists a year began to visit Kazan making it one of the most important tourist centers in Russia. The Kazan Kremlin became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several foreign general consulates and other diplomatic, trade, humanitarian representations were opened in the city.

Such large international sports competitions as the World Summer Universiade 2013, the World Aquatics Championship 2015, and six matches of the 2018 World Cup were held in Kazan.

Contrasts of Kazan

In the center of Kazan

Author: Sergey Bulanov

Kul-Sharif Mosque and Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Kazan

Author: Ayhan Sahin

The cultural-entertaining complex Pyramid in Kazan

Author: Sergey Kozin

Kazan - Features

The Kazanka River flows from the north-east to the west through the middle of the city and divides Kazan into two parts - the historic part to the south of the river and the new part to the north. They are connected by five dams and bridges, as well as a metro line.

The climate of Kazan is temperate continental, severe frosts and scorching heat are rare and not typical for this city. The average temperature in January is minus 10.4 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 20.2 degrees Celsius.

There are several legends associated with the name of the city. According to the most common one, it originates from the Tatar word “kazan” meaning “cauldron”. The legend says that Kazan was founded on the spot where water boiled in a cauldron dug into the ground without fire. The historical symbol of Kazan, which is depicted on the emblem of the city, is the mythical dragon-like creature Zilant often mentioned in Tatar legends.

The industrial basis of Kazan includes engineering, chemical and petrochemical industries, light and food industries. The largest enterprises of Kazan are the chemical complex of Kazanorgsintez, the Kazan gunpowder factory (the oldest in Russia), and a unique cluster of three aviation industry enterprises. Tourism is also one of the promising directions for the development of the city. In 2019, about 3.5 million tourists visited Kazan.

This is one of the largest transport and logistics hubs in Russia. Kazan International Airport offers regular flights to such cities as Antalya, Baku, Barcelona, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Moscow, Omsk, Perm, Thessaloniki, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and a number of others. Kazan (Volga) Federal University is one of ten Russian federal universities and the third (after St. Petersburg State University and Moscow State University) oldest university in Russia.

Kazan is a place where people of different nationalities and religions live peacefully, in an atmosphere of friendliness and tolerance. In this city, two religions are historically closely intertwined: Sunni Islam and Orthodoxy. Kazan has more than 60 mosques, 40 Orthodox churches, a dozen churches of other Christian movements, 1 synagogue, prayer houses of Bahai and Krishna.

In total, representatives of over 115 nationalities live in the capital of Tatarstan. According to the 2010 census, the most numerous of them are Russians (48.6%) and Tatars (47.6%). Also among the residents of Kazan you can meet the Chuvash, Ukrainians, Mari, Bashkirs, and Udmurts.

Main Attractions of Kazan

The Kazan Kremlin - the oldest part of Kazan included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a complex of architectural, historical, and archaeological monuments of the 12th-20th centuries. On the territory of the Kazan Kremlin, eastern and western cultures are harmoniously intertwined. The residence of the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Government of Tatarstan are located here.

Kul-Sharif Mosque (1996-2005) - the main mosque of Tatarstan located on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin. This is an amazing building with four minarets, each 58 meters high, with stained glass windows and observation towers. The mosque has a museum of Islam, as well as observation balconies for tourists.

The Annunciation Cathedral (1555-1562) - the oldest building of the Kazan Kremlin. This outstanding monument of Russian architecture of the 16th century is the most remote example of the Pskov school of architecture.

Syuyumbike Tower - an old watch tower in the Kazan Kremlin, one of the main architectural symbols of Kazan. It belongs to the “falling” towers, as it has a noticeable slope to its northeastern side. Today, the deviation of its spire from the vertical is about 2 meters.

The Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan in the Kazan Kremlin - the only museum and scientific-educational center in the Volga region, which provides complete information about the geological history of our planet from the moment of its formation until the appearance of the first ancient people. The combination of traditional forms of presentation with interactive elements makes this museum attractive to a wide range of visitors.

The Hermitage-Kazan Exhibition Center in the Kazan Kremlin - the first regional branch of the State Hermitage (the second largest art museum in the world located in St. Petersburg). In the museum halls you can see paintings, graphics, ancient artifacts including household items made of gold and silver, weapons of the 8th-13th centuries, various archaeological artifacts, and modern art installations.

Bauman Street (Kazan Arbat) - the main pedestrian street of Kazan, about 4 km long. The street starts at the Kazan Kremlin and stretches through the city center. On this street you can see a lot of historical buildings, monuments, museums, a theater, countless cafes where you can taste national dishes and drinks, souvenir shops.

Epiphany Cathedral (1731-1756) on Bauman Street. The main attraction of this church is its magnificent tall bell tower (74 meters high) built in the style of “Russian Baroque” with numerous external decorative elements.

The National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan - the main museum of Tatarstan opened in 1895, one of the largest museums in the entire Volga region. In total, this museum has about 800 thousand exhibits that tell about the culture, history, life, traditions of the peoples of Tatarstan. The museum occupies a building, which is a monument of architecture and history of federal significance. Kremlyovskaya Street, 2.

The Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Tatarstan - one of the largest art museums in Russia. Here you can see paintings, graphics, sculptures, works of decorative art of Western European and Russian schools of the 16th-19th centuries, as well as Soviet art. An important place in the exposition is occupied by a collection of icons from Sviyazhsk cathedrals and a unique collection of paintings by Nikolai Ivanovich Feshin - a master of impressionism and modernism. Karla Marksa Street, 64.

The Old Tatar Sloboda - one of the historic districts of Kazan. Its pedestrian part stretches for half a kilometer from Bauman Street and occupies part of Kayuma Nasyri Street. The district was formed in the 17th-18th centuries, when picturesque houses, mosques, and other attributes of the Tatar culture were built here. In Soviet times, most of them were lost. In the 2000s, it was reconstructed to give it its former splendor.

Shamil’s House - an eclectic building located in the Old Tatar Sloboda, an architectural monument and an object of cultural heritage of regional significance. Today, it houses the Literary Museum of Gabdulla Tukay. Gabdully Tukaya Street, 74.

Chak-Chak Museum . This museum located in the Old Tatar Sloboda is dedicated to the main Tatar dessert and one of the symbols of Tatarstan. The atmosphere of the Tatar prosperous house of the late 19th century is recreated here (old furniture, household utensils, tools, etc.). The exposition tells about the history of chak-chak from the times of the Volga Bulgaria to the present. Parizhskoy Kommuny Street, 18.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (1723-1726) - an architectural monument built in the style of “Russian Baroque”. It is known for its 7-tier gilded iconostasis and rich history. Musy Dzhalilya Street, 21.

The Temple of All Religions . This unusual architectural structure dedicated to various religions of the world is also known as the Ecumenical Church and the International Cultural Center for Spiritual Unity. This is the only such building in the world on the territory of which 16 faiths are united, but no religious rites are held here, since the complex has only symbolic meaning. Staro-Arakchinskaya Street, 4.

The Palace of Farmers (2008-2010) - a palace complex built in the Empire and Classicism styles. The Ministry of Agriculture of Tatarstan is located here. The main decoration of this magnificent building is a huge bronze tree placed inside an arch. At night, the facade of the palace is illuminated. Fedoseyevskaya Street, 36.

The Family Center “Kazan” (2013). This original building serves as the Wedding Palace of Kazan. Inside, there are three thematic zones, which are decorated and furnished in the styles of the Volga Bulgaria, the Kazan Khanate, and in a classical manner. The top of the building is crowned with a huge Turkic cauldron (“kazan”). In the days free from wedding registration, tourists can visit this building and climb to the observation deck. Sibgat Khakim Street, 4.

The Island-Town of Sviyazhsk - a historic town founded on an island at the confluence of the Sviyaga into the Volga in 1551. Located about 64 km west of Kazan, it is a very unusual and incredibly picturesque place.

Kazan city of Russia photos

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Circus in Kazan

Monument to Mussa Jalil in Kazan

The National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan in Kazan

Attractions of Kazan

The wall of the Kazan Kremlin

Syuyumbike Tower in Kazan

Kul-Sharif Mosque in the Kazan Kremlin

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The view from the shore of Lake Lower Kaban in Kazan

Inside the Kazan Kremlin

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12 Things to Do in Kazan, the Magical Capital of Tatarstan

After  Moscow  and  Saint Petersburg ,  Kazan  is arguably  Russia ’s nicest big city and its most multicultural one. The capital of historical Tatarstan is home to the country’s only Kremlin with a mosque inside. Included in Unesco’s World Heritage Sites list, it is quite unique. However, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Kazan. The place to be is Bauman Street, the pedestrian street lined with neoclassical buildings and churches, cool cafés, and lots of street performers. Another pedestrian street is Kayuma Nasyri, with loads of colorful wooden houses and old mosques.

• 1.1 Explore the Kazan Kremlin
• 1.2 People Watch on Bauman Street
• 1.3 Soak Up History on Kayuma Nasyri Street
• 1.4 Visit Kazan’s Most Important Church
• 1.5 Bike Along Rivers and Lakes
• 1.6 Admire Soviet Brutalist Architecture
• 1.7 Discover Kazan’s New Kitchy Architecture
• 1.8 Visit the Temple of all Religions
• 1.9 Learn About Tatarstan and Russia at a Museum
• 1.10 Try Tatar Cuisine
• 1.11 Join a Local Festival
• 1.12 Explore the Rest of Tatarstan
• 2.1 Things to Do in Kazan – Photos
• 2.2 Related posts

Things to Do in Kazan

Explore the kazan kremlin.

One of the most important things to do in Kazan is visiting its grand  Kremlin . Ivan the Terrible built the medieval citadel to replace the ruins of the former residence of Kazan Khans. This monumental fortress is close to the confluence of the Kazanka and Volga Rivers. Hence, the views are outstanding and sunsets unforgettable. The Kremlin is home to the Governor’s Palace, several museums, towers, churches, and a mosque. The lavish  Kul Sharif Mosque  is from a recent date. It stands on the place of an old mosque destroyed by Ivan the Terrible. The Kremlin’s oldest structure is the  Annunciation Cathedral  from the 16th century. However, its most famous landmark is the  Söyembikä Tower , whose origin is unclear. It owes its name to the Kazan queen Söyembikä, who threw herself to her death from the tower.

People Watch on Bauman Street

Kazan’s main drag  Bauman  is a 1,3-kilometer long pedestrian street in the city center. It bears the name of Nikolay Bauman, a local revolutionary hero. This lively street is where everything happens. Restaurants, bars, shops, churches, and museums line the street. The street begins at the Kremlin and goes all the way to Pushkin Street. Nevertheless, the pedestrian area doesn’t end there. It continues, albeit with a different name: Peterburgskaya Street. At the beginning of the street, close to the Kremlin, you’ll find the late 17th-century  Cathedral of Saint Nicholas . Closer to the end, you will see the  Epiphany Church  with its red bell tower. Take your time, and be sure to notice the little stars on the floor dedicated to Tatar celebrities!

Soak Up History on Kayuma Nasyri Street

Another pedestrian street well worth spending time at is the historical  Kayuma Nasyri . Unlike Bauman Street, there aren’t many shops or commerce of any type. Instead, you’ll find several mosques and some of the most colorful wooden houses in Russia. Kayuma Nasyri is the best-preserved aristocratic street in the Old Tatar Settlement, one of Kazan’s oldest neighborhoods. Noble Tatar families, rich merchants, and representatives of the higher clergy owned the 19th-century houses that line the street. The highlight of the street is the beautiful  Märcani Mosque . It marked the beginning of a multi-faith religious tolerant society in Russia, proclaimed by Empress Catherine II at the end of the 18th century. It is the oldest mosque in Kazan and all of Tatarstan, but also one of the biggest.

Visit Kazan’s Most Important Church

The  Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral  is Kazan’s most distinguished church and one of its spiritual symbols. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice its unique colorful decoration. The church belongs to the so-called Russian baroque, a style that dominated the late 17th and early 18th centuries in Russia. Though it’s unclear who built the church, its resemblance to the early 18th century churches from Ukraine is quite evident. The church impressed many Russian emperors, including no other than Catherine II. Not only that, but three famous Alexanders also visited and wrote about it: Pushkin, Von Humboldt, and Dumas.

Bike Along Rivers and Lakes

Biking is, without a doubt, one of the most fun and relaxing things to do in Kazan! The mighty  Volga and the Kazanka Rivers  surround the city. Additionally, several canals and the Kaban Lakes cross it in the middle. We biked along the rivers on a newly built promenade enjoying the views, and through a bizarre new luxurious neighborhood. Then we went to the National Cultural Center Kazan and turned on Pushik Street to see the  Opera House.  From there, we biked all the way to the  Kaban Lakes . We went back to the bike rental shop along the  Bulak Canal . The shop is right under the Kremlin, between the Kazanka River and Baturina Street. Don’t forget to bring your passport or any other valid ID.

Admire Soviet Brutalist Architecture

Just like all other big Russian cities, a variety of brutalist buildings from the Soviet Period dots Kazan. A bunch of large soviet residential blocks lies on the eastern outskirts of the city. Another massive soviet neighborhood is north of the center, across the Kazanka River. You can see that one from the top of the Kremlin. Among the many interesting buildings, our favorite was the abovementioned  National Cultural Center Kazan . Built in 1991, it is one of the most active museums in Kazan. You’ll recognize the building for its simple red tuff façade and the tall obelisk named Freedom.

Discover Kazan’s New Kitchy Architecture

One of the things that caught our eyes when we were in Kazan’s Kremlin is the plethora of new interesting buildings. Once we got closer, we realized how unusual they are, with weird decorative elements and materials. The one building that we noticed immediately is the so-called  Agricultural Palace , which is the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazan. You’ll easily recognize this lavishly decorated building by its 20-meter high bronze tree. Critics say it combines everything from the baroque to the renaissance, but tourists love it! Another building that we loved for its bold kitschy appearance is the  Tatar State Puppet Theater . Its castle-like structure seems to come from a Russian fairy tale.

Visit the Temple of all Religions

One of the most interesting things to do in Kazan is to go on an excursion to the  Temple of all Religions . This colorful temple is on the outskirts of the city. Consequently, you will have to take a public bus, hire a private taxi, or book an organized excursion. We are not talking about a religious building, but rather a cultural center. Its architecture incorporates an orthodox church, a mosque, and a synagogue. Though it is still under construction, it will eventually have 16 domes, representing the 16 major religions in the world. According to its authors, the Khanov Brothers, it’s a temple of culture and truth.

Learn About Tatarstan and Russia at a Museum

Kazan has several interesting museums. If you didn’t have time to visit the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, you are lucky. The Kazan’s Hermitage exhibits some of its pieces.   Apart from temporary exhibitions, the Hermitage displays European, Asian, and National art from different periods. The  National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan , Kazan’s premier museum, is across the Kremlin’s main entrance. Here you’ll find large archeological and ethnographic collections. If you have Soviet nostalgia, visit the  Soviet Lifestyle Museum  inside a communal flat. If you are looking for something even more unusual, visit the  Museum of Chak Chak  dedicated to the traditional Tatar dough pastry.

Try Tatar Cuisine

Contrary to our expectations, we enjoyed food all around Russia. It is usually very well prepared, and there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Tatarstan is a great place to savor food since it combines local cuisine with Russian and Asian influences. The Echpochmak, a triangular pie, the Chak-chak, a sweet soft dough, and the Koymak, a kind of pancake, are its highlights. We had lunch on a beautiful terrace in  Tatarskaya Usadba . They offer delicious food, but you have to be patient with your order. If you want to try typical Tatar food, go to  Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii . If your thing is quick, delicious, and cheap local food, go to  Dobraya Stolovaya  or  Tubatay . Finally, if you want to try something even more exotic, the  Rubai  offers delicious Uzbek food.  

Join a Local Festival

Kazan hosts numerous events and festivals all year round. Our last day was a holiday. Locals were singing and dancing to their national songs. Later we realized that we had attended the celebrations of Tatarstan national day. The city’s greatest local festival is  Sabantuy . It takes place after the crop planting and includes horse races, wrestling matches, and all kinds of singing events. If you happen to visit Kazan in February, you’ll be delighted by its  Opera Festival . If you visit in July or August, don’t forget to attend the  Kazan Jazz Festival . The concerts are held inside the Kremlin’s Pushechnyy Dvor every Thursday evening.

Explore the Rest of Tatarstan

Tatarstan’s cultural heritage is so rich that it has three Unesco World Heritage Sites. Obviously, Kazan is one of them. The other two are Bolgar and Sviyazhsk.  Bolgar  was the medieval capital of Volga Bulgaria, a state that existed between the 7th and 13th centuries. The Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex has several mosques, mausoleums, and palaces from that period. Sviyazshk , on the other hand, is a fortress from the 16th century that the Russian army used as a base during the siege of Kazan. Its most important landmark is the Assumption Cathedral.

Where to Stay in Kazan

Kazan is one of Russia’s top tourist destinations. Thus, you have several hotels to choose from. We wanted to stay on the main street, so we chose the  Shalyapin Palace Hotel . It proved a wonderful idea since the hotel is elegant, rooms are comfortable, and views over Bauman Street splendid. Another gorgeous hotel on the same street is the historic  Nogai Hotel . The large constructivist building from 1937 used to host publishers and writers. If you are still not satisfied, book a room in Kazan’s best hotel:  Kazan Palace by Tasigo . This delicately designed hotel is an art nouveau palace from the beginning of the 20th century.

Things to Do in Kazan – Photos

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