Kazan kremlin

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The so called Russian period of the Kremlin began in 1552 when it was taken by the army of Ivan IV. About 200 talented craftsmen from Pskov were invited here. They replaced the demolished mosques with white stoned churches and rebuilt the fortress’ walls and towers.

Afterwards Kremlin used to be the center of Kazan province and later government of TASSR (Tatar Autonomic Soviet Socialist Republic). Now Kazan Kremlin is political, administrative and cultural center of the Republic of Tatarstan, its history reflection. Oriental and western traditions have been magically intermixed here. This unique feature was created in the course of centuries. Kremlin is the place where the Past meets with the present life. Fairy mosque of Kul Sharif stands near Annunciation Cathedral. Governor palace reminds us of the wealth of the former Kazan rulers. Magnificent Suyumbike tower proves the legends of the beauty of Kazan women. To the right and to the left off the Spasskaya tower we see white stoned walls stretched out. No doubt, when slowly walking along the Kremlin’s wall, you will enjoy a nice panorama of the city which opens from the Kremlin hill. One can see spacious area of Volga river. First inhabitants came to populate this area attracted by the great river being rich in fish and local fertile lands which were ample in wild animals. The river is mentioned in many local legends, the same as formerly navigable waterway Bulak. One of the biggest fairs in Volga region was held at the foot of the Kremlin hill. It was known as «Tash ayak» (Stone Foot). A big donation bowl placed on the stone leg stood in the centre of the fairground. In spring and summer seasons craftsmen replaced its wooden walls with the stone ones in XII century. After the half of centennial period it was conquered by the army of Golden Horde and afterwards Kremlin became a capital of Kazan Khanate. Tatar capital of that time was believed to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Volga region. The town spread around the high cape of Kazanka river. Far from the river one could see fanciful silhouette of the eight towered mosque, Khan palace with its towers,, galleries and halls, stone mausoleums and caravanserais.