Kazan

Kazan is a city located in the southwestern area of Russia, on the banks of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, situated within the official borders of Russia, but is not actually Russian. The capital city of the Tartarstan Republic is almost 150 years older than Moscow and operates autonomously, largely due to its population of ethnic Tartars living within its boundaries. Kazan is renowned for its vibrant mix of Oriental and Russian cultures. Attracting over 1 million tourists a year, this city has earned its name as the "Third Capital" of Russia.

On a trip to Kazan you can find bilingual street signs along with a variety of religous buildings including mosques, Orthodox, Catholic churches and cathedrals, a synagogue, green spaces and the Kazan Planetarium. Be sure to visit the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage, Kazan Kremlin, a fortified citadel containing museums and sacred sites. The Kremlin’s landmarks include the tiered Tower of Soyembika, the blue-and-gold domed Annunciation Cathedral and the grand, colorful Kul Sharif Mosque.