Гарри Вебер
Kazan – the capital of Tatarstan (autonomous republic within Russian Federation) is not often taken into consideration while planning vacation but should be. During the last years the city has transformed a lot: newly built neighborhoods were constructed, many new buildings and infrastructure necessary for entertainment was created. Even if you have high demands for spending your leisure time, it is easy to find activities here – learn diving, try horsemeat, get to know local traditions and folk songs.
MIRAGE
There are two luxurious five-stars hotels in Kazan, and Mirage is one of them. It is thought that the view on the city from its large panoramic windows is the best one: Kazan Kremlin – the main attraction of the city – is quite close from here. The hotel offers spacious rooms (presidential lux consists of even five rooms), equipped with the latest technology and design, and the staff is very friendly. But the decorations at the entrance look a bit clumsy – the fountain really depresses, but don’t let it fool you – inside the hotel really does correspond all the European standards.
BLUE LAKE
The Blue lake is lost in the forest 10 kilometers from the city. It is an absolutely special place – almost magic: enough to have a look at the shimmering blue color of water. It is absolutely transparent, because there is no plankton: the water is very cold – even in the warm season its temperature hardly reaches +4 degrees Celsius. So, to dive into the water you need to have a special “warm” diving suit. Without it, it is said, you can freeze to death in just twenty minutes. The water is that cold because of the icy springs on the bottom of the lake. The lake is like an accurate vortex 17 meters in depth – looks like a meteorite crater. The water in the like is mineral – and it is these minerals that color the water in light blue color. If you try the water, the taste is exactly like mineral water from the shop.
THE COMPLEX OF BUILDINGS OF KAZAN UNIVERSITY
The ensemble of the buildings of Kazan University is included into the list of buildings that are valuable cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. And it is not surprising: founded according to the decree of Alexander I in 1805 and built in the style of Russian classicism, the University became alma mater for many famous thinkers and scientists, among who were Lobachevskiy, Maxim Gorkiy and Lenin. Now it is a perfect place for walks. It is also worth going inside: a perfect panoramic view on the city opens from the upper floors.
RESTAURANT TUGAN AVILIM
The celebration of sown ending – Sabantuy – occurs once a year. But for those who visit Tatarstan during other seasons of the year, Tatar calyapush exists. It is such an entertainment program with Tatar songs, dances and Tatar legends being told. If you would like to know the Tatar culture, this is the event to visit.
AGRICULTURAL PALACE
Just because of curiosity it is worth having a look at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Tatarstan Republic. The building, constructed in eclectic style, combines the elements of classicism and empire, and really attracts attention. Unfortunately it is not allowed to enter inside, but to see the outside of the building is a must.