Memorial of the fallen soldiers during the capture of Kazan in 1552

The Memorial of the fallen soldiers during the capture of Kazan in 1552 is a truncated pyramid with Greek porticos and wide staircases at each of its four sides. Beneath the main structure lies a crypt holding the remains of soldiers who died in the siege.

Ivan the Terrible commissioned the construction after the city's capture to honor those who died in combat. The site became a burial ground for soldiers lost in this pivotal military action.

The site serves as a place where visitors come to reflect on sacrifice, with its distinctive shape drawing attention to a moment of Russian history. The building's unconventional appearance makes it stand out among other memorial spaces in the city.

The memorial sits on a small artificial island connected by a bridge to the Kirovsky Dam in central Kazan. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as accessing the site requires climbing the broad staircases on any of the four sides.

The building draws from Egyptian architectural elements, an unusual choice for an Orthodox memorial in Russia. This blend of Eastern tradition with pyramid design creates a visual contrast rarely seen elsewhere in Russian buildings.

Location: Kazan

Inception: 1821

Architects: Nikolay Alfyorov

Architectural style: Egyptian Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 55.80092,49.07758

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30