The history of the ancient city - the many-sided Kazan - goes back to the distant 1005. This precious pearl of the Volga region combines the age-old traditions of Islam and Christianity. Here, golden domes of churches are replaced by pointed minarets of mosques, and ancient buildings peacefully coexist with modern high-rises.
In terms of its attractiveness for travelers, the colorful metropolis will soon catch up with the tourist Mecca of Russia - Moscow and St. Petersburg. The picturesque parks of Kazan play a significant role in its growing popularity.
About 140 green oases, covering an area of 276 hectares, invite you to wander through shady alleys, play sports or tickle your nerves on dizzying attractions. Today we suggest you leave the stone jungle for a while and take a walk through the most famous recreation areas of the capital of Tatarstan.
Millennium Park
In 2005, on the shores of Lake Nizhniy Kaban, where the Church of St. George the Victorious stood before the Soviets came to power, a new recreation area appeared. The well-groomed territory of 5 hectares is decorated with flower-scented flower beds, and is crossed by cobblestone paths framed by seedlings of chestnuts, rowan trees, lindens and birches. Some of the trees were planted by local residents.
The park was built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the capital of Tatarstan. Symbolism permeates every detail here. The alleys intersecting in the center represent Kazan - the place where Europe and Asia meet. Above the main gate are zilants - mythological winged snakes depicted on the city's coat of arms and flag.
All roads in the Millennium lead to a fountain shaped like a cauldron. The administration did not spare funds for its registration - each of the eight figures of zilant dragons installed along the perimeter of the pool cost the treasury 300 thousand rubles.
Another local attraction is the monument to the founder of Tatar literature, the poet Kul Ali, the author of the imperishable "The Tale of Yusuf".
Gorky Park
The Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is often called "Russian Switzerland". They say that the island of nature got its second name in the 9th century, when the Swiss professor Xavier Bronner compared the variable Kazan landscape with the picturesque outlines of the Alpine hills.
Today people come here to play ball in the stadium, have a picnic on the lawn or ride along the alleys, sitting on horseback. In 2014, the beauty of the Central Park of Culture and Leisure was replenished with the Gambit fountain - a flat metal structure resembling a chessboard.
With the onset of darkness, the playing jets of water bloom with rainbow lights. In a bizarre dance, they soar into the sky, then again strive downward. The spectacular performance, accompanied by rhythmic music, lasts 1.5 hours.
The main city park area will appeal to adherents of a healthy lifestyle. Not far from the entrance there is a sports sector and a football field. Bicycle, electric scooter and segway rental is available during warmer months. In winter, the tracks turn into ski tracks, and a skating rink appears at the Trudovye Rezervy stadium.
Rope park SKY PARK
In the Central Park of Culture and Leisure named after Gorky, there is a wonderful corner where connoisseurs of outdoor activities and breathtaking trials meet. This is a rope SKY PARK grown among the trees - a 200-meter obstacle course, consisting of 70 stages. This amazing place will appeal to both extreme fans and families with children.
SKY PARK has three routes of varying difficulty. The most difficult route - the blue one - runs at an altitude of 15 m. Its length is 90 m. Only the most courageous and dexterous can overcome dangerous sections such as "a bicycle on a rope", "free flight" or "spider".
The safety of desperate athletes is ensured by a continuous belay system and professional instructors. They are also waiting in the rope town for those who are just learning the basics of extreme sports.
For children from 7 to 14 years old, there are yellow and green tracks. While traveling under the crowns of trees, young adrenaline lovers must complete simple but very interesting tasks. And the smallest SKY PARK visitors can swing on the swing, play in the sandbox or feed the tame squirrels.
Uritsky Park
An oasis of wildlife, spread out in the Moskovsky district, seems to have been created for quiet family leisure. On the territory occupying 50 hectares, there are not only wide alleys, comfortable benches and delicate bridges.
You can diversify your walk among the picturesque vegetation with a visit to a bookstore or treat yourself to a delicious cake in a cozy coffee shop. Right at the entrance, there is a memorial framed with tall fir trees dedicated to those who died during the Great Patriotic War.
To the right and left of the huge helmet and the golden star, there are marble slabs carved with the names of the departed heroes. In the distance, there is a small natural lake where you can feed the ducks or take a nap in a wooden hammock.
For athletes, a football field, a tennis court and a corner with exercise equipment are equipped, rubberized running and cycling paths are laid. On the roller-skating ground equipped with trampolines and barriers, teenagers hone their skills in using scooters and skateboards.
Not far away, the children are having fun in a children's town with ladders, bridges and slides.
Gorkinsko-Ometyevsky forest
Shady coolness, snake paths meandering between the trees and the pungent scent of rotten leaves - isn't this a paradise for townspeople tired of the polluted air and noise of the metropolis?
In an effort to create comfortable conditions for Kazan residents, while preserving the natural environment of their native land, the city authorities turned the abandoned thicket of the Gorkinsko-Ometyevsky forest into a popular recreation area for local residents.
The former forested area is now entangled in a web of illuminated walking and cycling paths, and in winter - ski trails. The most active life is in the central Festival Square, where festivities, festivals and performances of artists take place. Nearby is a fountain framed by a family of lanterns in the form of multi-colored dew drops.
Hidden among the spreading aspens is Leapfrog, a play area designed for children from 2 to 15 years old. The site has two levels. The first "floor", equipped with labyrinths and swings, is suitable for kids' fun. The second tier, stretching among the tops of wooden "mushrooms", will be of interest to schoolchildren.
Amusement park "Kyrlay"
All the little guests of the city strive to get to the fabulous place on the bank of the Kazanka River, because Kurlai is a world of joy, games and vibrant festivals. Among the numerous trees, there are 30 Italian-made rides. Here and there souvenir shops, cafes, stalls with toys and cotton candy are open.
The entertainment center is divided into three sectors: children's, family and extreme. The first is suitable for the youngest visitors who tirelessly can jump on trampolines or ride a canoe.
The second is aimed at older children and their parents. Well, fearless thrill-seekers dare to tickle their nerves on the breathtaking attractions "Flying Saucer" or "Galaxy".
Kurlai is famous not only for its fascinating carousels and playgrounds. Great mood and a lot of positive emotions will be presented by themed discos, dance marathons and funny contests. Every summer they celebrate the national holiday "Sabantuy" here, have fun at the "Day of Neptune" and "Festival of Colors".
Black lake
The recreation area, whose history dates back to the 19th century, got its name from a natural lake. For many years, the Black Lake remained a favorite resting place for Kazan residents: in the evenings, music played, fountains worked, festivals were held and exhibitions were opened.
The popularity of the corner of nature on Dzerzhinsky Street has not faded away even today. The Arch of Lovers, erected in 1930, played an important role in this. The elliptical structure is interesting for its original acoustic effect: two people standing at different ends of the structure hear each other, even if the words are spoken in a whisper.
Black Lake is beautiful at any time of the year, but it gets its true charm in winter. The pond turns into a huge 6,000 m² ice rink. In the center of a giant pavilion, shimmering with multi-colored lights, a gigantic spruce appears, with the shaggy paws of which the throne of Santa Claus is installed.
The light installation in the form of a huge candle decorated lamp is crowded with people wanting to take a selfie.
Lyadskoy garden
An island of peace and quiet among the bustling streets of the metropolis is the best choice for tourists who need a little respite between sightseeing in Kazan. The Lyadsky Garden, located in the Vakhitovsky district, has everything you need for a comfortable pastime: alleys among century-old trees, a historic fountain and antique-decorated benches.
The well-groomed square appeared on the city map in the 18th century thanks to General Letskiy, the owner of the estate, around which the garden was laid out. Powerful arc lanterns and a bronze fountain depicting a girl with a jug became the main decoration of the favorite meeting place of high society. A copy of the composition demolished in the 70s of the last century was installed here in 2015.
Lyadskoy Garden underwent a global reconstruction in 2003. The landscape was enriched with new paths and bright flower beds, a monument to a native of the Kazan province GI Derzhavin was erected at the entrance.
A few steps from the statue of the poet, a playground and its permanent residents - figures of Snow White and her friends, the gnomes - appeared.
Victory Park
The historical complex located in the Novo-Savinovsky district is intended to remind of the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War. Its central part is occupied by the Memorial of Remembrance.
On marble tablets 236 names of the natives of Tatarstan, awarded the title of Hero of the USSR, are immortalized. The eternal flame burns next to the grandiose pantheon.
You can pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at the bronze statue of the Grieving Widow and the Stele of Victory. At the foot of the 42-meter obelisk crowned with a spire, the figures of a mother with a child and a soldier with a sword are forever frozen.
There is also a permanent exhibition of military equipment: artillery installations, armored personnel carriers, tanks, helicopters and fighter-bombers. People come here to celebrate important holidays, or just get some fresh air, rent a bike and ride a horse.
The artificial lake is especially fond of visitors. Both adults and children will enjoy fishing, sailing on a catamaran or participating in radio-controlled boat races.
Children's Park "Kaleidoscope"
The entertainment complex on Syrtlanova Street has only one drawback - having visited it once, your child will want to come back here again and again. What you will not find here: sports zones, labyrinths, climbing frames, and tactile paths.
Exciting games continue even with the arrival of darkness: outdoor lighting and video surveillance are installed throughout the territory. In "Kaleidoscope" you can slide down a hill, climb stairs, crawl through a tunnel, or feel like a pilot in the cockpit of a bright yellow maize plant.
Sports enthusiasts spend their time on the soccer field, on exercise equipment or on a looped cycle track. The smallest are attracted by the gigantic sandbox. Free Wi-Fi saves parents who are waiting for their children on comfortable benches.
On weekends, adults and children gather in the spacious amphitheater. Master classes are held on the wooden stage, and students of Kazan music schools demonstrate their talents.
Park "Continent"
If your child is ready to run, jump and play tirelessly with peers, then your path lies in the "Continent". The entertainment town near Yamasheva Avenue is a whole world divided into 4 "parts of the world": Africa covered with soft sand, Eurasia with its town of tunnels and slides, the Southern Hemisphere with sports grounds and the Northern Hemisphere, where a beautiful Christmas tree dominates in winter.
Each young visitor to the "Continent" will find something to do according to age and mood. Kids occupy the giraffe slide and numerous sandboxes. Older ones are exploring a mini-copy of the Kazan Kremlin.
Fans of extreme sports practice their skills on a skateboard equipped with obstacles, and future artists create masterpieces of graffiti on a huge art wall. Tired of impressions and positive emotions, little guests of the Continent can join their parents and relax on the benches placed under the crowns of trees.
To make the rest of residents and guests even more comfortable, the city administration plans to open a family cafe. In the meantime, you can eat in the nearby shopping malls.
Park "Wings of the Soviets"
The recreation area located on Kopylova street invites you to travel back in time. Each of its elements is permeated with the atmosphere of the USSR era. And it could not be otherwise, because the picturesque square "Wings of the Soviets", whose history is associated with the aviation industry of the city, has existed in the Tatar capital since 1939.
The first rarity from the socialist past is the monumental arched entrance, at the foot of the columns of which the figures of young workers are lined up. A wide double alley, decorated with lanterns with flagpoles, busts of scientists and founders of Soviet aviation, leads from the snow-white gates.
The end of the promenade is the permanent monument to Lenin. The Palace of Culture, a fine example of Stalinist Empire architecture, has also survived here.
After a large-scale restoration completed in 2016, the park has found a second wind. Wings of the Soviets acquired a light and musical fountain, new paving stones, a dance terrace, a summer stage and an area for walking dogs. Among the spreading trees, there are exercise equipment and comfortable sun loungers for those who prefer a lazy pastime.
Rope park "Web"
Indescribable delight and a sea of impressions gives its guests "Web" - the largest entertainment center in Tatarstan, spread out among the dense pine crowns. There are no standard routes here - the choice of height and obstacles is up to each participant in an exciting adventure.
Courage, dexterity and ingenuity are tested on a three-level track running at a height of 2–17 meters. For experienced extreme lovers, 60 obstacles are prepared.
Beginning athletes will experience 20 stages of an amazing journey between heaven and earth. And for those who want to get an even greater dose of adrenaline, there are super-trolls that allow you to fly in a barrel at a speed of 60 km / h.
An evening of an active day is good to devote to relaxation in the lap of nature. Next to the "Web" is the recreation center "Lebyazhye" - a great place where you can walk along forest paths, grill barbecue or sit with a glass of wine on the terrace of the cafe.
Nearby there is a picturesque lake with a comfortable sandy beach and a Glade of fairy tales filled with wooden figures of the heroes of Tatar legends.
Park of the Palace of Farmers
One of the best sights of the Tatar capital is the pompous Palace of Farmers - an architectural masterpiece that combines elements of classicism, empire style and eclecticism. However, it is not only the impressive facade of the building that adorns the bank of the Kazanka River that attracts tourists.
The park located opposite the entrance to the luxurious building is no less popular among the guests of the city. The meadow, covered with neat undergrowth of lawn grass, is divided by paths of white and red tiles.Young trees grow between them, colorful flower beds adorn and comfortable benches invite to relax.
In winter, a quiet corner blooms with bright lights of festive garlands and light installations. You can continue your walk through the cozy square on the Kremlin embankment.
The wide tiled sidewalk, divided by fountains and islets with topiary, is teeming with cafes, exhibitions, open libraries and many entertainment options. But the main value of the popular promenade is not carousels and decorative elements, but gorgeous views of the Palace of Farmers and the Kazan Kremlin.
Komsomolets park
The park zone on Komarova Street, which runs in the Soviet district, is especially dear to the residents of the metropolis. Indeed, the initiators of the improvement of the square, where the Komsomolets cinema was opened from 1960 to 2012, were the townspeople themselves.
Thanks to their hard work and perseverance in the fight against developers, a renewed corner of nature was opened in 2018. An alley made of paving stones leads deep into the green space. On the site of the obsolete asphalt, wooden paths were laid, illuminated by lanterns in the evening.
You can put your figure in order on simulators, and read your favorite book on swing benches. Local dog breeders are not forgotten either - a separate secluded area is intended for their four-legged pets.
For the fun of children in Komsomolets, the "Pioneer Campaign" playground has been opened - a construction of tunnels, slides and ropes stretched between two frame towers. Nearby there are sand dumps, climbing frames, rope rides and an experimental sector with magnifying glasses. In the colder months, little visitors to Komsomolets besiege the ice slide.
