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House Tours

Take a peek inside our favorite homes from across the country.

.css-1dmjnw1{position:relative;}.css-1dmjnw1:before{content:"";position:absolute;} .css-1m07z42{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Kepler,Kepler-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;font-weight:normal;padding-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1m07z42{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1m07z42{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;}}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1m07z42{-webkit-transition:color 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:color 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1m07z42:hover{color:link-hover;}} This Quaint Cape Cod Cottage Was Rescued from Disrepair .css-ha23m7{position:relative;}.css-ha23m7:after{content:"";position:absolute;}

.css-1glez6t{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Kepler,Kepler-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:normal;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1glez6t{-webkit-transition:color 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:color 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1glez6t:hover{color:link-hover;}} Little House on the Pasture

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Sheryl Crow's Nashville Home Is Junker's Paradise .css-trqhd0:after{margin-top:0.9375rem;-webkit-mask:var(--mask);mask:var(--mask);width:4.438rem;height:0.313rem;content:'';display:block;-webkit-transform:rotate(-180deg);-moz-transform:rotate(-180deg);-ms-transform:rotate(-180deg);transform:rotate(-180deg);background:radial-gradient(4px at 50% calc(100% + 1.8px),#0000 calc(99% - 1px),#3e93c3 calc(101% - 1px) 99%,#0000 101%) calc(50% - 6px) calc(50% - 2px + 0.5px)/12px 4px repeat-x,radial-gradient(4px at 50% -1.8px,#0000 calc(99% - 1px),#3e93c3 calc(101% - 1px) 99%,#0000 101%) 50% calc(50% + 2px)/12px 4px repeat-x;}

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Cozy Cottage Home Tours with @mylittlewhitebarn_ + Renovation Tips

We’re bursting with excitement to bring you another home tour! Today our friend Shannon from @mylittlewhitebarn has opened the door to us to share not one but TWO stunning homes with you.

She’s been pouring her heart into renovating her current home for years, and guess what? She’s selling it! The way this unfolded might make you laugh. While shopping at an estate sale just down the street, she couldn’t resist making an offer on another home – and now she’s in progress renovating this new project. Her husband has said no estate sales for a while 😋

Join us as we tour both her beautifully completed home and the new, still-under-renovation space. It’s a treat to see how she infuses her signature cozy, cottage, and collected style into both homes. Shannon’s talent and insights on crafting a home will leave you inspired and wanting to design outside of the box.

LIVING ROOM

We have toured Shannon’s home in the past and when we walked in this time I found myself pondering why the living room seemed so much larger. It didn’t take long to realize the transformation – she had painted the beams in her living room! Although she faced some criticism for this decision, I was all for it. I painted the beams in my own living room so I knew the impact it made. Shannon’s beams weren’t the textured, rough-hewn variety that commands attention online; they were simpler, and their dark color made the space feel constricted. Her choice to paint them has breathed new life into the room, and I personally am so glad she made this design decision.

Since our last tour, Shannon has revamped her living room furniture too. Now, there are two slipcovered Ikea sofas with easy-to-wash covers sourced from Amazon – an essential feature considering she shares her home with four lively dogs! And then there’s that chair: a fabulous Facebook Marketplace find for just $25. Drawn to its elegant arms, Shannon had it reupholstered in a perfect shade of green.

But a reader favorite when we’ve toured Shannon’s home is this stunning hutch in her living room. This statement piece houses a curated collection of dishes and vintage finds that she refreshes either seasonally or when a new thrifted gem is added to her trove. Among these treasures, you’ll invariably spot a bunny. Shannon has a penchant for collecting them and although she shared she’s reached her limit, she admits she can’t resist adding a hare when she finds one because they’re more rare. Did you know there’s a distinction between bunnies and hares?

DINING ROOM

Many of the newer pieces in Shannon’s home were acquired with her next house in mind, yet they fit seamlessly into this space. Take the upholstered bench in the dining room, for example. A gift from a friend, Shannon had it reupholstered with a distinctive block print fabric from Hobby Lobby. Complementing this bench is her beautiful white table, spacious enough to accommodate family and friends alike. And, as always, she has an impeccable touch when it comes to styling, evident in the artful arrangement of fresh-cut flowers that graces the table.

The kitchen has seen the most transformations in Shannon’s home. When they encountered a leak, they took it as a chance to make some aesthetic changes. This included removing the peninsula and introducing a breathtaking island. Shannon envisioned this piece as resembling a piece of furniture, but with the added countertop, it became highly functional. Beneath the island, she displays her collection of white dishes. When asked if she’d have room for this collection in her new home, Shannon cheekily replied, “Just wait,” accompanied by a sly grin. Spoiler alert: her new home boasts an array of gorgeous custom-built ins, all set to showcase Shannon’s serving-ware.

PRIMARY BEDROOM

The primary bedroom received a refresh with a new bed and wallpaper. Initially, wallpaper wasn’t in the plan. However, when the bed arrived with a hue closer to the wall color, they chose a white floral-print wallpaper to highlight the bed. I absolutely love the pairing of the two.

We have never shared Shannon’s primary bathroom because it was never complete. She recently renovated the space and I’d say it was worth the way. The stunning soaker tub with the gold faucet feels like an invitation to a spa day at home. I love the tile choices and the character in the vanity. So classic but elevated!

THE EXTERIOR

Shannon has gradually transformed her home’s exterior. Boasting white paint, thoughtful landscaping choices, and styled vignettes featuring vintage finds, the expansive covered porch beckons you to relax and soak in the ambiance. As you lounge, the sight of peach trees and a quaint white barn – the inspiration behind her Instagram handle – offers a picturesque view.

NEW HOME RENOVATION PROJECT

We concluded our video at Shannon’s new home, which she is currently renovating. I was amazed at the rapid progress she’s made with this house. She’s opened up areas that were previously closed off, added an addition for the primary bedroom, and, during our visit, the new custom built-ins throughout the house were being installed.

When asked about the best renovation tips, Shannon emphasized the importance of hiring the right contractor. However, another equally vital piece of advice she shared was leaning on friends during the renovation journey. She pondered the decision of hiring a designer but realized the invaluable support friends offer. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been overwhelmed at the tile store, close to tears, and a call to a friend who’s been through it all turned everything around,” Shannon shared. Friends provide the candid feedback and emotional support that a professional designer, no matter how skilled, might not always be able to offer unless they truly become your friend during the process.

I hope you enjoyed these tours as much as we have! Both homes are a testament to Shannon’s incredible eye for detail and her penchant for crafting spaces that feel both elevated and inviting. As we’ve taken you on this tour of her current home and given a sneak peek into her next project, we hope you feel as inspired as we are by her journey. Here’s to the countless design adventures that await Shannon, and to all of you embarking on your own. Happy designing friends!

Follow Shannon on Instagram here and make sure you watch the full video tour if you haven’t yet.

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Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

Cottage Home Tour

The most recent tours:

The Living Room

The Kitchen

The Bedroom

The Studio/Creative Space

January 14, 2017 at 8:18 pm

So very cozy….I love it.

February 12, 2017 at 10:48 am

Visiting your blog after a very long absence! (Shame on me!) I noticed a photo of your first dog, Winston, in the side bar – looking very much like our nine year old, glaucoma-blind Daisy. Do you know what breed(s) Winston was? I’ve always thought Daisy had some spaniel in her, but the long tail, black/brown marking, and soft perky ears puzzle me.

I just love it when people use a glass door as a window inside the house! Subtle, sex, surprising. I have a corner cabinet in my living room, and I’ve keep the glass door at the top open with an old eyelet tea dress (was my mother’s) and a parasol hanging from it. Just love it.

February 12, 2017 at 11:25 am

Thanks so much for your kind words!

Winston was an Australian Shepherd mix.

September 11, 2017 at 12:16 pm

You can tell a well loved home when you see it:) LOVE your kitchen and the island *I have something like it as well! Your whole house is so well organized and inviting.

I sat here and cried over your sweet angel dogs (as my five dogs *all rescues – come running over to me – ‘what’s up?’ :) – your babies looked so very sweet. You never, ever forget them and oh how you miss them – every day.

LOVE your blog!

September 11, 2017 at 9:13 pm

Thank you so much, Karen!

October 22, 2017 at 7:33 pm

You are amazing…..I love your posts…..thrilled that I found your blog.

April 29, 2018 at 10:53 pm

I enjoyed reading this so much! I’ve been painting furniture and stuff for decades, and tried chalk paint and wasn’t so impressed, either. Like you, I can get the finishes I want with less $ paint–even spray paint!\, with some sanding. Have you ever used wood stain to antique a painted piece? Even works on walls to give them an almost “parchment” effect. I love, love your cottage and gardens., and your kitchen. God bless :)

April 30, 2018 at 9:36 am

Yes, I have, Barb. I used it on my chalkboard to ‘antique’ it. Thank you so much for your kind words.

May 31, 2018 at 7:23 am

I love your kitchen and that cupboard with lots of antique-like things. Thanks for sharing this great post.

December 14, 2018 at 5:01 pm

Claudia, love your blog. Discovered in my search for dollhouse decor. I’m attempting to update my childhood dollhouse. You mention your cottage is like Christmas in CT…do you live there? I’m originally from Redding, but now live in IL. Love your home. 😊

December 15, 2018 at 11:25 am

Thank you, Jill. No, it’s like the movie, but I live in upstate NY – about an hour from Connecticut. We have a good friend who lives in Redding.

March 17, 2020 at 8:55 am

Hi, Love your kitchen. Love the Island. Are your countertops tile? I love tile countertops. If they are tile, are they durable and how do you clean them?

March 17, 2020 at 12:46 pm

Yes, they’re tile and I’m not a fan. They were here when we bought the house. They’re durable and I clean them as I would any countertop. The grout, however, is a pain in the tush. It never looks clean.

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French Farmhouse-Style Home

This is a white French farmhouse-style home.

This is your typical little cottage bungalow. A white house with a nice front porch and railing surrounded by trees.

Covered Porch:

The covered porch has a light blue painted ceiling. White curtains surround the porch, lending the space an intimate and cozy feel.

The porch furniture consists of a white wicker sectional. White blooming flowers complete the feminine look or the space.

Wicker lampshade brings texture to the porch lighting.

Upon entering the house, there is a vintage brown dresser in the entryway. It is layered and styled in a decorative fashion.

Shades Of Neutral:

A white couch in the living room is surrounded by varying neutral shades. The overall feeling in this room is one of relaxation and serenity.

A blanket ladder holds warm throws for a cool evening.

In the corner is a weathered vintage wood box stuffed with black and white pillows below the blanket ladder.

An antique table houses the liquor and ice bucket. And pretty spring branches brought in from outdoors have been put in a vase.

Outside the dining room in a bench with a white record player, books, and a clear green vase.

A glimpse into the dining room shows more neutral furnishings. French country chairs surround a farmhouse-style table with rustic legs.

Dining Room:

A Touch Of Whimsy:

On one side of the rustic table is a settee for seating. The settee breaks up the repetition of the chairs across from it. This lends a bit of whimsy to the room.

The mostly white kitchen has modern appliances and a herringbone tiled floor. Wood shelves and a knife block are an earthy contrast to the mostly white dominating room.

Weathered shelves are attached to the wall above the refrigerator for added storage.

A rustic island sits at the ready for chopping vegetables or fruit when preparing a meal. The shelf at the bottom adds extra storage space.

Copper pots and pans sit on a shelf.

Vintage cutting boards enhance the vintage feel of the barn wood shelves.

Simple White Bedding:

The bedroom too is layered in various shades of white and beige. The bed has a slightly rumpled look.

There is a modern white bathroom with a tub that I could surely sink into at the end of a long day of gardening !

Aside from the black and white of the bathroom, a red, black, and white rug livens up the area.

Stylish Outdoor Living:

The back outdoor area has two levels of cozy seating to accommodate friends and family when entertaining.

And what’s a modern farmhouse without an area for chickens? A chicken coop houses the chickens and is surrounded by gravel to discourage weeds.

{Photos from The Everygirl}

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29 comments.

Just lovely. I never get why people feel the need to be so opinionated about other folk’s choices. Live and let live.

This whole space is heavenly! Thanks for sharing!

I love the house but it would have been nice to see a floor plan and square footage info. Oh, and chickens? Better be careful what you wish for – chickens are not prone to maintaining pristine conditions, or being cute off camera….whoever staged this has never lived with real chickens, at least for more time than it takes to do a photo shoot….

Seems a little too cluttered too me. That’s just me. I love the house. Just too much stuff.

So comfortable and cozy. Love the entire look.

It looks like my home until it was broken into, stolen damaged. Shocked when I saw this. Want to fix it. So tired of negative comments about my precious antique, beautiful home.

Loved every bit of it!!! Maggie

OMG enough with the everything must be white and gray (oh but look ath this pop of color in a singular red rug). If I wanted a sterile environment I’d schedule a surgery.

To each his own, but there is nothing farmy or boho about stark white gray and beige.

I don’t care for it either, but some of my readers like it. I’ll be doing another tour on Friday if I can find a good one.

I can’t say there was anything that I didn’t like about this adorable cottage… it’s so cute! There are just a few things that I would change to suit my personal taste. I loved everything in the kitchen. Even though I love the look, I wouldn’t like having to wash and clean so many things on shelves and counter. I would add a window planter box under the single window on the left filled with colorful flowers. And a couple of Boston ferns hanging on the front porch. Otherwise I think it’s pretty perfect.

Adoreable! Even love the chicken coop

I like the style of the cottage, and the settee in the dining room. I don’t care for the “layered” look. (Too cluttered for my taste.) The white is nice, but more color needed IMHO.

This home is just about perfect, plus chickens!!!!!!! I am crazy for that antique “bar” table. Just stunning. Thanks.

Beautiful place…but how on earth can one keep something so white, always looking up to par? A bit of color helps…but the house is great!

What a pretty house! I really like the kitchen. I have never seen white appliances with goldish-copper handles like that.

I love those too. They are the GE Cafe line. The white is matte. Very sharp.

Lovely. And I love how the vases are full of cut branches. I luckily have a small jungle behind my house that is a good source for cut branches. No need to buy flowers ever.

Very pretty. I like the handles on the appliances in the kitchen, very eye-catching. It looks like they match the copper in the pots and pans but there’s some brass mixed in too. I like the look of mixed metallic finishes in a room.

I like how the house is decorated, with the vintage dresser. the vintage items in the kitchen, and the “to die for” antique table, in front of a “dark wall”, the red rugs in the dining area, kitchen and the bath room. Other wise, way too white for me, would have to paint a few walls. Love the cutting boards, the vintage box with the pillows, the box in the kitchen with books and flowers, open shelves, speaks “Brenda”. I can picture this home, with your quilts on the walls, red touches in the kitchen,curtain on the window, more green plants, would just add your cozy look.

Beautiful! The back yard is a wonderful surprise.

I love the whiteness of this cottage, so clean looking which can always be brightened up with colorful accessories. Even the henhouse is white! Everything pops against the white walls. I like the open shelves in the kitchen.

All the walls in my house are white except for the kitchen, but now I am thinking I would like to bring in more whiteness, especially in the bedrooms.

I love the house, although the interior design is way too white for me. And I prefer some cabinets in my kitchen. My favorite room is the dining room – the mix of styles, textures, color, and the cute settee.

Lovely spare decor. The kitchen looks easy to work in and I like the copper replacement handles on the fridge and dw (white appliances!). With the red rug and comfy chairs, the dining room is my favorite, although the outside back area is very inviting, isn’t it? Thanks for this look at a “not over the top” house decor of French Country.

This cottage is so cute. I especially like the ladder and the vintage box. I also like the copper handles on the appliances in the kitchen!

I love this look too..w/ suggest for my daughter

Cute cottage. I especially like the way the kitchen is decorated. Needs a smidge more color overall for my taste. Outdoor spaces are wonderful.

I LOVE this house and how it’s decorated excepted way too much white. I like lots of color. But other than that, I would love to own this cute little cottage.

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Kazan Travel Guide - Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Kazan Travel Guide – Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Craving a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring trip to a place of ancient histories, visually spectacular, and spiritual marvels? The Kazan Travel Guide has everything you need to get just that.

Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, also known as Russia’s third capital. Just an hour-and-a-half flight away from Moscow, this beautiful and thriving metropolis has a centuries-old history. Founded in 1005, Kazan is one of Russia’s oldest cities (older than Moscow) with sites and architecture reminiscent of its glorious 12th-century reign by the river Kazanka. The multiethnic region is famous for the harmonious co-existence of many different religions, whose sculpted sacred sites are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find a sublime fusion of Tatar and Russian culture in this city, creating a glorious melting pot of different cultures. Whilst predominantly Muslim, you will find all religious backgrounds within the republic. Discover how easy it is to be entranced by the captivating Kazan – it is even worth making a detour on the Trans-Siberian Railway for.

This Kazan Travel Guide will help you plan everything down to preferred months of travel according to seasonal highlights, main attractions, meals from our pick of Tatar cuisine delicacies, methods of transport, and activities from morning until noon.

Table of Contents

Why travel to Russia’s Kazan?

Kazan kremlin.

This UNESCO listed fortified citadel is the most familiar landmark of Kazan. Kazan Kremlin is full of cozy parks, picturesque streets, delectable foods, and beautiful sites. Take a tour through the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and lose yourself in its Middle Ages era splendor with this heritage-listed site. Many of the Kremlin’s architectural wonders are sculpted by the famous Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shirjay, recruited by the Tzar. Kazan Kremlin is also home to the Söyembikä Tower and museums, where Kazan’s extensive history and legends take centre-stage. Many also flock to the multi-faith place of worship for its glorious sculpted sacred sites such as Kul Sharif Mosque.

Söyembikä Tower

Kazan’s tiered tower of Soyembika, also known as the leaning tower or ‘Khan’s Mosque’ is the highlight of Kazan Kremlin. Its construction is recorded by scholars to date back as far as the 16th century, whose age-old history is expressed in some of its majestic colonial architecture. The colours are stunning in summer, and even in winter, the snow creates a fairytale-like scene. Once inside, you should pay attention to the haram carpet and elaborate details on the ceiling. Romantic and mystic legends surround the tower and the only woman to rule the Kazan Khanate for which it’s named after. It is said to be the same tower that led the beautiful Princess Syuyumbike to her death, built for her by Ivan the Terrible who seized Kazan in 1552 and then demanded they wed. Others tell a different history of a Soyembika forcibly detained here by Muscovite forces, before being taken to Kasimov where she died. For those interested in its story, be wary of self-nominated guides- the official Kazan guides are a purchase worth making. Despite its tragic history, many locals believe if you touch the tower and make a wish it will come true.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque is Kazan Kremlin’s main mosque and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. You will hardly be able to take your eyes off this one-of-a-kind structure. This attraction is not just for Muslims. It is open to all Kazan’s travellers, but it is preferred that women have their hair covered during their visit. The Kul Sharif Mosque takes the place of a former mosque conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. From outside, the majestic lotus-flowered dome landmark sits atop a hill overlooking Kazan. Inside, it’s fitted with a modern yet classical interior where you can pray with the names of 99 gods inscribed on ceilings and window glass. On the ground floor is a Museum of Islam, where a tour in English may be available if there’s an English-speaking docent on shift. Otherwise, there are booklets in English that explain the whole exhibit. Whilst everything is free to all visitors, they ask you pay 3 rubles for shoe slip-covers to help keep its floors clean. It is recommended you go in the morning to avoid a queue to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, boasting a reputation as one of the best mosques in the world.

Temple of All Religions

For those interested in the spiritual marvels of Russia, it is also recommended you see the Temple of all Religions located along the Volga river of Kazan . This is under construction, so it’s not a must-see, but worth the visit if you have time to kill before taking a train or bus. It boasts 16 towers all for various different religions- a stunning sight to behold from the outside.

Baumana street

The Baumana Street is the main tourist and pedestrian zone between the Kremlin and Tokai Square. Tatarstan restaurants, stalls of street painters, boutiques, souvenir shops, fountains that fulfil wishes and kiosks are just a few of its gems that are ready to assure your every need and charm your socks off. Monuments and fountains make for a perfect photo backdrop, with statuary ranging from a bronze carriage of Catherine II to the “thick lazy Cat of Kazan”, a tribute to its feline protectors who fended off mice. Whilst mingling with the locals, the rich chimes of Kazan’s bell tower help bring the vibrant Arbat to life. Baumana street’s historical attractions include houses of the 19 th century, a monument to Feodor Chaliapin, and a Russian baroque style Epiphany cathedral. For opportunists seeking for the perfect Russian souvenir, Baumana street is the place to buy everything: Matryoshka dolls, Tatar folk costumes, and one particular favourite of tourists is the Tatar national male headwear “Tubeteika”. This is a street that never sleeps- when the sun sets, it becomes a hub for nightlife.

Palace of Farmers

The Palace of Farmers is a vast and regal building like something out of a fairytale. Despite being a recent addition to Kazan’s collection of ancient sites, it looks to be built well over a century ago. This eclectic architectural piece boasts elements of Classicism style, the Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. A magnificent, 65-foot tall bronze tree sculpture grows in the archway of the palace’s façade- a sight that makes for a mesmerizing photo backdrop. This is a governmental building related to agriculture, so the interior is not accessible. However, it’s worthwhile just to see its magnificently sculpted exterior. Located adjacent to the Kremlin and Kazan river embankment, the Farmer’s Palace makes for beguiling scenery for your riverside stroll. Manicured gardens out front create a serene, relaxing space in the summer sunshine, the site’s most popular season. When the sun sets, the Palace of Farmers comes alive with an array of spectacular light displays.

Raifa Monastery

Whilst known as one of the largest monasteries in Russia, Raifa Monastery had humble beginnings as a place of solitude where monastic followers could dedicate themselves to God. Found in a serene location by Sumy Lakes in a lush pine forest, this centuries-old site has been rebuilt time and time again. Its history tells of temple destruction, brutal plundering, arson, and has once made a home for juvenile delinquents. The history behind the monastery’s name is no exception to this trail of tragedies. In fact, the hermitage was established and named in memory of holy fathers tortured in Sinai and Raithu. Abandoned for over half a century, the ruins have been given new life with well doted on additions. This includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Cathedral of God’s Mother of Georgia, the Church of the Ss Reverend Fathers and bell tower, with beautiful onion-domed architecture and intricate iconography. It’s free to wander monastery grounds, where small shops and cafes populate the area. Arrive at this stunning rural monastery via a 40-minute drive from Kazan (with some free parking available), bus tour, or a scenic boat trip.

Sviyazhsk Island

Sviyazhsk Island, or “Conqueror City”, began as a fortress for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 when Kazan was an unassailable fortress. Frozen in time, visiting the Island is like going through a time machine with no fewer than 37 cultural-historical monuments. Its religious marvels are a must-see. Trinity Church is the last of its kind in Sviyazhsk- a wooden structure dating back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Axe marks made by Yaroslavl carpenters can still be seen. The Dormition Cathedral boasts a glorious collection of 16th-century frescos. Its most famed is St Christopher with a horse’s head- a fresco that tells the story of a saint so handsome he pleaded to God for ugliness, to avoid unwanted attention from women. However, these monasteries have seen their fair share of horrors- the Soviet political repression saw them turn into prisons, concentration camps, and psychiatric hospitals. A local museum, Sviyazhsk State Museum of History and Architecture, is no stranger to these horrors. Here, inmates and prisoners were executed and their belongings are still on display in abandoned cells inside. A monument to the victims of political repression forms a two-meter-tall marble slab on the island.

The Ancient City of Bolgar

Not far from Kazan, Russia’s mysterious Muslim City, Bolgar, dates back to the 7th and 15th centuries. With such a powerful history, this Eurasian metropolis is one of Russia’s first UNESCO listed sites. It’s served as the capital of the Mongol Golden Horde, ruled by the founder of the Timurids Empire, and even the Prince of Moscow. A 1969 excavation for the State Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve saw the city turned into a huge open-air museum.  Stone citadels, mosques, and tombs are some of its jaw-dropping remains from its glory days. Other attractions include the Khan’s palace, White Mosque, the hidden healing well of Gabdrakhman, a 700-year-old burial chamber for Bolgar nobility, and an interactive bread museum. The city of Bolgar has great religious significance, once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe. Here, you can find the largest printed Kora in the world weighing at 500kg. Bolgar remains a sacred pilgrimage destination to Tatar Muslims. The city of Bolgar is a three hours’ drive from Kazan along the scenic route of the river Volga.

Kazan from a boat

Kazan’s river station is flocked to by tourists eager to experience the scenic water route along the city’s shores. Travelling through Kazan with a Volga River boat trip is filled with incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping scenes. Gorgeous views of some of the city’s beloved icons include the Kazan Kremlin, whose structure sparkles like a jewel in the sun in all its Russian glory. The comfortable steam-ships on the rivers and lakes of Russia depart a few times a day to make for regular service (12:00, 15:00, and 19:00 on most days). Two-hour boat trips without stops, with a guided tour along Kazan’s coast. A total of 9 dams choke the river and halt its waters to a standstill- a glistening, magical scene that is a magnet for artists, writers and explorers. By its shores, the Volga river is a favourite for camping, relaxing, fishing, and swimming.

Kazan Cuisine Guide: A Foodie’s Haven

Kazan is the central home of Russia’s Tatar cuisine, boasting many restaurants and cafes that have earned its keep in the hearts of foodies across the globe. This Kazan Travel Guide will convince you why this is a haven for Russian and eastern cuisine.

Museum of Chak-Chak

The Museum of Chak-Chak (Çäkçäk) is named after the mouth-watering honey-baked balls of doughy goodness, a delicacy served at celebrations and festivities. This museum-turned food establishment is dedicated to traditional Tatar foods and drinks, particularly their national sweet foods. Bashkir dishes, chak-chak, bursak, and kak-tosh made from almonds are some of the recipes derived from Tatar enlightener kayum nasyri. These are only some of the most popular must-try dishes that cannot go unsampled. Here, guests drink tea and sample desserts whilst guides tell stories of the ancient Tatar people’s way of life, tradition and customs. If you want to learn the secret to cooking the perfect Tatar dish, this is the place to be.

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii (restaurant)

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii, or House of Tatar Cuisine, is one of the oldest national restaurants that has earnt its place in the heart of foodies from across the globe. Its dishes are based on Yunus Akhmetzyanov’s time-tested recipes and traditions – a beloved local guardian of traditional Tatar cuisine. Here you can find confectionary like Tatar sweets, and authentic dishes such as:

• Echpochmak: These are triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with mince and potatoes. A small hole remains at the top of the stuffed and folded dough. Halfway through the oven baking process, the pastries are filled with a spoonful of broth, ensuring that the meat (stuffed raw) is moist and tender.
• Gubadiya: Layered pie which contains cottage cheese or quark, minced beef or lamb and boiled egg, which is combined with raisins or mixed dried fruits (such as figs, prunes and apricots). This filling is then covered with melted butter before being baked into a mouthwatering dessert.
• Kazylyk: Originating from Tatar nomadic culture, this dish is a horse meat sausage which has been traditionally cured by air-drying in the sun and wind. It is often spiced with coriander or cumin, served in thin slices with pickled sliced onions
• Talkysh kaleve: This intricate dessert involves honey and sugar spun into a stringy fairy-floss which is then moulded into miniature cones and coated with a powder of melted butter and flour
• Manti: Tatar dumplings made from either spiced lamb, beef or horse meat, which can be mixed with pumpkin or squash depending on the region. They can be boiled or steamed in their own juices, typically served with butter, sour cream, onion sauce or red pepper powder.

In the evenings, your wining and dining with this Bauman street food will be accompanied by live music and the opportunity for master classes about preparing national dishes.

Kazan Travel Guide: Summer Highlights

Months & temperature.

  June, July, August: +24 – +27 C

Summer is by far the most popular and most frequented time of year to trek to Russia’s glorious Kazan city. The bustling, sunny and comfortable seasons of June, July and August are some of the best months to travel here. July is its hottest month at an average of 27 degrees- the perfect time to bask by the mesmerising Volga River.

The Sabantuy Tatar National Festival in June is jam-packed with competitions, sports events, dances, feasts, and music. This holiday hallmarks the end of spring crop planting and draws crowds of up to 40,000 in Kazan’s village of Mirny. Competitions of sportsmanship draw contenders near and far, both amateur and professional, in games like the egg-and-spoon race, sack races, horse races, and wrestling matches. Contenders for the more professional scenes like wrestling can earn prizes varying from home electronics to cars. The wrestling champion is declared ‘Batyr’ and lifts an overweight ram onto his (or her) shoulders for the cheering crowd. This festival is a marvel to behold, especially witnessing it for the very first time.

Similar to this: See also International handicraft festival ‘Spasskaya Yarmarka’ in August, Elabuga city

Kazan Travel Guide: Winter Highlights

  November, December, January, February – 0 to -10 C

For those far-reaching globetrotters, here is your chance for a true white Christmas- Kazan in Winter gets especially chilly in November, December, January, and February, the coldest months to travel. In November and December, there is a high chance of snow. Besides public holidays, winter outings mean fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more serene, quiet atmosphere.

The Nardugan Pagan Holiday Festival is popular in Kazan as an annual celebration honouring the winter solace. According to the ancient Tatar calendar, the birth of the Sun is December 22. This begins weeklong festivities and celebrations acknowledging the awakening of nature and the beauty of life. Dancing, traditional costumes, theatrical performances, Tatar baker’s delicacies, and fortune tellers are part of the joyous festivities.

For those creative art buffs interested in the sophisticated art forms of ballet and opera, see Kazan’s Shalyapin International Opera Festival (February), and the International Festival of Classical Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev Dance Festival (May).

Kazan Travel Guide: How to Get There

Kazan international airport.

Kazan’s international airport in the Laishevsky district is the only one in Russia that secured a win in the World Airport Awards of 2018. It’s equipped with paid and free parking, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, shops, cafés and restaurants, a post office and more whilst being English friendly. The train terminal of inner-city travel is located within the airport. Find out more about travel options via the air through the Russian Official  Kazan Aero site, Aeroflot Airlines, or plan your trip with Google Flights.

Railway station

For visitors travelling to Kazan from within Russia, the Russian railway is connected to the city’s two main stations: Kazan-Passazhirskaya and Vosstanie-Passazhirskaja station. Trains from the Russian cities  Moscow , Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, St. Petersburg , Novosibirsk and Adler pass by these stations. The railway stations are fitted to meet your every need, supplying luggage storage, baby changing facilities, tourist info desks, ATMs, cafes and more.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Kazan is one of the top must-see stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway . The traditional Russian Trans-Siberian Railway route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, and has Kazan as one of its main stops. Even if you weren’t planning on visiting Kazan but will be making your way through the Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a detour you won’t regret making. Kazan is a 1000-year-old ancient city, still full of life, and the perfect place to lose yourself in (but not too lost, because their diverse transport system will be sure to get you back on track).

Enjoy a short Kazan city tour via this entertaining video:

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