Sviyazhsk Island-Town → Yelabuga → Kazan

Tatarstan—Land of 1,001 Pleasures

Natural beauty, ancient temples, and majestic mosques.

Distance

285 km

Duration

3 days / 2 nights

Season

Year-round

Day 1. Sviyazhsk—Temple of All Religions

The 500-year-old fortress town, built in just 4 weeks, is a perfect time capsule.

The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (Uspensky Cathedral)

The largest church in Sviyazhsk and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside the cathedral, 17th-century fresco paintings have been preserved. Here you'll also find Russia's only surviving 16th-century fresco depicting Saint Christopher as a warrior with a horse's head.

Opening hours: 9AM–5PM

Address: Sviyazhsk village, Republic of Tatarstan, Uspenskaya St., 1

Website: https://www.sviyazhsk-monastery.ru/

Lazy Market Historical Complex

For a true medieval atmosphere, this is the place to be. Here you can witness historical battle reenactments, try your hand at being a warrior or craftsman, handle ancient weapons, shoot bows and crossbows, throw axes and sulitsa, and participate in various interactive programs. And right here by the fire, they cook bliny, buns, and meat, and serve the famous Sviyazhsk medovukha. Opening hours: 9AM–6:30PM

Address: Sviyazhsk village, Republic of Tatarstan, Uspenskaya St., 2

Museum of Archaeological Wood "Tatar Sloboda"

One of the most unique museums in the "Island-Town of Sviyazhsk" reserve. Worldwide, there are only two archaeological museums dedicated to wooden architecture, the Sviyazhsk museum became Russia's first and only museum of this kind. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM; Sat–Sun 9AM–6PM

Address: Sviyazhsk village, Republic of Tatarstan, Sviyaga River Embankment, 42

"The Equestrian Yard" at Sviyazhsk Island-Fortress

A modern ethno-cultural complex featuring traditional craft workshops. The blacksmith forge, pottery studio, and leather-tooling workshop - plus enjoy our stables and horseback riding facilities.

Temple of All Religions (Universal Temple)

A one-of-a-kind interfaith sanctuary located just kilometers from Kazan. This is a cascade of buildings harmoniously combining elements of the most diverse cultures. Here, an Orthodox church, a Catholic church, a Muslim mosque, a Jewish synagogue, and a Buddhist temple peacefully coexist. Essentially, it is both an International Cultural Center of Spiritual Unity, a museum, and a unique architectural masterpiece. It is said that this place has unique energy that one should definitely experience. Opening hours: May 1 – September 30, 8AM – 8PM. Other months: 9AM – 6PM

Address: Kazan, Staro-Arakchinskaya St., 4

Day 2. Kazan

We suggest spending this day in the capital of Tatarstan

Kazan Kremlin

The Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's history began here over a thousand years ago. The Kremlin grounds house one of Kazan’s most beautiful mosques—Kul Sharif Mosque, the city’s oldest stone building—the 16th-century Annunciation Cathedral, and the architectural symbol of Kazan—Suyumbike Tower. The Transfiguration Tower features an observation deck, while the "Khazine" courtyard hosts a fair where local artisans display their crafts.

Address: Kazan, Sheynkman Passage

Website: https://kazan-kremlin.ru/en/

Baumana Pedestrian Street

The city’s main pedestrian street stretches for 1,885 meters. Along the way, you’ll find: St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Kazan Cat statue, Catherine II’s carriage, the Tatarstan Stars Alley, the Frog Fountain, the Epiphany Cathedral Bell Tower (with an accessible observation deck), and numerous souvenir shops, cafes, and boutiques. End your walk under the city clock—a popular meeting spot for couples and Kazan’s youth.

Address: Kazan, Baumana Street

Old Tatar Settlement

The soul of Kazan’s historic district. The Old Tatar Settlement spans 87.95 hectares and features 75 historic and cultural landmarks from the 18th to early 20th centuries, including the Yunusov-Apanayev House, Shamil’s House, Marjani Mosque, Kayum Nasyri’s House, Mullin’s House, and Shamil Yusupov’s House. It’s the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere of Tatarstan’s capital.

Address: Kazan, Yunusovskaya Square

Kremlin Embankment

A favorite leisure spot for locals and one of the city’s most scenic walking areas. The well-maintained waterfront stretches from the Kazan Kremlin walls to the National Library of Tatarstan and the "URAM" Extreme Park. The embankment is divided into two zones—pedestrian and a space for biking, rollerblading, and longboarding. In summer, you can rent equipment right on the embankment. In winter, the bike lane transforms into Europe’s longest ice rink, and the embankment becomes a fairy-tale village with Father Frost and his magical elves.

Address: Kazan, Fedoseevskaya St., 1

Day 3. Yelabuga

On the third day, you’ll head to Yelabuga. A city that has remarkably preserved its unique character. Its historic center has remained virtually unchanged since the mid-19th century.

I.I. Shishkin House-Museum

The museum is housed in a 19th-century merchant’s mansion. Yelabuga is the birthplace of the famous Russian artist Ivan Shishkin. He began painting here and returned in adulthood to draw inspiration from the Kama River landscapes. The two-story exhibition includes a memorial section and an art gallery. Near the museum, among ancient pines that were the artist’s contemporaries, stands a bronze monument to Shishkin. Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM, closed on Mondays

Address: Republic of Tatarstan, Yelabuga, Naberezhnaya St., 12

Shishkin Ponds

A picturesque spot at the bend of the Toyma River, featuring ponds and a park area. The site hosts city festivals, Sabantuy celebrations, and other events.

Address: Republic of Tatarstan, Yelabuga, Naberezhnaya St., 55

Pokrovsky Cathedral

The oldest building in Yelabuga. Built in 1799 on the site of an old wooden church dating back to the mid-17th century.

Address: Republic of Tatarstan, Yelabuga city, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya St., 42

N.A. Durova Estate Museum

The museum exhibition is dedicated to Nadezhda Durova, Russia’s first female officer and a hero of the 1812 War.
Nadezhda Durova spent her last 25 years in Yelabuga. You will learn about the extraordinary life of one of 19th-century Russia’s most fascinating figures.
On anniversaries, the city hosts reenactments of 1812 War battles and Alexander I-era balls.

Opening hours:

Address: Republic of Tatarstan, Yelabuga, Moskovskaya St., 123

Website: https://www.sviyazhsk-monastery.ru/

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