Near the city

· Sviyazhsk is a fortress town on an island 30 kilometers from Kazan. The fortress was built in just four weeks in 1551 by Ivan the Terrible's troops. The historical and architectural complex of Sviyazhsk includes four monasteries, three churches, two cathedrals, a bell tower, and a monument. In addition to frequent guided tours, the island often hosts music festivals, stage performances, and an annual archery and crossbow tournament.

· The Blue Lakes are a famous recreation spot for locals and visitors alike. The waters reach as deep as 18 meters in places and are replenished from an underground system. It's significant that the lakes don't freeze over in winter. The waters are completely transparent and rich in salts. The bottom of the lakes is covered with a saline silt mud. Swimming in the Blue Lakes is not only pleasurable but also very good for you.