Kazan (also known as Qazan) is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia), located on the gentle, poetic Volga River.
A glimpse of Kazan shimmering in the sunlight and the clear blue sky with floating clouds.
Just like the vastness of Russia, which holds many hidden attractions for tourists from all over, Kazan’s history still has countless unsolved mysteries.
The legend most accepted by most Russians about the name Kazan is that the Mongol Khan – the founder of Kazan – went to see a sorcerer and asked which place was good enough to build a new city.
During nearly five centuries of the city’s history, Kazan was the major political center of the Golden Horde and the capital of the Kazan Khan region.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists coming to Kazan every year are fascinated by the beauty of ancient, massive, epic buildings.
This palace was founded at the same time as the city in 1005, and is a place that preserves vivid memories of Bulgar princes or warriors Genghis Khan and the Khans of the glorious Golden Horde empire.
Churches of all religions – a place not to be missed when visiting Kazan.
Looking at the Kremlin towers, most tourists are attracted to the leaning tower Soyembike – named after the last queen of Kazan.
In the past, because of her beauty, Tsar Ivan Groznui sent a matchmaker to ask her out.
The tower was built in just seven days.
When talking about Kazan, visitors cannot miss The Temple of All Religions – a work created by artist Ildar Khanov.
However, ceremonies do not take place here as it was built as a cultural center, a residency for local artists and a place where Ildar’s assistants used spiritual therapy to cure diseases.
Ildar has a strong belief in God and once claimed to have met him when he was three years old.
Soyembike Tower – the tower named after the once beautiful queen of Kazan.
Besides, visitors can hardly forget Zilant Mountain – one of the most legendary places in Tatarstan.
According to legend, Kazan residents used gold to make offerings to Zilant when many reptiles came to disturb the life of the city.
Just as Russians welcome visitors with bread and salt, Tatars show hospitality with their unique dish Chak-chak.
Road to Kazan:
Kazan International Airport is 30 km southeast of the city center.
Visitors can take a taxi to the center in about 25 minutes, the price ranges from 9 USD.
In addition, visitors can also catch a train from Kazan station to the airport for 3 USD, travel time is 20 minutes.
It is quite easy to take a train from other places in Russia to Kazan, as it is a stop for most trains.
If you want, you can also go to Kazan by boat due to its geographical location on the banks of the Volga River, about 800km east of Moscow.