The great Bulgarian in Tatarstan

The great Bulgarian-what is it?

The Great Bolgar (Bulgar) - ruins of an ancient city on the banks of the Volga River near the modern city of Bolgar and 180 kilometers from Kazan (Bulgarians on the map). This is one of the main sights of the Republic of Tatarstan, in 2014 included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is pronounced equally correctly "Bulgars" (emphasis on the first syllable) and "Bulgars" (emphasis on the last syllable), as well as "Great Bulgars".

This is a very interesting and large-scale attraction, which is definitely worth a visit during a trip to Kazan and Tatarstan. Usually Bulgars are visited in the form of excursions from Kazan, but this place is worthy of an independent visit from the neighboring regions of Tatarstan, for example, from Samara, Nizhny Novgorod and even from Moscow. A full and detailed inspection of all its attractions and museums with excursion accompaniment can take two days, while ordinary tourists have half a day to see the most interesting places here.

A bit of history

The settlement of Bulgarians-one of the largest cities of the state of Volga Bulgaria appeared on this site in the IX-X centuries AD, although archaeological excavations testify to the existence of much earlier settlements of the Neolithic, Bronze and early Iron periods. The city was strategically located very well, at the confluence of the Kama and Volga, and allowed not only to control significant territories, but also became a major trading center between Russia and the East.

In 1236, the Bulgars were captured and burned by the Mongol troops, in 1361 by the Golden Horde, and in 1395 by the troops of Tamerlane. Each time after the destruction, the city was restored, but in 1431, after the campaign of the governor of the Grand Duke Vasily II, the Bulgars were destroyed without any hope of restoration.

How to visit Bulgarians, inspection tips

On the territory of the ancient city, the Bulgarian state historical and architectural museum-reserve was created, a kind of open-air museum, which includes many historical monuments, architecture, museums, etc. (see below for a description of the sights of the Bulgarians). Access to the territory of the Museum-Reserve is free, entrance to individual attractions and museums is paid (see information below). In addition to the attractions on the territory, beyond its borders there are also several must-visit places: small town, White Mosque, bread Museum. All attractions are marked on our interactive map:

The dimensions of the Museum-Reserve are impressive: approximately 2300 meters by 2000 meters (the perimeter is marked on the map), and therefore it is recommended to visit it by car, bicycle, or use electric car rental. You can rent a bicycle at the Information Center for 100 rubles / hour, electric cars take visitors to the center of the settlement from the main entrance for 50 rubles/person. But this is not necessary, and if you wish, you can see the main sights on foot, because the most interesting and restored monuments are located compactly along the Volga Coast. You can also drive to the territory by private transport, but there are certain subtleties, which you can read about below. Convenient automobile, pedestrian and bicycle paths are laid for movement around the museum-reserve, there are parking lots. There is also a huge free parking next to the Information Center near the main entrance "West Gate", and near the White Mosque and the entrance "South Gate".

For the convenience of visitors, each attraction has an information plate with a brief historical reference in three languages (Russian, Tatar, English), as well as information boards with maps indicating your location. Everything is quite convenient and well organized.

You can explore the museum-reserve yourself; as part of a group excursion from Kazan (from 1600 USD); group excursions from the cities of the Volga on a cruise ship; and you can also come here on your own and join a group excursion, which is offered in the Information Center near the main entrance "Western Gate" (Bulgarian Information Center on the map). The Information Center offers several options for official excursions costing from 250 rubles (does not include entrance tickets to museums), you can view and book them on the official website of the reserve - vbolgar.ru, or by Phone: 8(84347)3-16-32, +7 906 320 32 62, +7 393 741 72 91. book excursions, especially in the summer, should be in advance, at least the day before arrival.

• How to visit Bulgarians by private transport

  Theoretically, according to the rules of the Reserve, entry to the territory by personal transport is prohibited. In practice, you can call. The entrance through the main entrance is limited by an automatic barrier, through which you can follow the serving transport or the car of local residents, and after 16 hours the barrier is generally raised for unhindered travel. Arrival on the territory after 16 hours in the summer allows you to quickly explore almost all the main monuments, and visit one of the museums.

• When is it better to visit Bulgarians

  The best time to visit Bulgarians is in the summer. At this time, the sights are not only more beautiful and the visit is more comfortable, and you can also look at the work of archaeologists.

• What is forbidden in Bulgarians

  It is forbidden to destroy monuments, smoke, drink alcohol, is in a drunken state. It is forbidden to visit the museum-reserve with animals.

• Where to eat and what to buy in Bulgaria

  There are shopping malls with souvenirs opposite the memorial sign, a shopping complex (cafe, souvenirs) next to the doctor's House. There are several toilets on site.

Working hours of Bulgarians

The museum-reserve works:

• Summer (May to September): 8:00-18:00
• Winter (October to April): 8:00-17:00

Works byz weekend. After 18:00 you can continue sightseeing, but the entrance to the museums is closed.

Entrance fee to Bolgar

The entrance to the territory of the Museum-Reserve is free, the entrance to the museums is paid additionally. Bus tour from Kazan from 1600 rubles. Excursion support on the spot from 250 rubles per person in the group.

Entrance to museums, rubles (adult / schoolchildren and students):

• Museum of Bulgarian civilization-200/100
• Koran Museum-150/70
• Museum "House of the doctor" - 50/30
• Museum of the history of the Assumption Church-50/30
• Gabdrahman's Well-50/30
• Single ticket for All Museums-400/200

Preschoolers free. Tickets are purchased at the entrance to the museums or at the Information Center.

How to get to Bolgar

Veliky Bolgar is located 180 kilometers south of Kazan (Bolgar on the map). You can get here by private car, bus, motor ship, as part of a group excursion from Kazan, on a cruise ship along the Volga. Here is more about each of the methods:

• By private car

  A good asphalt road from Kazan leads to the museum-reserve, there are signs everywhere. If you follow them, they will lead you directly to a large free parking lot next to the Information Center and the main entrance.

• By bus

  From the southern bus station of Kazan 2-3 times a day there is a bus to the Bulgarians, 3 and a half hours on the way, the cost is from 310 rubles. Schedule here - Yandex. Schedules and bus.tutu.ru. Just keep in mind that it is not very convenient to visit the museum-reserve for one day by bus, since the first bus arrives in Bulgarians only at 12:30, so you will not have time to see almost anything. From the bus station Bolgar to the entrance to the reserve 20 minutes on foot.

• On a motor ship (Meteor)

  From May to September, a high - speed motor ship runs from Kazan along the Volga, the journey is 2 hours and 25 minutes, the cost is 355 rubles. The first flight departs from Kazan from the River Port at 08:00, arrives in Bulgari at 10:25; the last meteor departs back to Kazan at 15:30. In Bulgari, the marina is very conveniently located right in front of the Museum of Bulgarian civilization, and all major attractions are within walking distance. You can check the meteor schedule on the Yandex. schedules service.

  Attention! Tickets for motor ships should be purchased in advance, preferably a few days before the trip, and only at the ticket offices of the river port. There is no online sale and resale.

• On a cruise ship

  Some cruise tours on motor ships from Kazan, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, etc.include a visit to the Bulgarians in their excursion program. Tours for cruises are purchased through travel agencies, or you can pick up and book cruises to Bulgaria online on these reliable sites:

  • 🚢 search for cruises in Bulgaria on the website of the tour operator Dolphin
  • 🚢 search for cruises in Bulgarians at Cruise House

• By taxi

  A taxi ride is not cheap, but in some cases it is the only reasonable way to get here. For example, if you arrive at the airport, you will either have to go with transfers in the center of Kazan, or directly only by taxi.

  As a more convenient alternative to a regular taxi, you can use a tourist transfer. You can book it at kiwitaxi or intui.travel.

Sights of Bulgarians, what to see on the territory of the museum-reserve

All Bulgarian attractions are open to the public from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week. After 18:00 you can inspect the monuments outside. In paid attractions, entrance tickets are purchased at the entrance to the museums, or at the Information Center near the main entrance to the Reserve. Below is a brief description of the sights of Bulgarians, indicating the cost and position on the map. You can get more detailed information about each place from the guides during the excursion, or on the information plates during the self-inspection.

In addition to the attractions on the territory, on the south side of the museum-reserve there are several more places worth visiting: the bread Museum, the magnificent White Mosque, and the small town, which are also worth visiting, but for a fee.

• Museum of Bulgarian civilization

  

  The museum is dedicated to the history of the vanished Bulgarian civilization, the city of Bulgarians, as well as the history of its research. Most of the exposition is represented by artifacts found during archaeological excavations on the territory of the Reserve, as well as models of the buildings of the city, recreated in their original form, more than 1600 exhibits in total. If possible, the museum is worth visiting first of all, in order to have an idea of the city and the state as a whole. But objectively it is worth saying that the museum looks empty, there are not very many exhibits.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adult – 200 rubles; schoolchildren and students-100; preschoolers-free of charge.

  🚶 How to get there: Museum of Bulgarian civilization on the map

• Memorial sign and Koran Museum

  

  One of the beautiful architectural structures that greets tourists in the Bulgars is the building of a memorial sign erected in honor of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgars. This is a new model, built in 2012, but interesting because it houses a museum dedicated to Islam, which displays the largest printed Koran in the world. The weight of the holy book is 800 kilograms, the dimensions are two by one and a half meters. There is also a unique mosaic panel depicting the arrival of Baghdad ambassadors on the Volga. It can not be said that the museum will be interesting to every tourist, but you can not pass the memorial sign, since it is located almost at the very beginning of the inspection next to the parking lot for electric cars.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adult-150 rubles; schoolchildren and students – 70; preschoolers-free of charge.

  🚶 How to get there: memorial sign and Museum of the Koran on the map

• Cathedral Mosque and grand minaret

  

  

  

  The Cathedral Mosque is an architectural monument of the XIII century, the main mosque of the ancient city of Bulgarians. It was called "Quadrangle". There is also a large minaret, along with which the mosque is an important place of worship for Muslim believers. In the days of celebration of the adoption of Islam, believers-pilgrims read namaz in the mosque.

  For tourists, the Cathedral Mosque is a very interesting architectural object, but it is not the original, the mosque was restored in 2000. Inside the territory of the mosque, formed by the ruins, you can go in, take pictures of everything there. In front of the mosque, on the side of the memorial sign, there is also a small plot with an imitation of the residential development of the city.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Cathedral Mosque and grand minaret on the map

• Assumption Church and Museum

  

  The Assumption Church is almost directly adjacent to the Cathedral Mosque. It was built in 1732-1734 in the traditional church Russian style with the axial placement of the bell tower, with Baroque elements. It was erected in honor of the visit of the Bulgarian settlement by Peter I. It was then that Tsar Peter ordered to protect historical monuments, and since then the settlement has become a landmark. Interestingly, for the construction of the foundation were used tombstones from the Bulgarian burial.

  In Soviet times, the church was closed to parishioners, and was used for economic needs. It was transferred to the museum-reserve in 1969, from the moment of its foundation. The temple was restored, but did not return to the bosom of the church, remaining an architectural landmark with a museum inside.

  You can see the church from the outside for free, and the entrance to the museum is paid. The exposition of the museum tells about the history of the church and the region in the period after the construction of the church. It can not be said that it is very interesting and obligatory to visit, but the collection of samovars in the exposition and excursion support can be interesting.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adult – 50 rubles; schoolchildren and students-30; preschoolers-free of charge.

  🚶 How to get there: Assumption Church on the map

• Northern mausoleum

  

  This mausoleum-tomb was built in the first half of the XIV century for the burial of noble people. In the XVIII century, it was called the "monastery cellar", because the monks of the assumption monastery used it to store food, as a cool cellar, despite the fact that the mausoleum did have tombstones and burials.

  Today, the mausoleum appears to tourists in a restored form, but the foundation and part of the walls have been preserved. Inside, tombstones found throughout the ancient city are displayed along the walls, and in the center there is an interactive information terminal where you can read detailed historical information, and all for free.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Northern mausoleum on the map

• Eastern mausoleum

  

  

  

  The eastern mausoleum was erected in the XIV century as a tomb for the nobles of the city. Unlike the restored Northern mausoleum of domed round shape, this one has a square base and an octagonal tower. Despite the fact that the mausoleum has repeatedly undergone repairs and restorations, among all the ruins of the Bulgars it is the most preserved landmark in its original form and from original materials. The most significant transformation of the building experienced at the beginning of the XVIII century, when it was converted into a church.

  Inside the mausoleum there is an exposition in the form of archaeological excavations equipped with interactive information terminals telling about each stage and object of the exhibition.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Eastern mausoleum on the map

• Ruins of the Khan's Palace

  

  

  

  The Khan's Palace was built in the middle of the XIII century, immediately after the conquest of Bulgaria by the Mongols. Its ruins were discovered only in 2007, and excavations are still underway. Tourists will see the ruins adapted for inspection under a large green plastic roof, so far, unfortunately, do not give an idea of the shape and architecture of the palace. Nevertheless, to go for a few minutes under the canopy and look at the ruins, and if you are lucky, and at the archaeological excavations in action, is worth it, especially since the Khan's Palace is just a few minutes walk from the Cathedral Mosque.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: the Barrow is around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Ruins of the Khan's Palace on the map

• Museum "House of the doctor"

  

  This museum is dedicated to the medieval medicine of Volga Bulgaria. Archaeological excavations and written sources say that Bulgaria was a developed state, including with good medicine, in connection with which it was decided to create this museum. The exposition presents the tools of medieval doctors found during excavations, Alchemists ' devices, books about medicine. It can not be said that the museum will appeal to every tourist, but for people who are fond of it it will be very interesting.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adult – 50 rubles; schoolchildren and students-30; preschoolers-free of charge.

  🚶 How to get there: Museum on the map

• Small minaret and Khan's Tomb

  

  

  

  These objects are somewhat away from other attractions of the Bulgars, but even with this in mind, they are worth seeing. The tomb dates from the beginning of the XIV century, and the small minaret was built a little later, in the second half of the XIV century, in the image of the Great minaret of the Cathedral Mosque. The minaret is a unique monument, and one of the few in the Bulgarians, preserved in its original form. And what is really interesting, sometimes you can get inside it and climb the spiral staircase to the very top. You can also go inside the Khan's tomb, where there are several ancient tombstones.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Small minaret and Khan's tomb on the map

• The Black Chamber

  

  

  

  This is one of the best preserved in the original architectural monuments of the Great Bulgarians, dating presumably from the XIV century. Inside, even decorative elements from the time of construction have been preserved. The purpose of this building is also supposedly known, and according to different opinions, in different periods there was a madrasa, a khanaka (shelter of dervishes), and a Khan's court. The name of this place is attributed to a legend according to which Khan Abdullah and his family took refuge here during the conquest of the Bulgars by Tamerlane. Tamerlane ordered the building to be surrounded with wood and set on fire, but the Khan's daughter saved her two brothers at the cost of her life and cunning. An enraged Tamerlane ordered the building to be burned, after which it turned black. According to another version, in the XIX century there was a smokehouse inside, as a result of which the building turned black. In fact, today the building does not look black at all. Inside the Black Chamber you can go.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Black Chamber on the map

• The White Chamber

  

  This is the ruins of a public urban bath of the XIV century. It was made according to the latest technology of the time: it had a heating system, water supply and sewerage. For the Bulgarians, it was not just a place to wash, but also to socialize, especially for women who, in everyday life, traditionally could not communicate with each other. The bathhouse stood for many centuries until it collapsed in the 1860s, and today only ruins remain of it, in which nothing special can be seen without the guide's story.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: White House on the map

• Eastern chamber

  

  This is one of the earliest buildings of the Bulgarians, dating back to the XIII century. Also known as the Khan's bath, although in fact it was a public bath, located in the heart of the ancient city, very close to the Khan's Palace. Unfortunately, it suffered not only from time, but also from human actions: at the end of the XIX century, the remains of masonry were dismantled for Stone preparations, only the foundation was preserved. Without excursion accompaniment, the visit will not be very interesting.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Eastern chamber on the map

• Gabrahman's Well

  Gabdrahman's Well

  Also known as the captain's well. According to legend, it appeared in the 10th century after the Islamic Tabib healed the Khan's daughter Tuibike with holy water. In gratitude for the rescue, they demanded that the Bulgars convert to Islam. According to another legend, Sahab Gabdrahman, the messenger of the Prophet Muhammad, stuck his staff in the ground at this place in the VII century. Also, the source is named after captain Rychkov, who discovered it in the XVIII century.

  The well is quite far from the main attractions of the Bulgars, but definitely worth a visit. It is believed that the water from the spring has healing properties, it can be collected with you. Nearby there are viewing platforms, walking paths, places for recreation are equipped around.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adult – 50 rubles; schoolchildren and students-30; preschoolers-free of charge.

  🚶 How to get there: Gabrahman's Well

• Small town

  According to various versions, the small town is considered the fort of the main gate of the ancient city, the country residence of the Khan, or a resting place for trade caravans and a kind of Customs point. Whatever the purpose of the small town, it was never completed: its construction was carried out in the middle of the XIV century, but was not completed due to the capture of the city by Tamerlane.

  The small town is located outside the territory of the museum-reserve, and is rarely visited by tourists. Indeed, the ruins here are not distinguished by anything remarkable and after visiting the main attractions of the Bulgarians are not very interesting. Therefore, if you have limited time, you can skip it.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: located outside the territory of the museum-reserve on the south side next to the South Gate (small town on the map)

• White Mosque

  

  The White Mosque was built in 2012, and historically has nothing to do with the ancient city. Nevertheless, it immediately became a popular attraction, which received the popular nickname "Kazan Taj Mahal". Indeed, from a certain angle, the Cathedral Mosque of the Bulgarians resembles the famous Indian Taj Mahal, so you should definitely see it. You can inspect it not only from the outside, but also go inside, however, objectively it is worth saying that inside the White Mosque does not look as impressive as outside: the interior decoration practically does not distinguish it from many other mosques.

  In front of the mosque there is a spacious parking area and shopping malls with souvenirs.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the mosque is located outside the territory of the museum-reserve on the south side next to the South Gate (White Mosque on the map)

• Museum of bread

  

  In the museum you can see the process of making bread, from cultivation to baking. The museum is historical, and most of it is devoted to the cultivation of bread by manual labor. On a fairly large territory for this purpose, several buildings have been erected-pavilions that tell about each stage. There is a blacksmith shop, a barn, a water and windmill, a Miller's estate, etc. In the main building is the main exhibition, consisting of three sections: on the role of bread; field work; making bread. Also in the main building is a restaurant, Tea House and Pancake House. At the entrance to the museum, a kiosk sells fresh bread.

  In general, the museum is quite interesting and informative, and worth a visit. It is also very popular with children. But be sure to visit it with a guide or use the audio guide service. You can visit the museum with a visit to the main exposition, or just walk around the territory.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday is a day off.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: visiting the bread Museum and walking around the territory-200 rubles adult; 100 rubles schoolchildren, students, pensioners; preschoolers free of charge. Walk through the museum-50 rubles.

  🚶 How to get there: the bread museum is located outside the territory of the museum-reserve on the south side next to the South Gate (bread Museum on the map)