Discover a Colorful Oasis Near Kazan

Discover a Colorful Oasis Founded by Two Visionary Brothers Near Kazan

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm still blown away by the vibrant church near Kazan, founded by two brothers with a clear vision for something truly unique. The guided tour was a total game-changer – our guide's insights brought the history and artwork to life. The church itself is a feast for the eyes, with its colorful facade and eclectic mix of paintings and statues. While it's not a huge tourist destination, it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. With its off-the-beaten-path charm and fascinating history, this church is a must-see for anyone looking for a real Russian experience.

settingsSpecifications

Renk9/10

KararMükemmel

Düzen8/10

Kalite7/10

Hello everyone!

We set out on a trip to Kazan with my partner in April, and while we explored all the city's top attractions, we were eager to venture beyond the city limits.

That's when we booked a guided tour to the island of Sviyazhsk, which included a visit to this remarkable landmark.

I'd heard mixed reviews about this church, but most of them came from people who visited on their own without a guide.

The thing is, there's not much to do there on your own – you just walk in, look around, and leave.

But a guide will give you the whole history of the place, point out the unique features of each room, and explain the different religions represented here.

I'm not going to explain how to get there on your own, because we took the tour and were driven there by bus.

The church itself is a real showstopper – it's colorful and looks a bit rough around the edges, but in a fun way.

I was told by our guide that the founders of this temple were two brothers.

One of them was a healer, and people would come to see him for treatment.

I was even surprised to learn that Boris Yeltsin visited him for medical care.

Before establishing this temple, the brothers had explored different religions and even traveled to Tibet.

They came to the realization that all religions teach the importance of peace, and that none are inherently better or worse than others.

There was a lot of controversy when the temple was being built.

The Soviet government, which wasn't exactly keen on religion, wasn't too thrilled about the idea.

But the brothers were building the temple on their own dime and on land owned by their mother, so there wasn't much anyone could do to stop them.

Next, they bought up the surrounding land and the temple just kept growing and growing.

At the entrance to the temple, there's a photo of the brothers who founded it.

Unfortunately, one of the brothers passed away about ten years ago, and the other is now an elderly man, probably in his eighties.

But the kids are keeping the project alive.

We saw the second brother, and it's clear how much this means to him – he's still very much involved and trying to keep an eye on things.

The temple is still being built, renovated, and expanded.

When we went into the Christian room, our guide started yelling at us to stop making the sign of the cross.

The thing is, this place isn't exactly a spiritual or lit space – it's more of a recreational area.

Our guide showed us this cool feature in the hall – the mirror effect on the floor and ceiling when you stand along the wall.

It's a pretty clever idea.

I love how colorful all the halls are.

I think the artwork is thoughtfully chosen, each with its own meaning.

Take, for example, the Buddhist religion hall.

Checking out the Hindu temple was a real highlight of my trip.

I've got to say, the section dedicated to ancient Egyptian religion really caught my eye.

Walking into this room, I couldn't help but feel like I was stepping back in time.

One thing that caught my eye was the ceilings in each room – they're all super decorative.

Of course, you've got to have souvenir shops in any tourist spot, and they've got those too.

I'd definitely recommend visiting, but only if you go on an excursion to really get the vibe of the place.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to get to the church from Kazan?

The easiest way to get to the church is by taking a guided tour, which includes transportation from Kazan. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Kazan to the nearby town of Sviyazhsk and then walk to the church.

What can I expect to see at the church?

The church is a treasure trove of colorful paintings, statues, and artwork. Be sure to check out the stunning frescoes on the ceiling and the intricate carvings on the walls.

Is the church suitable for young children?

While the church is generally stroller-friendly, the guided tour may not be suitable for young children due to the amount of standing and walking involved.

Can I take photos inside the church?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the church, but be sure to respect the artwork and other visitors.

Are there any food or drink options available at the church?

No, there are no food or drink options available at the church, but you can bring your own snacks and drinks.

Can I visit the church on my own?

While it's technically possible to visit the church on your own, we highly recommend taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

What are the church's hours of operation?

The church's hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year and other factors, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Is the church wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the church is generally wheelchair accessible, but be sure to check ahead of time to confirm.

Can I purchase souvenirs at the church?

Yes, there are a few shops near the church where you can purchase souvenirs and other local goods.

check_circlePros

•The guided tour was a great way to learn about the church's history and significance.
•The colorful facade and eclectic mix of paintings and statues make for a unique and fascinating experience.
•The church's off-the-beaten-path location adds to its charm and makes it feel like a real discovery.
•Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the tour feel like a real adventure.
•The church's history and artwork are truly fascinating, and the guided tour brought it all to life.
•The location is easily accessible by bus, making it a convenient day trip from Kazan.
•The church has a lot of character, with its worn-out areas and peeling paint adding to its charm.
•The guided tour is a great value for money, considering the quality of the tour and the transportation.

cancelCons

•The church can feel a bit rough around the edges, with some worn-out areas and peeling paint.
•The guided tour can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to explore the church's many nooks and crannies.
•Some of the artwork and statues may not be to everyone's taste, so be prepared for a bit of cultural shock.
•The church's location is a bit off the beaten path, so you may need to do some research to find it.
•The guided tour may not be suitable for young children, as it involves a lot of standing and walking.
•The church's hours of operation may be limited, so be sure to check ahead of time.