Temples and mosques in Kazan

Kazan has a lot of temples and mosques worthy of tourists ' attention. It can even be said that the historical appearance of the city today is formed by temples and mosques, since there are very few really old buildings in the city. That is why the inspection and visit of the religious buildings of Kazan should be included in the program of any traveler and tourist. Which temples and mosques should be chosen for inspection in the first place, because their number is so large? We offer you our list of cult objects of Kazan, which you should definitely see:

• Kul Sharif Mosque. This is a new model on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin, but at the same time the main modern symbol of the city, so it is mandatory to visit.
• Annunciation Cathedral. It is located on the territory of the Kremlin, and was built in 1552, immediately after the capture of Kazan by the troops of Ivan the terrible.
• Epiphany bell tower and Cathedral. This temple is impossible to miss, because it is located on the pedestrian street of Bauman and is another symbol of the city. The bell tower can be climbed to the very top, there is an observation deck.
• Al-Marjani mosque. Cathedral Mosque al-Marjani in the heart of the Old Tatar settlement, one of the oldest.
• Apanaevskaya mosque. Located next to al-Marjani, it has an unusual architecture in a mixed style, incorporating elements of Russian "Moscow" baroque and Tatar decorative art.
• Kazan Bogoroditsky monastery. This monastery is the place of finding the Orthodox shrine-the Kazan Icon of the mother of God.
• Peter and Paul Cathedral. This is one of the most beautiful and unusual cathedrals of Kazan, as well as an architectural monument of federal significance.
• Raifa monastery. Located outside the city. It is an attractive excursion tourist place, it is most often visited in the form of a one-day bus tour from Kazan.
• The temple of all religions. In fact, this is not a religious building, but an architectural landmark, a symbol of various religions, cultures and civilizations. Not a mandatory place to visit, but if you are suddenly interested, you can visit it.

And to make it more interesting to visit the religious buildings of Kazan, it is better to do it with the help of excursions. Interesting options for individual and group excursions with reviews can be found on these proven sites:

• 📷 search for excursions in Kazan on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 search for excursions in Kazan on Tripster.ru
• 📷 excursions in Kazan from the tour operator TEZ Tour

Temples and mosques of Kazan on the map

Kul Sharif Mosque

This is the main mosque of Kazan and Tatarstan, and one of the symbols of the city. Her image can be seen on postcards, souvenirs, and, of course, live on the territory of the Kremlin. However, it is visible from many places in the city, especially at night, when it is very beautifully illuminated. Built from 1996 to 2001.

Inside the mosque you can go, examine everything in detail and take pictures. Of course, you should be dressed appropriately, and behave accordingly. At the entrance, capes are offered free of charge, which will hide your bare shoulders and legs, scarves, and shoe covers should also be worn. Inside, the ground floor is equipped with something like a museum with a couple of exhibits telling about the mosque, and in the basement there is a museum of Islam (for a fee). Then you can go up to the upper floors, from where you can see the prayer hall from the balconies. Tourists are not allowed to enter the hall itself. Read more about the Kul-Sharif mosque and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: entrance to the mosque is free; entrance to the Museum-200 rubles; tour of the museum-350.

🚶 How to get there: the Kul-Sharif mosque is located on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin (mosque on the map).

Annunciation Cathedral and Museum

The Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin was built in 1552, immediately after the capture of Kazan by the troops of Ivan the terrible. Initially it was a wooden church, and nine years later the wooden structure was replaced by a stone one.

See the architecture of the cathedral from the outside, and if you want to go inside. Of course, inside you should behave and be dressed appropriately, because this is not only a landmark, but also a functioning temple. There is also a museum of the Annunciation Cathedral (for a fee), which tells about the history of this place. The exposition is small, and will be interesting to a wide range of tourists only with excursion service, which is offered at the entrance to the museum for an additional fee. Learn more about the Annunciation Cathedral and Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: the cathedral is open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily. The museum is open Monday-Thursday, Saturday, Sunday-from 10:00 to 18:00; Friday-from 11:00 to 20:00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: admission to the cathedral is free, donations are welcome. Admission to the museum adults-100 rubles; schoolchildren, students, pensioners-80; preschoolers free of charge. A tour of the museum (with a group of up to 20 people) – 300 rubles, a tour of the museum + a tour of the Cathedral – 500 rubles.

🚶 How to get there: the cathedral is located on the territory of the Kremlin (Cathedral on the map).

Cathedral of the Epiphany (Epiphany bell tower)

The Cathedral of the Epiphany is located directly on the Pedestrian Street Bauman but most tourists are familiar only with the Epiphany bell tower made of red brick, which is one of the most recognizable symbols of Kazan. The cathedral itself is located behind the bell tower, and rarely attracts the attention of tourists, since most believe that the bell tower is the whole cathedral.

Since 2016, access to the bell tower to the observation deck has been opened. This is the only place from where you can see the historical part of the city from a bird's eye view. Entrance to the observation deck is paid, money is collected for the purchase of bells. Learn more about the cathedral and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 18:30.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adult-100 rubles; children under 18 years – 50; children under 12 years free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: the cathedral and bell tower are located on the pedestrian street of Bauman (Cathedral and bell tower on the map).

Al-Marjani mosque

Cathedral Mosque al-Marjani is located in the heart of the Old Tatar settlement on the pedestrian tourist street Nasyri Kayum. This is a very old mosque, its construction began in 1766, and the construction permit was given by Catherine II herself during her visit to Kazan. Al-Marjani became the first mosque in the city, built of stone, after being slightly rebuilt and completed, but in general retained its original appearance. For tourists, it is interesting not only for its exterior but also for the fact that you can go inside and see its decoration. Unlike the newly made Kul-Sharif mosque, this one feels the breath of antiquity and prayer, besides, the age of the building itself is impressive, because it is already more than 250 years old. Learn more about the mosque and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Al-Marjani mosque is located in Staro-tatarskaya Sloboda on the pedestrian street Kayuma Nasyri, 17 (mosque on the map. You can get there in 20 minutes on foot from the tukaya metro station, or take any bus or trolleybus going to the final stop "Rechnoy vokzal" , and tram number 2.

Apanaev mosque

The second Cathedral Mosque of Kazan (Apanaevskaya mosque) is located just a few dozen meters from the cathedral al-Marjani mosques. Both mosques were built with the personal permission of Empress Catherine II, Apanaevskaya was built from 1768 to 1771. Unfortunately, in Soviet times, the mosque was significantly damaged: the minaret and vaults of the halls were destroyed, the building was divided into three floors, a kindergarten was located. Only in 2011, after a major restoration, it returned to its former appearance and purpose. Today it is a functioning religious object and a historical monument of architecture, since the mosque is made in an unusual architectural style that incorporates elements of the Russian "Moscow" baroque and Tatar decorative art. Learn more about the mosque and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Apanaevskaya mosque is located in Staro-tatarskaya Sloboda on the pedestrian street Kayuma Nasyri, 27 (mosque on the map. You can get there in 20 minutes on foot from the tukaya metro station, or take any bus or trolleybus going to the final stop "Rechnoy vokzal" , and tram number 2.

Kazan Bogoroditsky monastery

Kazan Bogoroditsky monastery is one of the most interesting religious sites for tourists, and a very important temple for believers. Its history is inextricably linked with the acquisition of one of the most revered icons and shrines in Russia - the miraculous Kazan Icon of the mother of God.

In the Soviet years, most of the monastery complex was destroyed, the territory was built up with residential buildings, a tobacco factory was built. In 2005, the Great Holy Cross Church was returned and restored, where today one of the most revered lists (a copy) of the icon is kept - the Vatican list. Now the monastery is being revived, but now as a male, not a female.

Anyone can visit the Kazan Bogoroditsky monastery today, including tourists. The temple is not distinguished by special architectural delights, but its strong atmosphere is felt even by people who do not believe. The list of the icon is displayed in the temple and is available to all believers and tourists. When visiting, remember that this is not only a tourist place, but also a functioning temple, so you need to behave and dress appropriately. Learn more about the monastery and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Kazan Bogoroditsky monastery is located at 5 Bolshaya Krasnaya Street (temple on the map), just a few minutes walk from the Kazan Kremlin and Bauman Street. Getting from other parts of the city is most convenient by Metro to the station "The Kremlin".

Peter and Paul Cathedral

This is one of the most beautiful and unusual cathedrals of Kazan, as well as an architectural monument of federal significance. Built in the Russian baroque style, which was very popular in the time of Peter I. Actually, as a gift to Peter I on his fiftieth birthday, this cathedral was built.

Today it is one of the most popular religious and architectural attractions of the city, which is visited by tourists and pilgrims. You can see its architecture from the outside and go inside, but it is especially interesting to visit it with a tour. Specially here excursions are not carried out, but his visit is included in the program of some sightseeing tours. Learn more about the cathedral and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: 21 Musa Jalil Street (Cathedral on the map. You can get there on foot from Bauman Street. The nearest metro station is "Kremlin".

Raifa monastery

Raifa Bogoroditsky monastery (or simply Raifa) is located 30 kilometers from Kazan. It has the status of an object of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation and is the largest of the 9 operating monasteries of the Kazan diocese, and one of the largest in Russia. It is surrounded by a picturesque pine forest, on the shore of Lake Sumy, which are part of the Raifa section of the Volga-Kama Reserve.

The monastery is an attractive sightseeing tourist destination, which is most often visited in the form of a one-day bus tour from Kazan, or in the form of an independent trip by car or bus. It is also an important place of pilgrimage. Tourists here are interested in a unique architectural ensemble, more than four hundred years of history of the monastery itself, and, of course, the atmosphere of this place. Read more about Raif monystyr and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: the monastery is open to the public from 7:00 to 20:45.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free, bus tour from 650 rubles adult, 400 children.

🚶 How to get there: the monastery is located in the village of Raifa, 30 kilometers from Kazan (Raifa monastery on the map. You can get here with a bus tour, by car or commuter buses. Excursions are purchased at travel agencies in the city, and one of the lowest prices is offered at the Spasskaya Tower at the entrance to the Kremlin.

Temple of all religions

According to the author of this architectural landmark, the temple should become a symbol of religions, cultures and civilizations. Its construction began in 1994, but to date has not been completed.

Despite the fact that the name contains the words "temple", in fact, it is not a temple. No rites and services are held here. Read more about the temple and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: from 8:00 to 20:00 in summer, from 09:00 to 18:00 in winter.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: Entrance - 200 rubles, children under 10 years old - free of charge. Excursions inside the temple - 800 rubles (group), excursion inside and outside - 1000 rubles (group).

🚶 How to get there: The temple of all religions is located in the village of Staroe Arakchino on the outskirts of Kazan, Staro-Arakchinskaya STR., 4 (temple on the map. You can get here by train from the railway station of Kazan to the station Staroe Arakchino and then walk 10 minutes. The train leaves according to the schedule (see schedule), on the way 13 minutes, costs 22 rubles.

You can also get here by bus number 2 from the tourist area from Tukaya Square, from Moskovskaya Street and from the railway station. The arrival stop is 300 meters from the temple (10 minutes on foot) on the street 2nd Staro-Arakchinskaya. There is also a bus number 45, but it does not pass through the tourist area. Buses run about once every 20 minutes.

Roman Catholic Church

The Catholic Church of the exaltation of the Holy Cross or simply Vozdvizhenskaya church is the only Catholic Church in Kazan. It was built in the period from 2005 to 2008 to replace the church, originally built in 1858, because even then in the city lived quite a lot of Catholics, mainly Germans and Baltics. The old church was closed during the Soviet period, and its building was transferred to the A. N. Tupolev Technical University. It was equipped with a wind tunnel, and it turned out that it was cheaper to build a church in a new place than to restore a new one, which was done. Remarkably, the new church was illuminated exactly 150 years after the lighting of the old one.

From a tourist point of view, the church is interesting as an architectural object. It can be viewed from the outside and freely get inside, the main thing is not to disturb the believers of the parish with a flash and a click of the camera shutter. The ministers are friendly, and even welcome interest in their church.

Practical Information

🌐 Website: http://kazan.dscs.ru/

🕐 Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00, break from 13:00 to 15:00 (except Sunday)

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free, donations are welcome.

🚶 How to get there: located near the historical center of the city, Ostrovsky STR., 73 (church on the map. You can get by Metro to the station "Gabdulla Tukay Square" and then 10 minutes on foot.

Church Of The Descent Of The Holy Spirit

This is one of the oldest churches in Kazan, was erected in 1731-1735 in the Sukonnaya Sloboda of the city. At that time, it became the largest in Kazan, and could accommodate up to 4 thousand parishioners. During the Soviet period, it was closed and looted, the dome top and stepped bell tower were destroyed. After closing in 1930, the cult object was adapted for a club, then the puppet theater "Ekiyat" was located here. Only in 2012 the building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.

The temple has great architectural and historical significance. It is very beautiful, and you can see it from the outside and from the inside while walking along St. Petersburg street to the Tatar village and the puppet theater "Ekiyat", which are nearby. Especially to get here, just to see the temple, ordinary tourists may not be worth it. Read more about the temple and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the temple is located on Tufan Minnullin Street, 21 (temple on the map. You can get from the area of Bauman Street on foot, or go to the Metro station "Sukonnaya Sloboda".

Old Believer Church of the Icon Of The Mother of God

Two Old Believers ' churches are located near St. Petersburg street in Kazan. One of them is the beautiful red-brick Old Believer Church of the icon of the mother of God, which stands out for its turquoise domes. The church was built in 1912 with elements of the then fashionable "non-Russian" style, and today is a monument of urban planning and architecture of regional significance. Like most churches, during the Soviet period it was closed, and transferred to the use of a car repair shop. But unlike other religious sites, it was almost not destroyed or looted, and has come down to our days almost unchanged. Learn more about the temple and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: Enter the grounds and view the temple from the outside ungodly at any time.

🚶 How to get there: located near the historical center of the city and St. Petersburg at 81 Ostrovsky Street (temple on the map. You can get by Metro to the station "Gabdulla Tukay Square" and then 10 minutes on foot. Very close is also the Catholic Church of Kazan, we recommend to combine the visit.

Zakabannaya mosque

Zakabannaya mosque is distinguished by the fact that it was built in Soviet times in 1924-26 in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam, and Stalin personally gave permission for its construction. Yes, you may be surprised, but Islam on the territory of Russia was adopted even earlier than Christianity, although these territories were not yet Russian, but belonged to Volga Bulgaria. By the way, this is the only mosque built on the territory behind Lake Kaban, which after the capture of Kazan was traditionally inhabited by Orthodox (all the indigenous inhabitants were resettled in the Old Tatar settlement), so it is called "Zakabannaya". Learn more about Zakaban Mosque here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Hadi Taktash STR., 26 (mosque on the map. You can get by Metro to the station "Gabdulla Tukay Square" and then 10 minutes on foot. Very close is also the Catholic Church of Kazan, we recommend to combine the visit.

Nurullah Mosque

Nurulla mosque is located in the Old Tatar settlement, but not in its pedestrian part, but in the middle of residential and business development. Its inspection is included in some hiking trails in Kazan. It was built in 1845-1849 in the center of the Sennoy, which at that time was the center of the Tatar part of Kazan. Actually, then the mosque was called the Seine. In Soviet times, the mosque suffered the fate of being closed, the minaret was dismantled, and the two-story building was used for housing and institutions. In 1992, it was returned to the believers and renamed "Nurulla", then the minaret was restored.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the mosque is located at 74 Moskovskaya Street (mosque on the map), just a five-minute walk from the pedestrian street of Staraya Tatarskaya Sloboda.

Zilantov monastery

Initially Zilantov Holy Dormition monastery it was founded by Ivan the terrible in 1552 after the capture of Kazan on the site where the Royal tent and the Marching Church were located, and where the dead soldiers were buried. After the flood of the Volga and the flooding of the monastery in 1559, It was moved to its current place, on a mountain on which, according to legend, a mythical creature lived – the Winged Serpent Zilant.

In the Soviet years, the monastery experienced very difficult times and was almost completely destroyed. After the collapse of the USSR, the monastery was revived as a women's monastery, the destroyed churches were restored in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Today, the monastery is visited by tourists as a separate attraction on its own or with an excursion, there are no restrictions on access to the territory. When visiting, you should behave appropriately, because this is a functioning religious object. The territory is well-groomed and beautiful, in summer it is buried in greenery and flowers. The temples are also very beautiful, there are very few tourists, because few people get here, so the situation here is very quiet and peaceful. Learn more about the monastery and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: daily from 07:30 to 19:00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the monastery is located away from the tourist area of Kazan in a very inconvenient location, Arkhangelsk Lane, 1 (monastery on the map. It is best to get here by taxi or private transport (there is free parking from the railway station "Admiralteiskaya Sloboda"), but by public transport you will have to walk quite far on foot.

To get there by public transport, you must first get to the stop "River Technical School" by bus №№ 45, 10, 72, 53, 63, 49, 44, 400, trams No. 1 and 5. The most convenient way to get there is by bus No. 10, 63 from Gabdulla Tukay square, or by bus No. 53, 72 and trams No. 1 and No. 5 from the railway station. Further on foot to the monastery one and a half kilometers, and there are almost no sidewalks along the way, you will have to go along the roadway and the roadside. Go first along Admiralteiskaya Street (along the railway tracks), then the pointer to Arkhangelsk Street and then up the hill along Arkhangelsk lane.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

This beautiful cathedral is located near the Kazan Kremlin on Bauman Street, so a rare tourist will miss it. True, most tourists, walking along a pedestrian street, are limited to viewing the cathedral from the outside and photographing it, and very rarely go inside. Meanwhile, the decoration of the temple inside is very beautiful and is not inferior to its external beauty. It is a monument of cult architecture of Kazan.

The exact date of the foundation of the temple is unknown, but the first mention of the wooden church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on this site is found already in 1565, i.e. only 13 years after the capture of Kazan by the troops of Ivan the terrible. At the end of the 17th century, the wooden church was replaced by a stone one. After that, the temple complex was completed many times and expanded until the end of the 19th century, until it took its present form. In the Soviet years, like most other churches, the cathedral was closed, but fortunately the architecture was practically not damaged. Read more about St. Nicholas Cathedral and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in a quiet part of the pedestrian street Bauman, D. 5 (Cathedral on the map. It is most convenient to get by Metro to the station "Kremlin".

Church Of Paraskeva Friday

A small beautiful Church of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday or simply Pyatnitskaya church is located east of the Kremlin at the foot of its walls. This is a fairly old church, built in 1566, almost immediately after the capture of Kazan by Russian troops. It was originally a wooden church, which later burned down in a fire, after which it was replaced by a stone church. It received its present form in 1728, and it is one of the oldest churches preserved in its original form. Despite many fires after the construction in stone, it almost did not change during the restoration.

During the years of Soviet power, the work of the temple was banned, and a prison was located within its walls. Here prisoners were waiting to be sent to the camps, and even death sentences were carried out. The executed were buried here. Restoration and restoration of the Temple took place in 1993. Read more about the Church of Paraskeva Friday and photos here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located near the Kazan Kremlin, Bolshaya Krasnaya STR., 1/2 (church on the map. From the Metro station "Kremlin" five minutes on foot.

🕒 19 April, 2026