Located at the confluence of the Volga and Kama rivers, in western Russie, the city of Kazan is the meeting point of East and West, of Russie and Asia, of Islam and Orthodoxy. It is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, one of Russie's territorial divisions.

The city has much to offer those seeking a complete change of scenery. The various havens of peace it harbors reflect the rich natural heritage of Tatarstan. Lovers of outdoor tourism will be delighted to visit the blue lake located just 20 kilometers from the city.

Beyond its generous natural landscape, Kazan is also renowned as a multicultural city. The city is simultaneously Orthodox and Muslim, Slavic and Tatar, European and Oriental, while also boasting a rich heritage left by the Soviet period. The city stands out effortlessly for its prestigious monuments.

History

Around 630 AD, Khan Kubrat, a leader of the Turkic Protobulgars, established an ephemeral state known as Great Bulgaria. This territory extended between the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, encompassing the lower courses of the Don, Dnieper, and Volga rivers.

After his death, one of his five sons, named Kotrag, led part of the Bulgars to the confluence of the Kama and Volga rivers, the present-day site of Kazan, where he founded the Bulgar Khanate of the Volga. The city of Kazan was thus officially founded during the Bulgar period, around 1005.

Within a few years, it became the principal city of the Khanate of Kazan. This status attracted the Mongols, leading to the Battle of Kernek, won by these conquerors. They settled and established a state called the "Golden Horde."

Neighboring states attempted to conquer this Mongol state until Ivan the Terrible, the Grand Prince of Moscow, seized the city and ended the Khanate. He liberated all Russian slaves and massacred or deported the population outside the city.

Since then, Kazan has been annexed to Russie and became the seat of the Government of Kazan, an administrative division of the Russian Empire. This ruler built a Kremlin where monuments in Russian style stand, such as Orthodox churches, cathedrals, and picturesque palaces.

Kazan continued to develop, and in 1896, leaders constructed a railway line connecting the city to Moscow. Furthermore, electric trams appeared there in 1899. In 1920, it obtained the status of principal city of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Tatarstan.

Many other monuments testifying to the city's rich history have been erected in Kazan. The emblematic Qolsärif Mosque is among them, not to mention modern structures marking the city's development.

Kazan Today

Kazan is one of Russie's celebrated tourist cities and stands today as a premier destination on the Volga. Its multicultural and multiethnic character gives it an incredible charm and explains the large number of monuments to discover.

Stroll around Lake Koban before discovering the lovely mosque in the Tatar quarter. Its Kremlin is also a must-see during an escape to Kazan. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kremlin conceals within its walls the famous Annunciation Cathedral, the Governor's Palace, the Grand Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Söyembikä.

What to See in Kazan?

The city of Kazan has numerous absolutely must-see tourist sites.

• The Kremlin: architecture enthusiasts will be satisfied admiring this stronghold, combining architectural masterpieces, inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage list. It comprises several prestigious buildings worthy of contemplation. The City Hall is one of the Kremlin's emblematic buildings. There are also religious sanctuaries, such as the Nurula Mosque, the Qolsärif Mosque, the Assumption Cathedral…
• Still within the Kremlin, you can see the statue of Lenin and that of A. Arbuzov.
• If you wish to learn more about the city's history, don't miss the National Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Historical Museum of Kazan, as well as the Museum of Islam and Archaeology.

What to Do?

• Take a stroll along Bauman Street, leading to various points of interest such as the Kremlin and the fountains of Kazan. You can also learn the history of this emblematic thoroughfare by consulting with your guide.
• Walk across the Millennium Bridge to admire the architecture. This grand footbridge is indeed the modern symbol of Kazan. A view over the entire city awaits you, not to mention the magnificent sunset…

Climate

In Kazan, summers are comfortable and partly cloudy, and winters are long, glacial, snowy, windy, and overcast. Throughout the year, temperatures range from −15 to 25°C. It is very rare for temperatures to fall below −26°C or rise above 31°C.

For summer activities, we recommend traveling between late June and mid-August.

The city of Kazan is served by an international airport that receives flights from major European cities. To reach this Russian city, the fastest way is to take a direct flight Paris–Kazan.

If you are already in major Russian cities and want to go to Kazan, opt for domestic flights. You can book your ticket online. Several local airlines offer flights to Kazan from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and beyond.

A railway line also connects Kazan to Moscow. By train, the journey takes approximately 15 hours to cover the 719 kilometers separating the two cities. You can book your ticket online or go directly to the ticket window on the day of your departure. The first departure is at 00:35.

For greater comfort during your journey, opt for a rental car. In any Russian city, you will easily find agencies that rent cars.

On foot: other means of transportation are not essential if you only want to visit the historic center of the city. This is concentrated in the Kremlin district and along Bauman Street, which extends for just 1,400 meters.

By bicycle: this will allow you to explore the historic center of Kazan, while also extending your walk to other celebrated tourist destinations. You will have a wide choice of agencies and bicycle brands to rent from. This type of transportation is very popular with couples and groups of travelers.

By bus: Kazan's network is very comprehensive, with no fewer than 90 bus lines crisscrossing the city.

By tram: you will find approximately 8 tram lines available in Kazan.

By metro: Kazan's metro consists of a single line with 10 stations. It is very convenient for visitors, as it crosses the tourist district with three stops: the Kremlin, Tukaï Square, and Sloboda Frame. This means of transport is available from 6 a.m. to midnight.

By hop-on hop-off tourist bus: this is reserved for those working with a receptive agency. The latter offers you itineraries, and you simply need to contact them if you are interested.