Kazan Kremlin square. Historical and architectural complex of the Kazan Kremlin. Museum-Memorial of the Great Patriotic War

Description and history

Since ancient times, people have built settlements protected from the enemy by reliable walls. This is the heart of the capital of Tatarstan - the Kazan Kremlin. Here began the chronicle of two great nations. So different, they still managed to create a single cultural space. Inside the fortress, architectural monuments have been preserved to this day, reminding tourists that Muslims and Orthodox Christians are capable of establishing a joint peaceful life, which has remained unshakable for more than four centuries.

Kazan - ancient city, standing on seven hills. It combines the cultures of East and West. Archaeological research indicates that the capital of modern Tatarstan began to take shape back in the distant 10th century. Initially, the Kremlin Hill and its surroundings were inhabited by the ancient Bulgars. The walls of the structure were erected to strengthen the trading settlement. Scientists still disagree about the dating of the construction of the citadel. Some believe that the process began in the 12th century, others are of the opinion that architects erected the walls in the 15th-16th centuries on the orders of the Russian Tsar.

Between the 13th and 15th centuries, the city was captured and devastated by the troops of the Golden Horde. Many indigenous people have left native land and subsequently erected new capital- Iske-Kazan. In the 14th century, by order of the Bulgar ruler Hassan, construction of a fortress began in the place where the museum-reserve is now located. It served as a princely residence until the 15th century. As soon as the Horde yoke ended, the Kazan Khanate was founded, the heart of which became a stone fortress - the Kremlin. The new state existed almost until the end of the 16th century.

In 1552, Kazan was captured by the Russian Tsar. After the battle, he, like all the buildings of the city, received serious damage. By order of the tsar, architects from Pskov Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Barma began restoring the city and building new fortress. Most of the buildings were made of oak and only towards the end XVII century wooden walls were replaced with stone ones. Pskov architects built not only the fortifications of the citadel, but also orthodox churches, temples, cathedrals. In 1672, the Kremlin was badly damaged by fire. After this, it was decided to restore the damaged areas of the structure using brickwork.

In the 18th century, the Russian government founded the Kazan province. In those days, the Governor's Palace (now the residence of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan) and the Junker School were erected. But Peaceful time didn't last long. Already in 1774, the Kazan Kremlin again served as a defensive line, protecting the tsarist troops from cannon fire launched by the rebels of Emelyan Pugachev. This time the rebellious ataman failed to penetrate the fortress, but he still visited the city, albeit later, and as a prisoner awaiting execution in one of the towers.

Modern architectural complex the Kremlin has developed to end of the 19th century century. After the revolution of 1917, the Transfiguration Cathedral, the bell tower and cathedral church of the Spassky Monastery, and the bell tower of the Annunciation Cathedral were destroyed. The Church of Saint Barbara and the Church of Saints Justinia and Cyprian also became victims of militant atheists.

In the second half of the 20th century, the archaeological study of the Kremlin territory proceeded at an active pace under the leadership of the famous Kazan historian and archaeologist A. Kh. Khalikov. In the 1960s The Tatar restoration workshop was formed, which managed to stop the fall of the Syuyumbike tower, restore the governor's palace and the Palace Church. On the territory of the Kremlin there is a two-story building of the residence of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan in the pseudo-Byzantine style, built in the mid-19th century by the architect K. Ton and which was once the Governor's Palace. In 2005, the construction of the most famous mosque in Russia and Europe, Kul Sharif, was completed.

Back in the 1970s, the Kazan Kremlin was the place where significant city events were held. In those years, the city authorities organized sailing regattas near the Kremlin walls: Soviet athletes competed for first places near the Lenin Dam. Today, within the white stone walls of the Kazan citadel, various festivals are held dedicated to events that happened on memorable dates. The museum-reserve is visited by famous artists and musicians. Nowadays, it has become a symbol of the unity of the Tatar and Russian peoples.

Attractions

In the territory ancient fortress There are many attractions: ancient towers and cathedrals, the most famous mosque in Russia and Europe, historical and memorial buildings, museums and galleries, observation decks.

Towers of the Kazan Kremlin - Spasskaya, Tainitskaya and others

At the entrance, travelers are greeted by the Spasskaya Tower of the Kazan Kremlin, built in the 16th century - one of the symbols of the fortress. Next, tourists see the South-West, Nameless and Preobrazhenskaya towers. All that remains of the Pentagonal Tower now is the foundation. The Tainitskaya, North-Eastern, Consistor and South-Eastern towers have been preserved. The Voskresenskaya, Northern, Northwestern and Dmitrievskaya towers are irretrievably lost.

Orthodox shrines

After a successful military operation in 1552, Christians came to the ancestral lands of the Turkic peoples. Therefore, many iconic monuments of the citadel are associated with Orthodoxy. For example, the Palace Church is a temple of the 17th century, which has now become republican historical museum. A century earlier, another iconic structure appeared on the territory of the fortress - the Annunciation Cathedral, from whose bell tower the Bolsheviks knocked down the largest city bell in the 1920s. Also located within the Kremlin walls are: the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery with the Brotherhood Corps, the Bishop's House - the residence of the bishop and the Consistory Building - the church administration of past years.

Muslim monuments

The Kazan Kremlin also preserves Muslim monuments. The main one is the Kul Sharif mosque with four high minarets. The sanctuary opened its doors to believers only in 2005. Construction of the mosque began in 1996. Then a stone was laid within the walls of the citadel in honor of the revival of the main shrine of the Tatar population. Near the walls there is a statue glorifying the feat of Musa Jalil, an underground fighter during the German occupation, who was shot by German punitive forces in 1944.

Historical buildings

In the Kazan Kremlin there are still traces of buildings from those times when the Russian Tsar had not yet approached the ancient walls with his troops. The fortress preserved for posterity the ruins of the Khan's Palace, discovered by archaeologists in 2000, and the ruins of the mausoleum of the Kazan khans, in which the rulers of the citadel city rested. There are also more recent buildings on historical lands. For example, the Syuyumbike watchtower, built in the 17th century. In subsequent years, the Governor's Palace, the Junker School and the Artillery (or Cannon) Yard were built here.

During the era of endless wars, the Kazan Kremlin housed military structures: the drill arena building, where military school cadets practiced drill, and the guardhouse, built on the site of a demolished military warehouse. In our time (2003), a monument to the architects who began the construction of the Kazan citadel appeared on the territory of the bastion. The monument is a composition of two figures - Russian and Tatar architects.

Near the white stone walls of the Kazan fortress there are zilants - figures of dragons that have become a symbol of the city. Legends say that mythical creature, which became the prototype for the monuments, lived on a mountain near the Kazanka River. Today, the Zilantov Assumption Monastery was erected there, during the construction of which a buried dungeon was found. Maybe a mystical serpent lived in it? This page of history is still hidden from the eyes of travelers.

During excavations on the territory of the former Khan's court, archaeologists discovered a layer with numerous buildings dating back to the period of the Kazan Khanate, and in one of the courtyards - a treasure of Russian minted silver coins dating back to the beginning of the 16th century.
During archaeological excavations In the Kazan Kremlin, a layer of fire was also discovered during the capture of the city, in which numerous human remains, arrowheads, cannonballs, and fragments of facing slabs that were probably lined with the Kul Sharif mosque were found.
There is a legend that the Kazan queen Syuyumbike, who was the regent under the young ruler of Kazan, after capturing the city, jumped from the seventh tier of the tower so as not to be captured by Ivan the Terrible. However, according to research, the tower was built in the 17th century, and the story of the queen is simply a beautiful legend.

Kazan Kremlin - UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2000, the attraction was included in the list world heritage UNESCO. The first reason why the organization’s competition jury made such a decision was the fact that over the years of its existence, the Kremlin influenced the historical continuity of the cultures of the two peoples. The second argument in favor of the heart of the capital of Tatarstan, officials called the exceptional antiquity of the only surviving Tatar fortress. The third argument of the commission was that the architecture of the building is a synthesis of Bulgarian, Horde, Tatar, Italian and Russian styles.

Observation platforms

Within the walls of the Kazan Kremlin, travelers have access to three observation platforms, which offer picturesque views of the surrounding area. The first “tower” is located near the Syuyumbike tower. From it you can see in detail the opposite bank of the Kazanka River - big wheel review owned by entertainment complex"Kazan Riviera", and you can also see the famous Kazan Family Center in the shape of a huge bowl. The second observation deck is located behind the Annunciation Cathedral and offers an overview of the beautiful Peter and Paul Cathedral. The Kazan Kremlin also has a third observation deck- it can be found behind the Kul Sharif mosque.

Operating organizations

Historically, the Kremlin was the center of public life in Tatarstan. Although there are exhibitions and museums within the walls of the ancient citadel, there are also government organizations on the territory. The Office of the President of the Republic is located here. The institution carries out the instructions of the head of the region. On ancient lands there is a Council of Municipal Formations, which organizes the work of the administrative leadership of the districts. This is a real control center.

The Central Election Commission of the Republic operates in the Kremlin of Kazan, which organizes and conducts elections and referendums. Democracy presupposes access for ordinary citizens to the institution of power, therefore, behind white stone walls, meetings of the Public Chamber, consisting of respected and worthy residents of Tatarstan, are held. Controversial issues is decided by the Arbitration Court, located in one of the buildings.

The Central Election Commission of the Republic operates in the Kremlin, which organizes and conducts elections and referendums. Democracy presupposes access for ordinary citizens to the institution of power, therefore, behind white stone walls, meetings of the Public Chamber, consisting of respected and worthy residents of Tatarstan, are held. Disputed issues are resolved by the Arbitration Court, located in one of the buildings.

Research related to the past is carried out by the Marjani Institute of History, which is part of the Republican Academy of Sciences. On the territory there is also a post office number 14, which is engaged in the dispatch and delivery of parcels and correspondence from residents of the Vakhitovsky district.

Location, how to get there, opening hours

The attraction is located in the Vakhitovsky district of the city, on the left banks of the Volga and Kazanka. The citadel stands on a hill. You can use public transport services. Near the landmark there is the Kremlevskaya metro station. Buses 6, 15, 29, 35, 35a, 37, 47, 74, 74a, 75, 98 and trolleybuses 1, 4, 10, 17, 18 go to the historical complex. Near the complex there are stops "TSUM", "Palace of Sports " And " central Stadium"Motorists can also find the attraction by GPS coordinates: 55.798611°, 49.106389°.

The Kazan Kremlin Museum-Reserve has 24-hour access through the gates of the Spasskaya Tower. You can also get inside the citadel through the entrance in the Tainitskaya Tower, but it is not open around the clock: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October 1 to April 30 and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May 1 to September 30.

Museum ticket prices

There is no need to pay to visit the Kremlin courtyard, but tourists who want to see the current exhibitions will need to purchase entry tickets to the following museums of the Kazan Kremlin:

Museum at the Annunciation Cathedral - from 100 rubles.
Exhibition complex "Manege" - from 150 rubles.
Museum of the History of Statehood - from 80 rubles.
Museum of Islamic Culture - from 200 rubles.
Museum complex "Khazini", including the Museum natural history Tatarstan, Art Gallery and Museum of the Great Patriotic War - from 200 rubles;
Cannon Yard Museum - from 200 rubles.
Branch of the St. Petersburg Hermitage "Hermitage Center-Kazan" - from 200 rubles.

The Kazan Kremlin often hosts various events, for example, the “Night of Museums” with master classes, exhibitions, concerts, performances by creative groups, the theatrical program “Reviving Heroes”, performances, coffee ceremonies, etc. Find out about upcoming events, see big photo can be found on the official website of the Kazan Kremlin.

The Kremlin of Kazan is unique place, where the cultures of more than 100 nationalities come into contact, forming a single space filled with enchanting legends and customs. Visiting Kazan and passing by the Kremlin is the same as coming to Moscow and voluntarily refusing to visit Red Square. Only the busiest tourists miss the chance to enjoy the beauty of the white stone walls, which they later regret.

Excursions

Travelers who want to visit the main Kazan attraction have access to interesting excursions. One of them is an opportunity to admire the sights of the city from the windows of a comfortable bus for 4 hours. The bus makes a stop on the territory of the fortress, so city guests can take memorable photos of the Kazan Kremlin. Inside the walls, tourists will see the Kul-Sharif Mosque, the Annunciation Cathedral and the seven-tiered Syuyumbike watchtower in all their glory.

A plan has been developed especially for romantic guests of the capital of Tatarstan and lovers. With the onset of dusk, the bustle of the metropolis flows into the measured flow of life. Spectacular lighting is turned on near iconic landmarks. Even in the dark, the Kremlin opens its doors to inquisitive people. The Kul-Sharif Mosque looks especially bright in the light of floodlights. The minarets soar into the sky, and the white stone walls fascinate with their beauty. The journey lasts 3 hours.

On a high hill located on the left bank of the Kazanka River, rises the symbol and main attraction of Kazan, its heart and soul - the Kazan Kremlin, which is a historical, architectural and archaeological monument. During the capture of the city in 1551, many buildings and walls of the Kazan Kremlin were destroyed, so new ones were erected in their place. Today, centuries seem to be mixed on its territory: next to the buildings of the 10th century there are buildings of the 20th century.Since 2000, the entire ensemble has been protected by UNESCO. The area of the Kazan Kremlin is 150 thousand m2, and the total length of the walls, the width of which is about 3 m, is more than 2 km. The height of the walls of the Kazan Kremlin exceeds 6 m. A distinctive feature of the Kremlin is a unique combination of cultural and historical monuments Orthodox and Muslim religions.

Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin.

The current (since 2005) Annunciation Cathedral, built by Pskov craftsmen in the mid-16th century, is considered the real pearl of the complex. During its existence, the temple was rebuilt and reconstructed several times. Unfortunately, in 1922 the bell tower was irretrievably lost. At the same time, many valuables stored in the temple (icons, manuscripts, early printed books, gold embroidery) disappeared without a trace. Some exhibits were preserved through the efforts of art critic P. Dulsky and professor I. Stratonov. Today, the rescued rarities are part of the collection of the Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Towers of the Kazan Kremlin.

The Kazan Kremlin is famous for its watchtowers. 13 towers were immediately erected, of which this moment only eight survive. Tainitskaya and Spasskaya towers are the most famous, which are also gates. They were built in the 16th century.

Spasskaya Tower of the Kazan Kremlin.

Adjacent to the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands, the Spasskaya Tower of the Kazan Kremlin burned several times, it was restored, and two centuries later its appearance was complemented by the clock installed on it.

Tainitskaya tower of the Kazan Kremlin.

Taynitskaya Tower got its name thanks to secret passage, leading to a source of spring water. Unfortunately, it has not survived to this day.

Syuyumbike Tower of the Kazan Kremlin.

Visitors are attracted by the Syuyumbike watchtower, built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. It can be called Kazan " Leaning Tower of Pisa" The deviation of the structure from the vertical is about 2 m. Thanks to the restoration work carried out and the strengthening of the foundation, its fall has been stopped.

Mausoleum of the Kazan khans.

You cannot ignore the Mausoleum of the Kazan Khans, located not far from Syuyumbike. It was discovered during sewer work completely by accident. This last refuge two Kazan khans. The mausoleum was covered with a glass dome to ensure access in any weather.

Mosque of the Kazan Kremlin.

In honor of the celebration of the millennium of Kazan, the Kul-Sharif mosque was erected on the territory of the Kremlin, arousing admiration for its grandeur and unique beauty. In the evening, thanks to the spectacular lighting, everything here takes on an unforgettable look. The construction of a mosque near Orthodox churches symbolizes the commonwealth of two religions.

Governor's Palace, built in the 19th century, attracts tourists with its architecture. Today it serves as the representative office of the head of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Museums of the Kazan Kremlin.

There are several museums on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin:

Museum of the History of the Tatar People and the Republic of Tatarstan, located in the Vvedenskaya Church.
Complex "Cannon Yard".
Junker School, with a Hermitage department, a WWII museum, an art exhibition and a natural history museum.
Museum of Islamic Culture, which is located on the ground floor of the mosque.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery.

The Kazan Kremlin complex also includes the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, founded in 1556. In the first years of Soviet power, most of its buildings were blown up. Today, restoration work is being carried out.

One of the most important and most visited attractions of Kazan is the Kazan Kremlin. This is the oldest landmark of Kazan, the construction of which began in the tenth century! Our era, however. Documents, as for many Kremlin objects, have not been preserved, so the officially recognized century is based on the first mention. Of course, the Kremlin, which now stands on a multifaceted hill, and the entire territory of the Kazan Kremlin has already been altered and rebuilt many times. This is primarily due to wars, assaults, and coup attempts.

If you don’t have time to read the article, we suggest watching our video about the Kazan Kremlin. With us you will walk around the Kremlin territory, look at the beautiful Ku Sharif Mosque from different angles, see all the main attractions and an incredible view of the Volga.

Video about the Kazan Kremlin

History of the Kazan Kremlin

From the twelfth to the fourteenth centuries it was a fortification, which was a Bulgarian fortress. Naturally, only the results of archaeological excavations remind of its existence.

Kazan was also part of the Golden Horde; after its collapse, the Kazan Kremlin became the center of the Kazan Khanate, which existed until the mid-16th century, namely until 1552.

And then, in 1552, the entire fortress was thoroughly destroyed after it was captured by Ivan the Terrible. It was his architects, however, and the forces of 200 workers who rebuilt the Kremlin again. It was then that the first Orthodox churches, including the Annunciation Cathedral, which, unlike many, has survived to this day.

Some of the Kremlin's towers were built of stone, and some were made of wood. In general, the Kazan Kremlin became completely stone only in the second half of the seventeenth century. And then, solely because of the fire.

And already in the eighteenth century the fortress ceased to perform defensive functions (for some time) and it was then that the Kremlin became an administrative facility, cultural center Volga region.

Time passed, and the troubled times of the Pugachev uprising came, when the Kremlin again turned into a defensive structure - it was shelled from cannons for two whole days.

But it was not he who caused the main damage to the Kremlin, but the Soviet government, which at the beginning of the twentieth century massively destroyed churches and chapels built on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin, when, in addition to the spiritual and architectural heritage, important church values were destroyed.

Kul-Sharif Mosque (schedule and visiting rules)

Rules for visiting and working hours of the mosque (photo enlarges by clicking the mouse)

Main hall inside the mosque

The Kul-Sharif Mosque was built quite recently - construction of the Kul-Sharif Mosque began in 1996 as part of the restoration of the multi-minaret mosque destroyed in 1552.

However, it fits very harmoniously into the architecture of the Kremlin. The mosque is open to everyone.

Kul Sharif is a functioning mosque, so you need to visit it accordingly. However, the rules for visiting do not differ from the rules for visiting Orthodox churches.

For women, this means a covered head, covered shoulders, a skirt below the knees, or long pants. For men - bare head, and entry in shorts is also prohibited.

If for some reason you forgot about these rules, scarves and capes will be rented to you on the spot completely free of charge.

Mosque opening hours:

The Kul Sharif Mosque is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Break from 11:30 to 13:15 on Fridays to perform Friday prayers.

Towers of the Kazan Kremlin

Spasskaya Tower

As in the Moscow Kremlin, this is a clock tower. It was erected by Pskov architects, who were attracted by Ivan the Terrible to restore the Kremlin after the siege, Ivan Shiryai and Postnik Yakovlev.

Now this tower is the main entrance to the Kremlin. Not far from it there is a monument to Musa Jalil (Tatar poet, hero of the Soviet Union) and a stop for a double-decker excursion bus.

Southwest Tower

The tower was erected simultaneously with Spasskaya by the same architects in the Pskov defensive style. The tower is located to the left of Spasskaya on the corner.

Preobrazhenskaya travel tower

On the right is the Transfiguration Tower, on the left is the Kul Sharif Mosque

This tower is named after the Transfiguration Monastery, which it once covered. At the moment, the entrance to the Kremlin through this tower is closed. The Preobrazhenskaya Tower in its original form was erected by Pskov architects, but later it was quite significantly rebuilt.

Polyhedral (pentahedral) tower

This tower, unfortunately, has not survived to this day. All that was left of her was a skeleton.

Unnamed round tower

Apparently the architects who built it lacked imagination. The tower was built of brick by the same architects Ivan Shiryai and Postnik Yakovlev.

North West Tower

Like the multifaceted tower, unfortunately, it has not survived.

Taynitskaya Tower

Erected on the site of the destroyed Nur Ali tower or in the Russian version - Muraleev. It is believed that it was through this tower that Ivan the Terrible entered the besieged fortress. And it is called Taynitskaya from the word “secret” - there was a secret source of water here, which made it possible to defend the fortress much longer during its siege.

North round tower

It was rebuilt in the seventeenth century, but then Pugachev’s uprising made its contribution. Apparently, the cannons destroyed the tower so badly that it was easier to dismantle it than to restore it. Which is what was done.

Resurrection Tower

...or what's left of it. The fact is that initially the tower was higher, and in the upper tier there was the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord (hence the name of the tower). Then, in the 20s of the twentieth century, when churches were being massively destroyed throughout the country, it was demolished, so that only the first tier remained.

Observation deck of the Kazan Kremlin on the Kazanka River (located behind the Annunciation Cathedral)

Northeast round tower

Again, what was left of it suffered as a result of the Pugachev uprising.

Dmitrievskaya Tower

Unfortunately, she did not survive to this day due to the Pugachev uprising. The Church of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, after whom the tower is named, was also destroyed... well, you already know by whom and when.

Consistory Tower

Built in wood in the sixteenth century and rebuilt in stone in the seventeenth century, this tower was very important in terms of the defense of the fortress. The tower was named in honor of the Spiritual Consistory, next to which it was erected.

South-East round tower

Also built in the sixteenth century... and this last tower The Kazan Kremlin of all that exists and once existed.

Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin

Next to the Annunciation Cathedral there is a monument to the Architects of the Kazan Kremlin

The Annunciation Cathedral in the Kazan Kremlin was erected by order of Ivan the Terrible after the siege of the fortress in 1552, when the fortress lay in ruins and had to be completely rebuilt.

Annunciation Cathedral is Cathedral, which in its original form was two times smaller. Its current size was the result of numerous additions.

And this is one of the few shrines of the Kazan Kremlin that was not destroyed along with all the other chapels, temples and bell towers. The porch and bell tower were destroyed, which, of course, is also a huge loss.

There is also a museum of the History of the Annunciation Cathedral in the cathedral.

Tower Syuyumbike

Unfortunately, it is not known for certain by whom and when this seven-tiered tower was built, since in Moscow the documents were burned in a fire, and in Kazan they were lost as a result of uprisings. Therefore, there are many legends around the tower.

According to one of them, the tower was built by Ivan the Terrible, and in 7 days (according to the number of tiers), since this was the condition of Queen Syuyumbike, whom Ivan the Terrible wanted to marry.

True, this legend has a sad ending, since as a result, Queen Syuyumbike threw herself from the 7th tier of this tower.

It is known why this tower is “leaning”. Due to ground subsidence, the tower tilted. At the moment, the deviation of the spire from the central axis is about two meters. However, her fall was stopped and she is now securely fixed.

However, the tower still looks quite unusual, especially next to other buildings - the Kremlin towers and the Kul Sharif mosque, which is located in close proximity.

Museums of the Kazan Kremlin

There are many museums on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin.

Of the permanent ones, these are:

Museum-Memorial of the Great Patriotic War

A museum that you need to go to and take your children there so that the younger generation learns that it was not Batman or Superman who defeated Nazi Germany in this long and bloody war. The museum is located in the building of the Kazan Hermitage.

The museum quite often changes and updates the exhibition dedicated to the participation of the inhabitants of Tatarstan in the war. But one thing is constant - all exhibitions are dedicated to the Great Patriotic War.

Museum of Natural History of the Republic of Tatarstan

This is a museum dedicated not to the history that is defined by historians and politicians, but to the history of the emergence of the earth and the processes occurring in it during the time of its existence.

Interesting museum big amount interactive exhibits. For example, you can weigh yourself on a scale that will tell you how much you would weigh on other planets based on their gravity data. Look at the inhabitants of the Ice Age and feed the ancient fish. Observe celestial bodies.

In general, those who are interested in science or simply want to know more about the structure of the world in which we live should simply visit this museum.

The museum is quite recent – 2005.

Price:

Adults – 200 rub. (weekdays) and 250 rub. (weekends, holidays)
Students, pensioners – 100 rub. (any day)
Schoolchildren – 80 rub. (any day)

Museum of the History of Statehood of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Tatar People

This museum is divided into two parts. One is a permanent exhibition that describes the stages of life of the Tatar people over a period of as many as two thousand years. This exhibition is located on the second floor. It can be updated and changed, but it is dedicated exclusively to the Tatar people.

The first floor of the museum is simply exhibition halls, the exhibition in which changes regularly (approximately every two to three months), so what is there must be clarified immediately before the trip if you want to visit this museum.

Ticket prices depending on visiting the halls and floors of the museum:

Adults - from 80 rub. up to 200 rub.
Students, pensioners - from 80 rub. up to 150 rub.
Schoolchildren – from 80 rub. up to 120 rub.
Excursion - from 300 rub. up to 600 rub.

Center "Hermitage-Kazan" - Branch of the State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg)

This branch of the Hermitage Museum was opened in the building of a former cadet school in 1997. Since then, large exhibitions of various cultural values, paintings, etc. have been held on an area of 1000 square meters.

In addition, the Kazan Hermitage has computer classes, lecture halls... in general, everything that is customary to be housed in modern large museums. Naturally, it is better to find out about ongoing exhibitions in advance, since the exhibition may change.

Ticket price:

Adults - 200 rub.
Students, pensioners - 100 rubles.
Schoolchildren - 80 rub.

Museum of Islamic Culture

Located in the lowest tier of the Kul-Sharif mosque. The museum was created there because... Initially, the mosque on the site of which Kul-Sharif was built was created as a religious scientific and educational center of the Volga region. Therefore, it was decided to restore it too as a museum.

Price:

Adults - 200 rub.
Students, pensioners, schoolchildren - 80 rub.

Opening hours of the Kazan Kremlin, mosque and Kremlin museums

The entrance to the Kazan Kremlin is through the Spasskaya Tower 24 hours a day and free of charge.

Only museums located on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin have fixed opening hours, and passage through the Tainitskaya Tower is carried out according to the schedule:

The Kul-Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral are open to the public from 9:00 to 19:30. If you book an evening tour (only accompanied by a guide), you can visit until 20:30.

The Natural History Museum of Tatarstan, the Hermitage-Kazan Center, the Manege Exhibition Hall, the Museum of the History of Statehood of Tatarstan, the Cannon Yard Museum and the Museum of the History of the Annunciation Cathedral are open:

Monday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00 (ticket office - until 17:30);

Friday – from 11:00 to 20:00 (ticket office - until 19:30)

The Museum of Islamic Culture is open daily from 9.00 to 19.30 (ticket office until 19.00).

!Advice: if you decide to visit several museums of the Kazan Kremlin, it is more profitable to buy single ticket

for all museums, the cost of such a ticket is 700 rubles.

Address of the Kazan Kremlin

Official address of the Kazan Kremlin: 420111, Kazan, Kremlin, PO Box 522.

How to get to the Kazan Kremlin

If you came to Kazan by train, then from the Kazan-Pasazhirskaya station you can walk to the Kremlin in about 15-20 minutes, as we did. If you are staying far from the center of Kazan, then you can use by bus

: 6, 15, 29, 35, 35a, 37, 47, 74, 74a, 75 to the stops “Central Stadium”, “Palace of Sports”, “TSUM” Metro

: to the Kremlevskaya station. There is only one metro line in Kazan, so the main thing is to just look at the information board hanging above the platform. The only thing that is a little confusing is that the names of the stations are written in three languages at once and at first your eyes run wild.

And in conclusion, some more photographs of the Kazan Kremlin.

Photo of the Kazan Kremlin

View of the Kul-Sharif mosque from the Kremlin walls

Inside the Kazan Kremlin (the building in the center is the Manege exhibition hall)

Monument to Musa Jalil

Inside the Kul Sharif Mosque (taking pictures and filming is allowed with a phone and a camera without a flash)

On weekdays there are very few people in the Kremlin and mosque

On the territory of the Kazan Kremlin you can take pictures in ancient national costumes

Gate to the Presidential Palace (always closed to visitors)

The “leaning” Syuyumbike tower adjoins the Presidential Palace

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Today, architectural monuments of different eras and cultures coexist here. In 2000, the Kazan Kremlin was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The history of Kazan begins with the ancient fortifications of the Bulgar tribes, built on the high bank of the Kazanka River at the turn of the 10th–11th centuries. The Kremlin hill, surrounded on three sides by water, was well suited for the construction of a fortress.

The stone Kremlin was erected in the 12th century to defend the northern borders of Volga Bulgaria. By the middle of the 13th century, the Mongol hordes led by Khan Batu had significantly advanced into Eastern Europe. The dominance of the Golden Horde was established over Russia and Crimea. Pala and Bulgaria. It became a province of the Mongol Empire. After the destruction of the former capital, the city of Bulgar, the new one was moved to Kazan. The local Kremlin became the residence of the rulers. And the city was named New Bulgar. But among local residents the name didn't stick. The former name returned, and the Golden Horde principality began to be called the Kazan ulus.

After the collapse of the Golden Horde in 1438, Genghisid Ulug-Muhammad founded the independent Kazan Khanate. Work began to strengthen the capital, the stone walls of the Kremlin were strengthened so much that, according to Russian chroniclers, they became “impregnable by military forces.” A Khan's palace and several mosques were built on the territory, including the stone Nur-Ali and the wooden Khan's. Subsequently, the Khan's Mosque received the name of Seid Kul-Sharif, who in 1552 led the defense of the Kazan Kremlin from the invasion of the troops of Ivan the Terrible.

Kazan as part of Russia

Not a single khan's building has survived to this day. When the Kazan Kremlin became a Russian fortress in the middle of the 16th century, Orthodox churches were built on the sites of “centres of infidelity,” in other words, on the ruins of Muslim buildings. Even the famous Syuyumbike tower, which until the 19th century was erroneously attributed to the Khan’s time, was erected much later, already in the Russian period, “the proof of this is the architecture, especially the pilaster, unknown to the Tatars, and the place for the image.”

After the conquest of Kazan, Ivan the Terrible sent Pskov architects to the city. They began building the Kremlin. At first, the main part of the structures - towers and temples - was built from wood. It is believed that the small church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, erected around 1558, was the first to be built from stone. The main cathedral of the Annunciation appeared four years later, the Church of Cyprian and Justina - in 1596 on the site of a wooden church.

In the first half of the 19th century, during the reign of Nicholas I, a decision was made to create in the Kazan Kremlin imperial residence, where the governor plays the role of the royal governor. In this regard, a special role is given to the construction of a governor’s palace with premises for imperial apartments on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin. The palace was designed with the participation of the architect Konstantin Ton, who planned to create a smaller copy of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Kazan. Nicholas I personally supervised the progress of construction. The resulting building is a striking example of the so-called Russian-Byzantine style.

Kazan Kremlin today

Over the thousand-year history, the appearance of the Kazan Kremlin has changed several times, but deep underground the masonry of ancient fortresses, mosques and burials has been preserved. Now on its territory there are several museums dedicated not only to the fortress itself, but also to the history of the Tatar people, Islamic culture and the nature of Tatarstan. There is also a museum-memorial of the Great Patriotic War, in memory of the 350 thousand Tatarstan citizens who did not return from the front.

“In order to preserve historical continuity,” in 1995 it was decided to recreate the main shrine of the Kazan Khanate - the Kul-Sharif mosque.

And in 2003, in the park near the Annunciation Cathedral, a symbolic sculpture “The Architects of the Kazan Kremlin” was unveiled - Russian and Tatar architects look at the fruits of their labors. After all, unique architectural ensemble was created by the efforts of both peoples. However, the unique Kremlin complex is not only a place of pilgrimage for tourists, but also an administrative center. On the territory of the Kremlin, in former building Governor's Palace, today located official residence President of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The history of the creation of the Kazan Kremlin dates back to the 11th-12th centuries. Initially, the fortress was built as a defensive structure of Volga Bulgaria to protect against enemy attacks. Placed here shopping arcades, a mosque was built, the main decoration of the square was the Kremlin. But everything was destroyed and burned in 1552 during an attack by the troops of Ivan the Terrible. After the conquest of Kazan, the new ruler ordered the Kremlin building to be rebuilt on Kazan Hill and the appearance of the administrative center to be restored.

In the 18th century, the Kazan Kremlin received the last enemy attack - Emelyan Pugachev in 1773 and defended its positions. The enemy retreated, but archaeologists still find the consequences of the destruction today.

After the creation of the Republic of Tatarstan in 1992, the Kazan Kremlin became the first residence of the president. Active work began to restore the cultural and historical heritage: buildings were restored, museum complexes were opened. In 2000, a unique museum under open air was listed cultural heritage UNESCO.

The main attractions of the Kremlin

One of the striking attractions of the Kazan Kremlin is the Kul Sharif Mosque. Built from snow-white marble, the mosque is decorated with blue domes and minarets. The mosque received its name in honor of the national hero of Tatarstan - Imam Khul Sharif. The imam took a direct part in defending the mosque during the attack by the troops of Ivan the Terrible and was killed. The mosque was burned and rebuilt for the 1000th anniversary of Kazan. Construction took 9 long years and became the main event in the capital's anniversary year. The Kul Sharif complex occupies an area of about 19 thousand sq.m. and consists of a mosque, foundation stone and administrative building. The mosque can accommodate 1,500 people, and the surrounding area can accommodate up to 10,000 people.

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery and the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin were built in the middle of the 16th century, the latter was rebuilt, reconstructed and restored several times. Currently, work is underway to connect these complexes to the Museum of Archeology of Tatarstan.

Another attraction of the Kazan Kremlin is the Siyumbike Tower, which is part of the Presidential Complex. The tower, 58 meters high, has a peculiar tilt to the side 1.8 m from the axis. Thanks to the strengthening work carried out in 1998, it was possible to stop the fall of the tower.

Excursions around the Kazan Kremlin

The Kazan Kremlin is located in the central part of the capital of the republic. You can get here by public transport to the "TSUM" stop, or by metro to the "Kremlevskaya" station.

Entrance to the territory of the Kazan Kremlin is free for all visitors. Here you can order both group and individual excursion. You will be guided through everything significant places and will tell you a lot of interesting information from the history of the fortress.