Kazan in Russian is Казань, capital of Tatarstan. Located next to the Volga and Kazanka rivers. Kazan distinguishes itself for the Tatar culture present in the local daily life: on people’s traces, on dressing, on gastronomy, on architecture, one the Tartar language, and for the presence of the Muslim religion. And in this post, we go with a list of places to visit in Kazan.
Kremlin & Qul-Sharif Mosque
Kremlin in Russian means fortress, not just the one in Moscow. Other Russian cities, especially those with historical and economical importance, have their own Kremlin, like the Kazan Kremlin (Казанский Кремлль). The only city in Russia where I saw a Kremlin and a Mosque side by side. Actually, the Qul-Sharif Mosque (Мечеть Кул Шариф) is a reconstruction (from 1996 to 2005) of what used to be the capital of Kazan Khanate destroyed by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. At night, the view of the Kremlin and the Mosque contrasting the dark sky is beautiful.
Soviet Lifestyle Museum
If you are curious about the Soviet period, the Soviet Life Museum is a mandatory place to visit. It maintains a collection of daily objects of the Soviet period and cultural icons of those times from toys to household products. For me, it was very curious about the toy simulating a hockey match.
Ekiyat Theater
Kazan Puppet Theater Ekiyat, or simply Ekiyat (Экият), is one of the largest puppet theaters in Russia. Remarkably decorated with fairytales artifacts, the view of Ekiyat at night is astonishing!
Walkthrough Baumana Street
Baumana Street (Баумана Ул.) is the busiest street in Kazan with cafés, restaurants, bars, commerce, and stores. There you’ll be nearby some of the main places to go in the city.
Söyembikä Tower
One of the landmarks of Kazan, also known as Khan’s Mosque, in the city center. Its name refers to the Tatar ruler Söyembikä, who served as regent of Kazan from 1549 to 1551. The tower is famous for being the place of her suicide, where she jumped off for not accept to marry Ivan the Terrible.
Kazan Arena
The home of the football club Rubin Kazan, that became worldwide famous for playing the Champions League and being a hard opponent for Barcelona F.C. during the Guardiola Era. And one of the stadiums for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Nowhere else in Russia you will have the chance to see the Tartar culture! Kazan is definitely a mandatory destination for its culture and gastronomy. You can also consider visiting during your Trans-Siberian trip.
Originally posted 2017-10-07 00:54:47.
