Overview:

Kazan Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia. It was built in the 16th century by the rulers of the Khanate of Kazan, and contains many historic and cultural monuments. The kremlin covers an area of about 68 hectares, and it includes fine examples of Russian and Tatar medieval architecture. The tallest structure in the kremlin is the famous leaning Syuyumbike Tower, which was built in the late 16th century. Other buildings include the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the complex of Suyumbike mosques, a number of palaces, and many other churches and historical buildings. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

1. Spasskaya Tower. This historic tower is the main entrance to the Kremlin and was built in 1625–1627. It is an iconic symbol of Kazan and one of the most recognizable parts of the Kazan Kremlin. 2. Cathedral of the Annunciation. The Cathedral of the Annunciation is the oldest church in the Kremlin complex, built in 1561–1562. It features beautiful frescos, a richly carved exterior, and a red-brick bell tower. 3. Qolşärif Mosque. The Qolşärif Mosque is the oldest mosque in Russia and is one of the few remaining mosques left in the city. It was constructed in 1556–1562 and offers an interesting combination of Russian and Islamic architectural styles. 4. Suyumbike Tower. This 39-meter tall tower is a symbol of the city. It’s a unique octagonal tower, originally built in the mid-1200s. According to folklore, Suyumbike was the last reigning Tatar queen of Kazan. 5. Paul Cathedral. This neoclassical cathedral was built in the 19th century, as a tribute to Tsar Paul I, who was the Patriarch of Moscow in 1800. 6. Kazan Governor's Residence. Located in the Kazan Kremlin, this building was the official residence of the city's governor during Imperial Russia. Today it’s an important cultural site. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

The Kazan Kremlin is a historical citadel in the city of Kazan, Russia. It was built as early as the 10th century when the city was the capital of the Khanate of Kazan and subsequently the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire. The citadel passes through several historical eras in its 1000 year old history. The first major fortress at the site was built in 1005 AD, and the archaeological record indicates that it was surround by a glacis and wooden walls and towers. In 1445, Ivan the Great captured the area and built the first major walls to fortify the citadel. Subsequenfly, additional walls, fortifications and towers were added to the structure, including an Italiante-style palace built by Ivan the Terrible. In 1552, Tsar Ivan the Terrible proclaimed Kazan the capital of a new Russian state. The Kremlin was upgraded to include such architectural gems as the splendid Sviyazhsk Cathedral of the Intercession and was decorated with wood carvings and tile roofing. In 1552, the city of Kazan was conquered by the forces of Ivan the Terrible. After this, the city experienced some of its most prosperous times, and the Kremlin was an integral part of this golden era. As the spiritual and political capital of Russia, the Kremlin was renovated and upgraded to include new buildings, gates and walls. The most notable additions included the Annunciation Cathedral (1552-1562), the Tsar's Berd (1550-1556) and the Kremlin Tower (1561-1563). During the era of the early Soviet Union, the city of Kazan became part of the republic of Tatarstan and its capital, and the Kremlin was declared a symbol and special monument of history and architecture, while the Kremlin’s historical churches became state museums. In 2005, the Kazan Kremlin celebrated its thousandth anniversary, and a plethora of cultural, sporting and academic events have been held here over the past decade. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important tourist destination. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Kazan Kremlin is the main landmark of Kazan and it was built between 1552 and 1555. 2. The Kremlin complex consists of 19 architectural monuments, 11 of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 3. The Kremlin was built with a combination of Russian and Tatar architecture and has been destroyed several times over its history. 4. Its most famous monuments include the Kul- sharf Tower, the Spasskaya Tower, the Rybakov Gates, and the Tartar Mosque. 5. The Kremlin also houses many historical artifacts including the bronze Kazan Rider Statue and the Söyembikä Tower. 6. The Tartar Mosque and Söyembikä Tower were the first monuments to be declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2000. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era