In the very heart of Kazan there is an attraction that causes controversial assessments. Tourists consider the eclectic palace an excellent photo spot, while locals dislike the bulky replica. In general, the building looks pretty nice, and against the background of a bronze tree they try to photograph everyone who comes to the capital of Tatarstan.
Construction history
In 2000 Kazan Kremlin was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After that, the Kazan authorities decided to completely change the central part of the city. The historical buildings, which adjoined the walls of the old Kremlin, were demolished and new buildings began to be erected instead.
A bird's eye view of the Farmers' Palace
As it always happens, large-scale landscaping has received ambiguous assessments in society, the innovations were criticized by historians, art historians and architects of Kazan. Many residents did not like the fact that the heart of the city was losing its historical appearance, but the renovation machine, which was running, could no longer be stopped. Dilapidated buildings were demolished one after another, and construction sites appeared in their place.
One of the largest remakes next to the Kremlin is a giant palace. It was built at an accelerated pace for the Student Universiade. Construction, which began in spring 2008, was completed in 2010. The ambitious architectural project cost the state a considerable amount - 2.2 billion rubles.
General view of the Palace of the Farmers
Architectural features
The author of the project, Leonid Gornik, was clearly inspired by the roofs of Paris and Budapest, Rome and Vienna. The Kazan Palace was built in the architectural style "Bozar". This is the name of the direction that arose in Europe in the middle of the 19th century, as opposed to the architects' enthusiasm for the national Middle Ages. Bezar continues the best traditions of classical and neoclassical architecture, light Renaissance from Italy and exquisite French Baroque.
View of the Palace of Farmers from the Kazan Kremlin
The palace in Kazan stands at the foot of a 15-meter hill, has an eclectic and monumental appearance. The building consists of a central part with a representative portal and an openwork classic dome, and two symmetrical wings.
Elements of classicism and Empire style are noticeable in small forms and decor of walls and roofs. A real piece of Western and Central Europe in the very heart of the capital of Tatarstan! The palace is divided into 4 floors, and the highest point of the building rises 48 m from ground level.
Side view of the Palace of the Farmers
The central facade is decorated with a realistic bronze tree without leaves 20 m high. The branched branches are successfully reflected in the blue mirrored glasses, they look very graceful and picturesque, so all tourists like to take pictures next to the unusual tree.
The interiors of the luxurious palace are significantly inferior to the magnificent facades. Inexpensive materials were used for decoration, and everything inside looks restrained and modest. The left half of the building is occupied by the ministry, and the right - by its subordinate organizations.
According to old-timers, the newly built palace does not in any way combine with the laconic architecture of the Kazan Kremlin, next to which it was built. In Tatar, the name of the architectural monument sounds like "Igenchelur sarae". However, sharp-tongued citizens of Kazan came up with special names for it - an ugly monster and the Palace of Landowners.
A gigantic building looms over the area and belittles the sign of an ancient monument, the history of which has more than one century. Be that as it may, after years the pompous palace turned into one of the main attractions of the city. His image can be seen in any guide to Kazan.
View of the bronze tree on the facade of the Palace of the Farmers
Farmers' Park
Between the palace and the bank of the Kazanka River, there is a large green park with an area of 6 hectares. The most impressive view of it opens from the observation deck of the Kazan Kremlin. The recreational area was built recently, together with the palace, so for now only young trees and shrubs grow in the park.
In 2013, the park hosted a youth sports holiday - the Student Universiade. There was a playground, an interactive football park, souvenirs were sold, an exhibition of rare footballs could be seen, and guests were fed delicious national dishes.
Fragment of bronze wood
Despite the fact that there are not many shadows in the modern park, it leaves a very pleasant impression. The green area looks restrained and sophisticated, perfectly complementing the classical facades of the palace. Park alleys are paved with colorful tiles, there are lanterns everywhere for night illumination, and lawns are neatly trimmed. Wooden benches are installed here and there for rest. In winter, New Year's garlands and glowing figures appear in the park.
Nearby is the residential quarter of modern premium-class houses "Palace Embankment", apartments in which cost a lot of money. No wonder! It's nice to live in comfort and see from the window the Kremlin, the park, the Palace of Farmers, temple of Paraskeva Friday and the Kazanka valley.
The Farmers' Palace in the night illumination
There are never too many people in the park, so a walk here is a great opportunity to relax and take a breath after excursions and city bustle. Especially for tourists, nice installations are arranged on the lawns. Guests of the city love to be photographed next to a funny green cow.
Useful information for tourists
The building houses the Republican Ministry of Agriculture and Food, as well as other government organizations. The palace is allowed inside only with a guided tour. For ordinary tourists, the entrance is closed.
Farmers' Palace at night
Anyone can walk around the palace and take a photo with the famous tree. Every year at the end of September, when the Republic Day is celebrated in the city, a final concert is held on the square in front of the building as part of the popular Kazan Autumn opera festival.
In the dark, the wings of the palace are highlighted in white, and the bronze tree is highlighted in green. It looks very impressive! Sightseeing buses, which carry tourists around the evening and night Kazan, try to drive closer to the palace so that tourists can see the original building in all its glory.
Bronze tree in night illumination
How to get there
An unusual palace stands in the historical Vakhitovsky district of the city, on Fedoseevskaya street, 36. From the metro station "Kremlin" to the palace in 10-15 minutes is easy to walk. The building can be reached by buses No. 22, 28 and 89. You need to get off at the Baturina Street stop.
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