For what reason was the Kazan Kremlin erected? White stone Kazan Kremlin - map, routes, excursions, photos and review

30.06.2020

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 site. 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 the unique combination of cultural and historical monuments of the 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 only eight have survived at the moment. 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.

The main and most visited attraction of Kazan is, undoubtedly. Since January 1994, a museum-reserve has been operating on its territory, which is a unique cultural object. And although the Kremlin buildings are examples of the development of the Russian period of Kazan’s history from the mid-16th century, nevertheless, the layout and urban composition of the former Tatar fortress have been preserved in general terms.

On the Kremlin territory, which occupies almost 150 thousand square meters, there are currently existing institutions of statehood of Tatarstan, interesting museum exhibitions, architectural structures of the 16-19 centuries, among which the following stand out: Governor's Palace and the beautiful silhouette of a Muslim mosque Kul Sharif, monolith Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral and a mysterious tower flying up Syuyumbike.

The Kazan Kremlin, combining the styles of Russian and Tatar architecture, is recognized internationally. Committee World Heritage UNESCO declared it a protected site in 2000.

However, before taking an introductory walk around the Kazan Kremlin, it is necessary to recreate the chronology of significant historical milestones formation of the city, which began right here - on a high Kremlin hill.

A Brief History of the Kremlin

The territory of the Kremlin hill, thanks to its advantageous location, began to be populated since ancient times, but as a city, Kazan appeared on this place as a result of the actions of the last Bulgarian princes, who moved closer to the Volga from the city Iske-Kazan and founded a fortress on this high hill at the end of the 14th century. Kazan did not achieve particularly powerful development then - it was too weak politically and militarily.

But in the first half of the 15th century, this Volga city was chosen by the former Golden Horde khan for his residence Ulu-Mahmet (Muhammad). It was under him, as a result of his military-political activity, that Kazan became the main city of a powerful Kazan Khanate- the center where trade, culture and the Islamic religion developed. Under him and his followers, the Kazan Kremlin was built and strengthened, the Khan's palace ensemble, mosques, minarets and other urban structures.

Kazan is the capital of the Kazan Khanate - picture

However, in parallel with the development of the Kazan Khanate, there was a growth and strengthening of the Moscow state and, naturally, friction constantly arose between these two powerful state associations, which were most often resolved by military means. Made it several times Ivan groznyj campaigns against Kazan, but only after the construction of a fortified fortress in Sviyazhsk, after a long siege and the use of gunpowder to undermine the fortifications, the Russian Tsar was able to take possession of the Tatar city. It happened on a memorable day October 2, 1552.

And so with mid 16th centuryka A completely different history of Kazan and the region begins. The conquered Muslim population was either exterminated or evicted from the central part beyond the Bulak River. For many centuries, they tried to completely destroy Islam as the main religion of the region, the Tatar population was subjected to forced baptism, mosques were destroyed. Strongholds of Christianity were erected everywhere - church and monastery buildings. Even on small Kremlin lands, in commemoration of the long-awaited victory, three Orthodox buildings were immediately built: Annunciation Church, Spasskaya Church and Church of Cyprian and Ustinya. Subsequently, four more churches were built, and monastic brotherhoods were created: Spaso-Preobrazhenskoye and Trinity-Sergievskoye.

The territory of the entire conquered region is actively populated Russian settlers. Naturally, the Kazan Kremlin was also populated by them, the population of which included representatives of the military service class, clergy, officials of the highest administration and bureaucratic groups. By the end of the 16th century there were about a hundred courtyards here.

Thus, by the second half of the 16th century, practically nothing remained of Kazan, the center of the once powerful Kazan Khanate. The storming of the Muslim city on October 2, 1552 by Russian troops, the preceding siege and the subsequent pogrom of the city led to the fact that the architectural monuments of the Muslim period of the 14th-16th centuries in Kazan were almost completely destroyed. In addition, before the capture of Kazan by the Russians, the Kremlin was made of wood, which means that during the assault and as a result of subsequent disastrous fires, even the few surviving buildings of Muslim Kazan were irretrievably lost.

After the capture of Kazan, the main task of the Moscow government was strengthening the military-strategic position Kazan fortress in cases of uprisings and keeping the conquered population in obedience. Since the fortress walls were destroyed during the assault, the first thing that was done by order of Ivan the Terrible was the restoration of the wooden fence, and after 3 years, parallel to the construction of stone Orthodox churches, Pskov craftsmen began Withconstruction of white stone walls from Volga limestone. Moreover, the Kremlin territory was expanded towards the Spasskaya Tower 120 meters east of its original territory.

Massive, roughly hewn slabs of this stone can be seen in the example of the lower tier of the Spasskaya Tower. But then only 600 meters of the wall were built from limestone, the rest were restored in wooden form. Only in the 17th century, already made of red brick, were the remaining 1,150 meters of the fortress wall with towers erected, encircling the Kremlin territory along the entire perimeter.

Kazan of the 16th century, like all strategically important ancient cities, consisted of two parts: from the city proper(fortresses, kremlins, etc.) and posada, i.e. a settlement located outside the fortress walls, but in turn also surrounded by walls and fortified. The Kremlin, naturally, was a more ancient and administratively significant settlement than the posad.

Over the centuries, Kremlin buildings have repeatedly burned down and been attacked from outside, which led to the loss of some buildings and the appearance of others. For example, as a result of the storming of the Kremlin Emelyan Pugachev in 1773, the Trinity Monastery was lost and several towers were seriously damaged, which subsequently had to be dismantled.

The construction of new buildings on Kremlin land is already in 18th century was determined by its role as the administrative center of Russia. The ensemble appears Governor's Palace, arrays of military buildings Junker School And Office places, such structures as spiritual consistory And bishop's palace.

October Revolution of 1917 made fundamental changes in the history of the Kazan Kremlin - began period of destruction of religious buildings. This fate affected almost all the Kremlin churches, and the government and all kinds of ministries and departments of the new government are located in the premises of the former consistory, bishop's and governor's palaces. The cadet school housed the created United Tatar-Bashkir military school.

90s of the 20th century marked by a new historical sharp turn - begins era of revival of historical values. Fundamental restoration work begins in the remaining architectural monuments, the largest mosque in Europe, Kul-Sharif, is being built, and interesting museum exhibitions and expositions are opening.

If you examine the Kazan Kremlin in detail and visit museums, it is simply unrealistic to cover its entire scale in one visit. But to get a general impression, especially if you familiarize yourself at least a little with the history of the development of this not very large, but historically rich territory, it is enough 3-4 hours. Use our travel recommendations and historical tips on your introductory tour of the Kremlin.

Introductory walk through the territory of the Kazan Kremlin

So, we suggest starting your acquaintance with the Kazan Kremlin from Spasskaya Tower, the most important and elegant tower of the Kremlin. A small space in front of them is May 1 Square - the oldest forum of the city, the main commercial and public space from the 15th to the 19th centuries, a place of trade and communication between the townspeople, the Kremlin and the visiting population.

Spasskaya Tower

On May 1 Square there is one of the main entrances to the Kremlin territory - Spasskaya Tower, perhaps one of its most interesting objects. As the main entrance tower, it was always adapted to the needs of the era. At first it was a military two-tier tower with a cranked passage, a ditch in front of it and a drawbridge. Then, there is the front tower, with the chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the main facade. In Soviet times, it was also the architectural expression of the era. And although the 1st May Square itself lost its historical significance over time, the Spasskaya Tower of the Kazan Kremlin remained a symbol and “calling card” of the city.

Through the arched entrance under the Spasskaya Tower we exit onto the only half-kilometer Kremlin street - J. Sheikman passage, which received its name in memory of the chairman of the Kazan Soviet who was shot here by the White Guards in 1918.

For a better understanding of the historical and architectural layout of the Kremlin territory, we propose to divide it into five thematic zones:

Each of these groups includes several architectural and historical attractions.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery

To the left of the arch of the Spasskaya Tower are the ruins of one of the first Kazan monasteries founded by Ivan the Terrible himself - Spaso-Preobrazhensky, which existed here until the end of the 20s of the 19th century. A visit to this monastery, its description, as well as Churches of Cyprian and Ustinya, which was located here, are still present in the guide to Kazan in 1927!

Transfiguration Cathedral

The authors of this guide talk about the fact that ordinary Church of Cyprian and Ustinha was built not just at the behest of Ivan the Terrible, but in all likelihood at his own expense. But she's the first wooden church died in a fire at the end of the 16th century and was replaced by a stone one, with exact preservation appearance and the size of the previous one.

Church of Cyprian and Ustinha

Five-headed Transfiguration Cathedral, main cathedral The monastery was built in stone at the beginning of the 17th century and, they say, amazed contemporaries with its architecture and beauty. But the authors of the 1927 guidebook were outraged, first of all, by the “colossal unproductive waste of the country’s material resources for religious needs.” Each generation has its own attitude towards historical monuments. But at one time, this monastery was second in importance in the region, second only to the Assumption in Sviyazhsk.

The territory occupied by the Transfiguration Monastery was small - less than one hectare, and was separated from the only Kremlin street by a stone fence, and in the south and west by Kremlin walls. This geographically small monastery is known for the names of the most prominent clergy of a bygone era. The first Archbishop of Kazan was tonsured here - St. Gury- This is where he was buried. This burial gave rise to the formation of a monastery graveyard, where famous clergy, outstanding representatives of the merchant class, professors and officials subsequently found peace. He was also buried here Barsanuphius- founder of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. For some time he was a member of the monastery brethren Filaret, who later founded the Raifa Monastery.

Closer to the Spasskaya Tower - on the sidewalk the color of the paving stones marks out the place where it stood monastery bell tower. At first it was in wooden form, then it stood on one of the galleries of the Transfiguration Cathedral, already being made of stone. And since the end of the 19th century, tall and beautiful, it, again rebuilt on the Varvarinskaya Church, instead of the dilapidated one, proudly looked from behind the walls of the Kremlin onto Ivanovo Square.

Bell tower of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery

In the very center of the former territory of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, today you can see a partially preserved basement of the Transfiguration Cathedral, built at the end of the 17th century on stone foundations from the 16th century. From these archaeological remains one can judge the scale of the structure and the history of its structure and numerous reconstructions. If the basement dates back to the second half of the 16th century, then its northern and southern galleries are the result of improvements in the 18th century. The galleries served as covered corridors between the cathedral, the abbot's house and St. Nicholas Church.

Basement of the Transfiguration Cathedral

Preserved in front of the altar and "cave"- a small stone recess with a vault that served as a place of calm Kazan miracle workers at the end of the 16th century.

Almost adjacent to the western Kremlin wall, there is a reconstructed Church of St. Nicholas the Ratnoy(Miracle Worker). At first it was a small temple with a large two-story white stone refectory. As a result of numerous reconstructions, an L-shaped structure was created that unites the temple, the refectory and the abbot’s chambers.

And in the northeast of the cathedral, near the monastery fence there is a preserved building of fraternal cells, erected here in the second half of the 17th century, with an addition to it in the 18th century. three-story treasury house.

At the end of the fence, the color on the pavement indicates the location of the Church of Cyprian and Ustinya, where it stood until the end of the 20s of the last century.

Having walked around the entire small territory of the Transfiguration Monastery, we return to Y. Sheikman Street. On both sides in front of us, low stone 2-3 storey buildings stretch towards the horizon. Left- along Sheikman passage - buildings of the former Junker School, erected at the beginning of the 19th century on the site of the second ancient Kremlin monastery, Trinity-Sergius, previously located here. And in parallel to the Junker School - on right– a row of buildings stands as a continuous monolith Office places, ending with the former consistory.

Office Buildings

So, to the right of the Spasskaya Tower along the passage stretches a line of administrative buildings of the complex, which was formed at the end of the 18th century. The complex begins with an L-shaped structure, pressed against the southeastern corner of the fortress walls - this is the former guardhouse Kazan garrison of the mid-19th century - a three-story brick building, ascetic in design, with large rectangular openings and a low roof. Soviet activists captured by the White Guards were kept in this building in the summer of 1918. Among them were Y. Sheikman and M. Vakhitov, M. Mezhlauk and S. Gassar... all of them were shot at the Kremlin wall.

And before the construction of the guardhouse, from the middle of the 16th century, the residence of the “Great Voivode”, the so-called Sovereign's Court. The “Grand Voivode” was the highest representative of the administration in the region conquered by the Russians. He enjoyed the broadest powers, both civil and military, he could execute or pardon, and send punitive detachments against the rebel Tatar villages. The governor also kept the keys to the gates of the Spasskaya Tower. The sovereign's courtyard of the 16th and 17th centuries was a large and spacious wooden structure. There were three prison buildings nearby. All these structures were destroyed as a result of one of the many Kremlin fires.

After the guardhouse building there is an extended junction buildings Office places(18-19 centuries). These two, partly three-story buildings with a basement floor are multi-period buildings. Its oldest part is the building of the former consistory, built at the end of the 18th century according to the design V. Koftyreva, but in terms of its purpose it is adjacent to the architectural ensemble of the Annunciation Church.

Office Buildings

The consistory was adjacent to the premises of the provincial chancellery, which at the beginning of the 19th century became House of the Kazan Governor, for which additional premises were added. The result was a very presentable two-story structure with 15 windows. The lower floor was occupied by office space and the chambers of the governor's family. The second floor had a magnificent throne room with orchestra choirs. It was there that grand balls were held for representatives of the highest Russian and Tatar nobility. One of these balls was given in 1798 in connection with the arrival of Emperor Paul the First in Kazan.

The façade of the building is well preserved from the courtyard side, where you can admire the preserved decor in the form of risalit, rusticated pilasters, niches of window openings, decorated with decorative panels with various images at the top and bottom of the windows. All these decorations gave a certain representativeness to the administrative building, which was also completed with halls for government offices. The main façade of the Public Places is very strict in design. The number of floors is horizontally emphasized by cornices. Almost all the windows are decorated with rectangular frames, except for the elegantly edged windows of the former consistory and the House of the Kazan Governor.

In Soviet times, the ensemble of Public Offices was occupied by various ministries and departments, the Arbitration Court of the Republic of Tatarstan, etc. Now the building is undergoing major renovations, and all institutions have found another home.

Opposite the ensemble of Public Places stretches the Ensemble of buildings that belonged to the former Junker School, which includes the building of the school itself, the combat arena and the Cannon Yard.

Ensemble of the Junker School

Manege

Immediately after the Transfiguration Monastery, before the main building of the Junker School, an architectural and historical landmark stands separately from it - a drill Manege. This spacious building is amazing in its design - it was used for drill training.

The main facade of the building is decorated with rustication, into which pilasters, blades and edging of arched windows are embedded. Currently located here showroom, which hosts various thematic events - exhibitions with guided tours, master classes for children and adults, festive balls, film screenings, conferences and concerts.

Going down into the courtyard of the Manege, we find ourselves on a vast area, laid with decorative bricks, on which stands a wonderful structure modern architecture– the amazing and magnificent blue and white Kul Sharif Mosque.

Kul Sharif Mosque

Erected at the end of the 20th century in memory of the Muslim center of the Kazan Khanate, the mosque became a symbol of Kazan, its “calling card” and a true decoration of the Kremlin.

You need to admire the mosque from the outside, be sure to go inside to admire the architectural completeness of this truly grandiose and monumental creation and, if possible, visit M bonds of Islam. After visiting the mosque, we go to the main building of the Junker School, which has its own architectural and historical destiny.

Junker School

At the very beginning of the 19th century in the Kazan Kremlin, a barracks building is being built for cantonists- this was the name given to young and underage boys of lower army military ranks, as well as Polish, Jewish, Finnish and Gypsy children from poor families, forcibly taken almost from the age of 8 into recruits. Later the cantonist barracks are restored and handed over in 1866 newly established Junker Military School.

Junker School

The two-story barracks premises were built with one more floor during the Soviet period. The design of the three entrances of the main facade, decorated with awnings, has been preserved since pre-revolutionary times. Chebaksin forging, in which the interweaving of various colors into the pattern is clearly visible. Today, in the former barracks premises, inside of which powerful three-flight staircase openings based on brick arches have been preserved, there are wonderful modern museums. Here you can visit National Art Gallery "Khezine", presenting paintings by the most famous Tatar artists (B. Urmanche, Kh. Yakupov, I. Zaripov, N. Feshin, etc.), an exhibition Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Natural History Museum And exhibition hall "Hermitage".

Art Gallery

Choose any museum or thematic exhibition and stroll through the halls and stairs of the Junker School that once operated here.

Cannon Yard

Coming out of museum complex old Junker School, passing a little forward through the entrance gate of the 17th century, we find ourselves in Cannon Yard. It was called the Cannon, Arsenal or Artillery yard, and it was originally attached to the western fortress wall. It was fully formed here by the end of the 17th century, and at first it was a simple U-shaped structure. Before the annexation of Kazan, the Khan’s military training ground was located on this site, the Khan’s troops and a military arsenal were based.

Cannon Yard

The territory of the Cannon Yard was a place for the manufacture, storage and repair of large weapons. The two-story main building, complemented on both sides by identical one-story buildings and decorated with towers in the corners, had a passage gate that has survived to this day, through which we entered. On the territory of the courtyard itself you can see a partially preserved Southern building, containing archaeological remains of industrial premises.

Southern building of the Cannon Yard

In 1812, the Cannon Yard was reconstructed. A new one was then built on the western side Forge building, but then all the buildings of the Cannon Yard were badly damaged by the fire of 1815, after which the repair and production of weapons ceased. Further, the fate of the Cannon Yard was closely intertwined with the opening military school, for which the architect Schmidt carried out a series of restoration works and since 1866 all these restored premises have been occupied Junker School.

Now, on the recreated territory of the Cannon Yard they are working museum exhibitions military weapons from various historical eras, and in the restored Blacksmith Building you can buy various works of folk craftsmen made of leather, metal, wood, etc., as well as drink aromatic tea with Tatar national sweets. If you want to eat more thoroughly, you can go to Cafe "Pushechny Dvor", and then, having rested, move again through the territory of the Kazan Kremlin, discovering its new amazing pages.

Exiting through the same arched passage gate, you will find yourself opposite a small square, where we invite you to go. This is a compact, landscaped green oasis among the stone structures of the Kremlin, in the middle of which there is a symbolic monument to the Architects of the Kazan Kremlin, summarizing in its images the memory of Russian and Tatar builders who worked on Kremlin territory.

Monument to the Architects of the Kazan Kremlin

This public garden is the connecting center of the architectural and historical ensemble of the Annunciation Church, which can include: the former bishop's palace, the miraculously surviving architectural monument of the 16th century - the Annunciation Cathedral and the former consistory. Let's get to know them in order.

Ensemble of the Annunciation Cathedral

Consistory

From the south, the territory of the ensemble of the Annunciation Cathedral is outlined by the former spiritual consistory, which is closely adjacent to one of the towers of the Kazan Kremlin - Consistory. A two-story consistory was built here in the 18th century. Previously, these lands belonged to the bishop's stables.

The formation of the building continued in different periods. The consistory ends the line of the ensemble of Public Places. The window casings of the main facade are decorated in the style of Russian patterned architecture and give the building an elegant look.

Bishop's Palace

From the southeast of the Annunciation Cathedral, the bishop's palace built in 1829 is clearly visible. It was intended for the church head of the entire Kazan district. In the 16th century there was a hut of St. Gury, then, from the 17th century, the bishop's palace-residence was located here. Time and fires destroyed the 17th century building, and a new brick one was rebuilt palace building- two-story, covered with a complex hip roof. Built in the classical style in the eastern facade, it had three risalit projections, in the central one there was house church of St. Guria.

Bishop's Palace

In the mid-20th century, during Soviet times, the third floor was completed, which greatly modified the former bishop's palace. The loss of the attic of the central facade and the disappearance of the hipped top of the central projection on the eastern facade turned the building into an unremarkable three-story building. Today, as a result of restoration work of the palace in 2010-13, it has been restored to its original appearance of the late classicism era.

Restoration work of the bishop's palace

Currently posted here Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. Be sure to walk around the palace; on the back side you will see risalits, the central one of which is the former house church of St. Guria. In addition, having walked around the building, you will find yourself on a wonderful observation deck, from where you can see beautiful views of the Kremlin embankment and the Palace of Agriculture, restored monasteries and churches, and the far-flung vista of the opposite bank of the Kazanka with a Ferris wheel, the Bowl and other building structures.

View from the observation deck

For those who want to look at everything in more detail, a telescope is installed on the site.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral

After getting acquainted with the building of the bishop's palace and examining the consistory, you can take a closer look at the remarkable building of the 16th century - the Annunciation Cathedral.

Former Cathedral , built by Pskov masters, underwent many architectural reconstructions, survived times of wars and revolutions, miraculously was not destroyed, and then completely restored. Today it is a worthy decoration of the Kazan Kremlin, operating Orthodox Cathedral and a historical and architectural monument open to the public.

Clearly visible from the park Chapel of St. Gury, whose relics are now kept in the temple. Having walked around the cathedral on its southern side, boldly climb onto the porch and go into the temple itself, examine its decoration, the recreated wall paintings, the iconostasis, its western and eastern aisles, dedicated one to Boris and Gleb, and the other to Peter and Fevronia.

After leaving the Annunciation Church, linger on its porch and once again admire the beautiful structure of the Cannon Yard, the red brick Syuyumbike tower rising to the north and the beautiful governor's palace, which is located behind the beautiful closed gates.

After a visual inspection of the new objects, we will go down from the porch and go to get acquainted with the latest architectural ensemble, located in the very north of the Kazan Kremlin - the governor's palace, which, with the Syuyumbike tower and the Church of the Presentation, forms a harmonious complex.

Description of the ensemble of the Governor's Palace

Governor's Palace

In the Kazan Khanate, which was destroyed in the mid-16th century, before the annexation of Kazan to the Russian state, these northern lands occupied Khan's court, which included the Khan's palace, mosques, minarets, mausoleums with burials of Kazan khans, and many government and economic buildings. All of these medieval buildings, divided into sectors, were well fortified, surrounded partly by stone walls, partly by wooden ones. The foundations of the mosques and the palace were also built of stone. Archaeological excavations of this complex, called Khan Jami, allowed us to find out a number interesting facts and find the burial places of famous khans of Kazan.

After the storming of 1552, almost all the structures of the Khan’s palace were badly damaged, but the palace itself was not completely destroyed; it existed until 1807, mentioned in Russian chronicles as the “old sovereign’s court.” Next to it at one time there was a house of the chief commandant. Then, by the mid-19th century, a mansion was built instead military governor of Kazan.

The building was designed by a famous Russian architect K.Ton, famous for such famous Moscow buildings as the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The interiors inside the palace were designed by a Kazan architect M.Korinfsky.

Double decker Governor's Palace(height about 30 meters) was built in the style of Russian classicism, with a simple symmetrical layout, using rustication and division of the Corinthian order. But elements of Baroque, Muslim and Old Russian architecture were added to the design of the palace facade, which gave the building an eclectic look.

The center of the building is a risalit (protrusion) decorated with a pediment of three keeled arches. Window and door openings are also designed in the form of arches. The appearance of the governor's palace is solemnly respectable. The solemnity and solidity of the building is added by the beautifully decorated palace square with a fountain and flower beds and openwork gate, through which we can admire the residence of the current president of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Gate of the Governor's Palace

The Governor's Palace existed in its status before the October Revolution, and it was in its halls that Soviet power was proclaimed in the region. And then, during the long Soviet period, the building of the former Governor's Palace was occupied by the Supreme Council and the Council of Ministers of the TASSR.

After admiring the palace and rounding the governor's gate on the left, we come to a mysterious landmark covered in legends - the Syuyumbike Tower.

Tower Syuyumbike

This architectural structure, which has become a symbol and “calling card” of the city, still causes controversy and various opinions about the time, authorship and purpose of the building. But there are more legends about it than about any other Kremlin object! A seven-story “leaning” red brick tower without any special architectural delights, whose name is connected in some strange way with the name the last Tatar queen, invariably attracts close attention all tourists.

Tower Syuyumbike

On the left, near the Syuyumbike tower, you can see preserved archaeological excavations that revealed in this place burial places of some Kazan khans, which were reburied in a specially created Mausoleum. You can see part of the Mausoleum through the observation glass dome. Further, on the right, as we move, the Vvedenskaya Church appears in front of us, compositionally connected with the Governor’s Palace.

Vvedenskaya Church

This church is believed to have been built on the remaining foundations Tatar Muraliev Mosque period of the Kazan Khanate. However, these are also controversial judgments. The time of construction of the temple is usually attributed to the 17th century, although the deep, solid foundation dates back to the 16th century. It may have been built in the 17th century, but as a result of repeated fires it was rebuilt during restoration.

Now the church is a two-tier, previously five-domed, and now single-domed temple (height about 30 meters). What is surprising is the architectural similarity of the stepped construction with the lower tier of the Syuyumbike tower, which is also equipped with a wide walkway. This is another unsolved mystery of the Kazan Kremlin.

During the functioning of the governor's palace, the church played the role of a house for the governor's family and at the same time a parish for servants and palace guards. The church was served by one clergyman who lived directly in the palace. At the beginning of the 18th century, the church, according to its purpose, became military and was now called Church in the name of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Kazan Battalion. Later it was used as the regimental church of the Sviyazhsk garrison.

The church burned down several times and was restored after the fires, sometimes with a very long break. For example, after a terrible fire in 1815, a gunpowder warehouse was located in a burnt, dilapidated church building for a long time. By order Minister of War M.B. Barclay de Tolly, the destroyed part of the church was dismantled, and everything of value was given to the pupils of the military orphan department of the cantonists for the construction of the building. The military functions were transferred to the Church of the Savior.

The temple was put in order only in the middle of the 19th century, and by personal order Nicholas the First, who was in Kazan and saw his deplorable condition. Restored church architect F. Petondi, which largely changed the appearance and layout of the building, but retained the schematic design and style of the previous structure. The galleries of two floors were closed, the main entrance was moved to the western side, the interiors were decorated in the style of classicism with Baroque elements, which can be seen in the magnificent corner capitals, elegant window frames, etc.

The revived temple was consecrated as Temple of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. On the lower floor there is a chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and the icon for this chapel was donated to the temple by descendants poet E. Boratynsky, living in Kazan. The second floor was equipped with a chapel of St. Martyr Alexandra. A covered gallery connected the temple with the governor's palace.

1918 was no exception for the temple - like all other church buildings, it was closed and looted. In Soviet times, it housed a canteen for workers of numerous ministries and departments living on Kremlin territory. Now the temple building has been restored and houses Museum of Tatar Statehood, which we also recommend you visit. But, before you go up the wide porch to the Church of the Presentation, look into the courtyard between the Syuyumbike tower and the temple, where you can look at the preserved archaeological research 1977, who discovered here the remains of a cult complex of the Tatar period: part of a wall, the foundation of a mosque, tombstone slabs.

Having examined the building of the Vvedenskaya Church and the museums located in it, we recommend going down to the northernmost passage tower of the Kazan Kremlin, built by Pskov craftsmen in the 16th century - Tainitskaya, and, exiting through it, go around the fortress walls on the left along the Kremlin hill. During this walk you can admire the panorama of the city and carefully examine unique monuments medieval defensive architecture - walls and towers of the Kremlin.

Walls and towers of the Kazan Kremlin

The Kazan Kremlin was created as defensive structure and, naturally, was surrounded by strong walls with loopholes, watchtowers and battle towers, some of which were travelable. During the time of the Kazan Khanate and earlier, the walls were mostly wooden. After the capture of Kazan, the strategic importance of the walls remained very important and therefore they were restored first. At first as wooden fortifications, but soon they began to rebuild them in stone form from white limestone, and in the 17th century from red brick.

The width of the walls is about 6 m, the height ranges from 8 to 12, and the total length is 1800 m. There were special niches in the walls for storing ammunition, which could be observed when walking around the internal territory. At first there were thirteen tower structures. Among them were round ones, travel ones, and even one pentagonal one. But some of them were destroyed in various centuries and for various reasons - their preserved foundations can be seen today. So, before us

Taynitskaya Tower

Taynitskaya tower as a watchtower travel tower It was equipped with gates, bars and had a cranked passage, passing through which you feel the breath of the Middle Ages emanating from the white Volga limestone. And now we turn left onto a path running along the upper ridge of the Kremlin hill.

Next we will see North-West Tower, or rather, only its foundation. But the next one is round Unnamed brick tower, built in the 17th century, has survived to this day. Behind the wall adjacent to the tower, the tops of the Forge buildings of the Cannon Yard are visible. Further, in front of us again is only the base of the tower - once upon a time there stood a pentagonal tower built in the 16th century by Pskov craftsmen.

A little further - a quadrangular travel tower - Preobrazhenskaya. Its inner side adjoined the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. It was built by Pskov craftsmen in the 16th century, but later it was rebuilt several times. In the distant times of prosperity of the Kazan Khanate, the Kremlin territory ended here, and then the stretching walls go along the territory increased by the Russians.

Having reached the next round tower, called Southwestern and which was built together with the Spasskaya Tower, we will admire the surviving example of a medieval Pskov defensive structure. And finally, we turn to the already well-known Spasskaya Tower, a little further away from which there is a similar round one to the South-Western Southeast Tower.

At this point, the description of the territory of the Kazan Kremlin can be considered complete, but we are sure that you will return here many times to once again feel the connection of times, admire the amazingly organic and beautiful architectural monuments of the Kazan Kremlin, visit interesting exhibitions and museums, and just take a walk around the already familiar and favorite places.

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 able to establish 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 a 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 a new fortress. Most of the buildings were made of oak, and only towards the end of the 17th century were wooden walls replaced with stone ones. Pskov architects built not only the fortifications of the citadel, but also Orthodox churches, temples, and 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.

The modern architectural complex of the Kremlin took shape towards the end of the 19th 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 most Big city sky bell 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 cadets of the military school practiced drill training, 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 the 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 UNESCO World Heritage List. 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 - a large Ferris wheel belonging to the Kazan Riviera entertainment complex, and you can also see famous Center Kazan family 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 within the walls ancient citadel There are exhibitions and museums, and 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 the 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 of 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 decides 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 of 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 "Khazinә", including the Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan, the Art Gallery and the 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, which provides the 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.

The Kazan Kremlin is the main attraction of the city. Not visiting the very “heart” of the capital is a serious omission for any tourist. The vast territory is home to museums, architectural monuments, and most importantly, here you will find a combination of two cultures that have been “living together” for several centuries. In our review we will tell you how to get to the Kazan Kremlin, show some attractions and best routes so you don't miss anything.

How to get to the Kazan Kremlin?

On public transport the route will be as follows: you need to get to the stops “Central Stadium”, or “Palace of Sports”, or “TSUM”. You can also take the metro to the station. Kremlevskaya.

Pervomayskaya Square

After this, you need to go up to Pervomaiskaya Square, one of the oldest squares in Kazan. It was once the city's civic center, where decrees were announced, ceremonies were held, and punishments were carried out publicly. During its time, the square changed its name several times: Spasskaya (after the corresponding 16th-century Kremlin tower), Aleksandrovskaya (there once stood a monument to Alexander II, which was demolished), “Tash Ayak” (translated from Tat. - “stone leg” ) etc. Now this is the starting point of departure for all excursions around the Kazan Kremlin. The entrance to the Kremlin begins from the Spasskaya (central) tower of the complex.

A little more about Spasskaya Tower. Initially, it and the front part of the wall, which is shown in the photo, were built by Pskov craftsmen before other objects. If you come closer, you can see the massive cobblestones from which the walls and tower are made. There used to be a church there. For a long time there was a large ditch in front of it, which was filled in in the 18th century. The entrance was on the side, because it was better to defend against invaders.

We will show and tell you about the main objects of the Kremlin so that you don’t miss the most interesting things.

Walking route around the Kremlin

We offer one of the possible routes to visit the historical complex.

We have created a visual route around the Kremlin on a model especially for you:

Monument to Musa Jalil

In front of the entrance to the Kremlin there is a monument to Musa Jalil. You won't miss it. Musa Jalil- one of the great and highly revered poets of the Tatar people. He is known for the collection of front-line poems “Moabit Notebooks,” which he wrote while in the Moabit concentration camp (Berlin). The collection can be viewed in what is inside the Kazan Kremlin

After passing through the Spasskaya Tower, you will come to Sheikman street, the main street of the Kremlin. It is named after Yakov Sheikman, who led the defense of Kazan from the White Czechs. When the city was captured in August 1918, he did not have time to evacuate, was captured and shot.

The street is paved with cobblestones and is favorite place walks of Kazan residents. Those interested can take a ride around the Kremlin in a carriage. On the same street is the Hermitage-Kazan Center, the only branch of the museum located not in St. Petersburg, but opposite the Public Places Building.

Kul Sharif Mosque

There is an exhibition of sculptures next to the mosque. Tourists do not miss the opportunity to take pictures on horseback or just next to them.

Entrance to the mosque is free. 5 rubles for shoe covers. Women should use scarves, which are available at the entrance and are distributed free of charge.

At the top of the tower is a UNESCO icon

Presidential palace

Walking around the Syuyumbike Tower and the Palace Church, you will see the former Governor's Palace, and now the Presidential Palace. It will not be possible to assess the internal situation, since the palace is the residence of the President of Tatarstan.

From here you can walk to another observation point from where you can see gorgeous views- this is or the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tatarstan.

There you can continue your journey around the city. The attraction is quite controversial, but to appreciate it, it’s worth seeing with your own eyes. can also become a continuation of your walk.

Finally, let’s leave a list of all museums operating on the territory of the Kremlin:

Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan. Located in a building on the main street of the Kremlin - the Junker School
Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45. (Junker School)
National Art Gallery (Junker School)
Center "Hermitage-Kazan" (Junker School)
Museum of Islamic Culture. Located on the ground floor of the Kul Sharif mosque
Museum of the History of the Annunciation Cathedral (in the cathedral building)
Museum of the Cannon Yard (Located in the southern projection of the eastern (Main) building of the Cannon Yard)
Museum of the History of Statehood of Tatarstan (Palace Church)
Kremlin Exhibition Hall "Manege" (building located next to the Junker School)

So what if sightseeing tour If it's not enough for you, take a look at these museums as well. Fans will definitely enjoy this. As for our review, we note that all the sights are worth seeing with your own eyes, come to Kazan and be sure to check out the Kremlin.