Temple of All Religions, Religious architectural complex in Staroe Arakchino, Kazan, Russia
The Temple of All Religions is a joined complex of brick and stone sections in Staroye Arakchino, each built in a different religious style. Its tallest part carries a yellow dome of scalloped scales on a drum of tall arched windows, topped by a small blue drum and a gold finial. Nearby stand a brown tower with a steep spire and a black onion dome banded green and gold, a tower in dark scaffolding with blue onion domes, and a green conical spire.
Ildar Khanov began the complex in 1992, inspired by travels in Tibet and India; an alternative account credits his brother Ilgiz with starting in 1976. The first structure on the site was the brothers' mother's house, built in 1956 and later absorbed into the complex. Svyatoslav Roerich took part in the overall planning. After Khanov's death in 2013, his brother Ilgiz and sister Flyura Galeeva carried on the work.
The complex takes its name from the many religious symbols and architectural styles visible across its walls and domes. Today the building serves as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events, not for worship.
Visitors can walk through the halls and view colorful paintings and decorations representing different religious themes. The complex sits in Staroe Arakchino and is best reached by car or taxi from the city center.
The structure remains unfinished and continues to grow through handwork by the founder's family. Some rooms stay open so visitors can see ongoing construction and new additions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,020 contributors worldwide.