About the city of Kazan
Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and one of the oldest cities in Russia. Kazan is located on the left bank of the Volga River where the Kazanka River flows into it, about 715 kilometers east of Moscow. This river flows from northeast to west, crossing the city center and conditionally dividing it into two parts. It is very easy to get from one part of Kazan to the other, as the city districts are connected by dams, a bridge and a metro line. The climate of Kazan is moderately continental, severe frosts and scorching heat are rare and not typical for the city.
The population of the city is 1,308,660 people (as of January 01, 2023), it is the fifth most populous city in Russia. Kazan is one of the largest religious, economic, political, scientific, educational, cultural and sports centers of Russia. The Kazan Kremlin is a World Heritage Site. In 2005 the Millennium of Kazan was celebrated. In April 2009, the Russian Patent Office granted Kazan the right to be called the "third capital" of Russia.
Kazan is one of the largest industrial, financial, trade and tourist centers of Russia, the leading city of the Volga region in terms of investment in fixed assets and construction.
Sport City. Kazan is one of the most well-equipped cities in Russia in terms of sports infrastructure. In 2009, in an Internet poll, Russians recognized it as the country's sports capital. Kazan has repeatedly hosted national and global sporting events, including two World Championships in ice hockey (2005, 2011), the Summer Universiade (2013), the World Fencing Championship (2014), and the FIFA World Cup (2018).
Active city. The city has a large number of sites for sports and active recreation. In particular, there are sports complexes where you can play hockey or skate, skating rinks, water parks with swimming pools and attractions. For lovers of outdoor activities there is a rope park and a go-karting center.
What to see. Kazan Planetarium, the only one in Russia, located on the territory of the University (KFU), offers visitors interesting excursions, watching popular science films in special effects mode, astronomical observations, romantic evenings. A visit to the Tropical Butterfly Park plunges you into the atmosphere of carefree warm summer. There is also a hall of terrarium animals and a contact zoo (where you can feed the animals).
The island-town of Sviyazhsk is a fortress town on an island 30 km from Kazan, built in 1551 by Ivan the Terrible's troops in just 4 weeks. The historical and architectural complex of Sviyazhsk includes four monasteries, three churches, two cathedrals, a bell tower, as well as a monument to the victims of political repressions. In addition to regular excursions, the island hosts music festivals, theater performances, and an annual archery and crossbow tournament.
Blue Lakes are a popular recreation place for residents and guests of the city. Water bodies with a depth of 2 to 18 meters are powered by groundwater and do not freeze in winter. Water in them is characterized by absolute transparency, high salt content. At the bottom there is silt salt mud. Bathing in the Blue Lakes is not only pleasant, but also good for your health.
