Kazan Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Kazan

The Kazan Kremlin is a major historic citadel of Tatarstan, located in the region's capital. It was built at the behest of the Russian Tsar Ivan the “Terrible” on the ruins of the former castle of Kazan khans. The Kremlin comprises a number of historic buildings, the oldest of which is the Annunciation Cathedral. The highlight of the complex, however, is the leaning Söyembikä Tower. Other points of interest include the recently renovated Qol-Şärif mosque and the Governor's House, currently the Palace of the President of Tatarstan. In 2000 the entire complex was declared a World Heritage Site.

The Qolşärif mosque in Kazan Kremlin, was reputed to be - at the time of its construction - the largest mosque in Russia, and in Europe outside of Istanbul. Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Qolşärif who served there. Qolsharif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well.

Qolsharif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspirations. Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as a Museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray. The Qolsharif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan's architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building it includes a library, publishing house and Imam's office.

The National Gallery of Art Khazine, located in the Kazan Kremlin Compound, was opened on August 23, 2005, the city’s millennial anniversary. Its amazing collection includes images of the old city, a Tukay exhibit, works by Chebeneva and a permanent exhibition of classic works by Feshina, Urmanche, Shishkin, Kuznetsov and others.

Originally a wooden church replaced by a stone sanctuary, the Annunciation Cathedral was founded in 1552 and was the first Christian cathedral inside the walls of the Kazan Kremlin. Being one of Kazan’s oldest surviving monuments and architectures, the church was named after the Annunciation of the Most Holy Virgin and Ivan himself marked this site with a cross. Over the centuries it suffered fire damage, with heavy restoration of the exterior as well as new altars, cupolas and iconostasis, an exact replica of the original, added. The new cathedral, established in 1562, contains two side altars, the right one in honor of Saints Boris and Gleb, and the left in honor of the miracle workers, Peter and Fevroniya.

Söyembikä Tower is probably the most familiar landmark and architectural symbol of Kazan. Once the highest structure of that city's Kremlin, it used to be one of the so-called leaning towers. By the early 20th century, its inclination was estimated at 194 cm (76 in). Diverse stabilization methods were used to straighten the tower in the 1930s and 1990s. The tower's construction date is enshrouded in mystery. Several scholars date its construction to the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, when the tiered towers were exceedingly popular in Russia, but others date the tower to the 16th century, probably before 1552. In the Imperial period, the tower used to be topped with a double-headed eagle, which the Bolsheviks replaced with a red star. It is currently crowned with a Muslim crescent.

Construction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Foodstuff began in spring 2008. One of Kazan’s most famous and amazing buildings, it features Renaissance elements, and a central element of a bronze tree with green lights representing leaves. The name of the building in Russian and Tataran can be found on its facade in metal letters.

Located on the site of a medieval trade center, Gostiny Dvor is a monument of beautiful Russian architecture. From 1800 to 1803, a new building was constructed to replace the previous one from 1770 which had been destroyed by fire in 1797. Built in a Russian classical style, it is open on the west side and includes the Transfiguration of Christ Church. Having suffered numerous fires, its facade and interior have undergone several reconstructions.

Consecrated in honor of Tsar Peter I of Russia, this cathedral built in 1722 is considered one of the most famous churches of the Naryshkin Baroque style, common in Russia in the first half of the 18th century. What mainly sets it apart from other Russian cathedrals are the numerous façade details, bright colors and décor, making it one of Kazan’s most valuable architectural and spiritual monuments. Particularly notable is the Smolensk-Sedmiozernaya Icon of Our Lady and the Iverskaya Icon of Our Lady.

One of Russia’s oldest theaters, where the premiere of Shalyapin took place, Kachalov was 15 when his artistic career began in this very place. With a history dating back to 1791, this beautiful theater was the first to be built in Kazan. Currently, its repertoire includes over 20 spectacles of classic and modern plays.

Bauman Street is a pedestrian street in the heart of Kazan. It is named after Nikolay Bauman, prominent Russian revolutionary and friend of Vladimir Lenin. The street starts at the foot of the Kazan Kremlin and stretches to Tukay Square, the central square of the city. Peculiar thing about Bauman Street is the multicolored brick pavement, two lines of lanterns and linden alley, all of which make it a comfortable place to unwind after a long hard day sitting on one of the benches or taking a stroll. The street often plays host to various fairs and public celebrations. It is also home to a number of offices, shops and hotels, as well as, most notably, to the Alley of Tatar Stars.

Founded in 1897, Epiphany Cathedral & Bell Tower is one of the highest constructions in the city, its bell tower a prominent view when walking down Bauman Street. Designed in the Russian Baroque style, later, an attic, a cupola, a dining room and a belfry were added. No other bell tower in Kazan matches its height and beauty, making it more famous than the church itself. It houses a wonderful collection of valuable icons and relics of Metropolitan Alexy.

Founded in 1804, Kazan State University, one of Russia’s largest and oldest universities, is famous for having Vladimir Lenin as a student. Known as a forerunner in the study of chemistry due to the works of Arbuzov and Butlerov, the university became one of the largest centers of education, culture and science. The oldest part of the building contains three portals along its white facade.

The Djalil Opera and Ballet Tatar State Academic Theater opened in December 1938 with a performance of Zhiganov’s Runaway. Construction began in 1933, according to the design of architect N. Skvortsov. In 1948 I. Gaynutdinov worked out the facades and interior in a classical style with national elements. Its repertoire includes the works of Russian and international composers, featuring operas, ballets and musical comedies.

Located on Liberty Square, Kazan City Hall was founded in 1858. This two-story building resembles an Italian palazzo, with a classical eclectic facade and interior and dry frescoed walls. One of Kazan’s most unique architectures, it hosts a variety of presentations, international conferences and ceremonial events.

The S. Saydashev State Grand Concert Hall, opened in 1996, is one of Kazan’s largest performing arts auditoriums. Consisting of three halls, with modern luxuries, technical equipment and acoustics, it features international music festivals and competitions, world premieres and also the inauguration of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.