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Buckingham Palace

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Buckingham Palace , palace and London residence of the British sovereign . It is situated within the borough of Westminster . The palace takes its name from the house built (c. 1705) for John Sheffield, duke of Buckingham . It was bought in 1762 by George III for his wife, Queen Charlotte , and became known as the queen’s house. By order of George IV , John Nash initiated the conversion of the house into a palace in the 1820s. Nash also reshaped the Buckingham Palace Gardens and designed the Marble Arch entryway, which was later removed (1851) to the northeast corner of Hyde Park . The Mall front, or Fore Court (east side), was expanded in 1847 by Edward Blore and redesigned in 1913 by Sir Aston Webb as a background for the Queen Victoria Memorial statue. Nash’s garden front (west side) remains virtually unchanged. Victoria was the first sovereign to live there (from 1837).

Within the palace the Queen’s Gallery exhibits works from the royal art collection , including Fabergé eggs and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci . The changing of the guard takes place regularly (generally every morning from May through July and every other morning during the rest of the year), but the royal standard is flown over the palace only when the sovereign is in residence. Traditionally closed to the public, the State Rooms of the palace were opened to tourists during August and September in the mid-1990s in order to finance repairs to Windsor Castle , which was damaged by fire in 1992.

Since the mid-18th century the Royal Mews (stables and coach houses with living quarters above) have been located on the palace grounds; the current buildings date from 1824–25. Within the mews are the luxurious motorcars, dozens of carriages, and horses that figure prominently in royal processions and ceremonies. Notable among the carriages are the Gold State Coach (1762), the Irish State Coach (1852), the Glass State Coach (1910), and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach (2014).

Leading northeast from the palace and the Queen Victoria Memorial, the straight avenue of the Mall divides St. James’s Park from Green Park , skirts the grounds of St. James’s Palace , and eventually reaches the Admiralty Arch, gateway to Charing Cross .

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Buckingham Palace

By: History.com Editors

Updated: September 19, 2022 | Original: July 18, 2017

Buckingham Palace is the London home and the administrative center of the British royal family. The enormous building and extensive gardens are an important site of ceremonial and political affairs in the United Kingdom, as well as a major tourist attraction. But for a monarchy that dates back almost a thousand years, Buckingham Palace is a relatively new home.

Before Buckingham

Buckingham Palace has achieved iconic status as the official London residence of the reigning British monarch, but it hasn’t always served in that role.

Indeed, for more than 300 years, from 1531 until 1837, the King of England’s official residence in the capital city was St. James’ Palace. Located about a quarter of a mile from Buckingham Palace, St. James’ still stands, and remains the home of several members of the royal family. (It, like Buckingham Palace, is also open to tourists.)

READ MORE: 5 Objects on Display During Royal Funerals and Coronations

The land on which Buckingham Palace sits, in the borough of London known as Westminster, has been in the hands of the British monarchy for more than 400 years. Originally marshland along the River Tyburn, the site had a series of owners, including William the Conqueror and the monks of Westminster Abbey .

It is said that King James I liked the site, and acquired it for use as a sort of garden for the royals. It also had a small, 4-acre grove of mulberry trees, which King James hoped to use for silk production (silkworms feed only on mulberry trees).

There was a house on the property at the time, and it passed through a succession of owners until 1698, when it was sold to a man named John Sheffield. He later became the Duke of Buckingham, and it is for him that the house on the property was ultimately named.

Buckingham House

Sheffield, finding the original house on the property outdated, decided to build a new residence on the site in the early 1700s.

Designed and built by William Winde and John Fitch, the structure that became known as “Buckingham House” was completed around 1705.

At one point, Buckingham House was briefly considered as the site for the British Museum, but its owners wanted £30,000—an exorbitant sum at the time.

The Queen’s House

King George III purchased Buckingham House from Sir Charles Sheffield in 1761. He commissioned a £73,000 renovation of the structure.

The king’s plan was to use it as a home for his wife, Queen Charlotte, and their children. And, after his family moved in, the building became known as the “Queens House.”

With George III’s death in 1820, the king’s son, George IV , ascended to the throne. George IV, however, was relatively old for a new king. He was 60 when he took the throne, and in poor health.

Having grown up in Buckingham House, he favored the building and wanted to make it the official royal residence. He hired architect John Nash to expand and renovate the structure.

John Nash Renovates

As George IV’s health continued to fail, Nash designed and built out Buckingham House into a large, U-shaped structure faced with stone from the quarries near Bath, England. His design expanded the main section of the building, adding west wings, as well as branches to the north and south. The east wings were also rebuilt.

The wings of the new palace enclosed a large court, and the architect built a triumphal arch—with images depicting Britain’s recent military victories—at the center of the palace’s forecourt to create an imposing entrance for visiting dignitaries.

Although Nash’s work on the new palace was well received, and the building is still viewed as an architectural masterpiece today, Nash was dismissed by British government officials soon after George IV’s death in 1830.

The reason? The cost of the project. Nash’s masterpiece cost British taxpayers more than £400,000 to build.

To make matters worse, George IV’s brother, William IV , ascended to the throne in 1830, and he had no interest in relocating to the newly built Buckingham Palace. He preferred his princely home, Clarence Palace, instead.

When the House of Parliament was destroyed by fire in the 1830s, William IV offered Buckingham Palace as the new home of the legislature. However, the offer was politely declined.

In 1833-34, the British Parliament voted to complete the furnishing and interior refurbishment of Buckingham Palace for use as the official royal home. Following William IV’s death, in 1837, his niece, Victoria, assumed the throne and became the first royal resident of Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace Today

Soon after taking up residence in the new palace, however, Queen Victoria complained about the lack of space for entertaining foreign dignitaries.

So, in 1845, the architect Edward Blore was retained to enclose Nash’s forecourt on the eastern side, for the construction of staterooms and ballrooms. Buckingham Palace’s triumphal arch was moved to nearby Hyde Park.

Construction was completed in 1853, and Queen Victoria reigned until her death in 1901. Her son Edward VII ascended to the throne, and he is credited with an interior redesign of the palace, the remnants of which can still be seen today.

The home of the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II  since 1952, Buckingham Palace remains the administrative headquarters of the royal family and the site of many official events and receptions. Today, the 830,000 sq. ft. building has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

The British monarch’s role in governing the United Kingdom today is largely ceremonial—in Britain’s constitutional monarchy, the monarch or sovereign is head of state. However, the power to create laws rests with Parliament, and the executive function is fulfilled by the Prime Minister.

Buckingham Palace continues to play an important part in the monarch’s duties. Queen Elizabeth II welcomed many foreign leaders to the palace for celebratory events as well as important diplomatic meetings.

Who Built Buckingham Palace? Royal Collection Trust . Royal Residences: Buckingham Palace: The Royal Household . The Role of the Monarchy: The Royal Household . St. James Palace: History: The British Monarchy .

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Buckingham Palace

Introduction.

Palace Layout

The palace has 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms and 78 bathrooms. There are 92 offices, where the queen, her office staff, and family all work. State banquets are held in the ballroom. There are 19 State Rooms that are used to entertain official guests.

Every summer the queen holds three garden parties on the grounds of the palace. Some 30,000 people are invited to the parties each year.

Buckingham House was bought by King George III for his wife, Charlotte, in 1761. In 1825 King George IV decided to change the house into a palace, but the building project took many years. Queen Victoria became the first sovereign to live in Buckingham Palace, in 1837.

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for architecture by architects

Buckingham Palace: An Architecture Landmark to Visit in London

Buckingham Palace, located in Central London, is an iconic neoclassical architectural landmark with a history. Originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House, it underwent significant transformations, including major renovations in 1825 under architect John Nash. The palace’s neoclassical features, such as symmetry, columns, and decorative elements, reflect the architectural style prevalent during its expansion. It is constructed with limestone, brick, and stucco, Buckingham Palace faces challenges in preserving its complex structural elements, including a historic roof. Ongoing maintenance, safety inspections, and a 10-year reservicing program aim to address aging infrastructure, ensuring environmental sustainability and visitor experience improvements. The palace was designed by William Winde and John Nash, and later architects like Edward Blore, the palace showcases historical design influences ranging from neoclassical to baroque and rococo. Its iconic status has influenced other London buildings, setting grandeur and decorative detailing standards. Buckingham Palace has served as the British monarch’s London residence and administrative headquarters since 1837. Its design emphasizes ceremonial spaces, such as the State Rooms, adorned with opulent styles. The ongoing restoration, a $445 (€407, £369) million program, addresses outdated systems and aims to modernize infrastructure while preserving historical details. Architects visiting Buckingham Palace can join Exclusive Guided Tours, delving into its architectural evolution, historical significance, and structural renovations. Key lessons for architects include adaptability, neoclassical design principles, integration of green spaces, and technological innovation. For architecture enthusiasts exploring London, landmarks like 30 St Mary Axe, Tate Modern Extension, Lloyd’s Building, Barbican Estate, and Westminster Abbey offer diverse architectural styles and historical significance.

Table of Contents

What is Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is located in SW1A 1AA, the City of Westminster, Central London, United Kingdom. It was originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House by English architect John Fitch under commission from John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham. The original building was a large townhouse with three floors and two smaller flanking wings. In 1761, King George III purchased the house for his wife, Queen Charlotte, as a private family residence, which became known as The Queen’s House. Major remodeling and expansion of the building into a palace began in 1825 under the direction of King George IV. He appointed architect John Nash to enlarge the central block and completely rebuild the two eastern wings into a large U-shaped structure. The interiors featured a new Renaissance-inspired white and gold decorative scheme. Work continued under architect Edward Blore after Nash was dismissed. The final façade overlooking the Mall, featuring the iconic balcony, was completed in 1913 by Sir Aston Webb. Queen Victoria took residence in 1837, and Buckingham Palace officially became the principal royal London residence. Today, Buckingham Palace occupies an area of about 39 acres and contains 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and 19 State Rooms used for official functions and receptions. The State Rooms are elaborately decorated with paintings from the Royal Collection, showcasing the British monarchy’s wealth and power. 

What architectural style is most prominent in Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace represents the neoclassical architectural style . The palace was a large townhouse designed by William Winde in the Baroque style. Major remodeling began in 1825 under the direction of architect John Nash, intending to enlarge the structure into a grand royal palace. Nash’s design exemplified the neoclassical architectural style, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Key features include the symmetry of the façade, the use of columns and pediments, and decorative elements such as bas-reliefs and statues. The exterior façade that Nash created features bathstone in the French neoclassical style preferred by King George IV at the time. Later architects such as Edward Blore continued to work on Buckingham Palace through the 19th century but maintained Nash’s original neoclassical vision. Though there have been some 20th-century additions, such as the East front facade in Portland stone added in 1913, most of the palace today remains true to the neoclassical aesthetic first put in place by Nash in the 1820s. The prominence of columns, triangular pediments, domes, and other neoclassical elements reflect this consistent architectural influence over the past two centuries of the palace’s evolution.

What structural engineering principles are employed in the construction of Buckingham Palace?

There are several structural engineering principles that ensure Buckingham Palace’s stability and durability. Firstly, a foundational aspect is the use of load-bearing walls. These walls are critical for supporting the weight of the building, effectively distributing the load from the roof and upper floors down to the foundation. This is particularly important in a structure as significant and historic as Buckingham Palace. Secondly, the foundations of the palace play a vital role. They are designed to support the structure’s weight and are likely deep and robust, ensuring the building’s stability over time. Thirdly, arches and beams are prominent in the palace’s construction. Arches, often used in doorways and windows, help distribute weight evenly, while beams are essential for supporting ceilings and floors. This combination of arches and beams contributes significantly to the structural integrity of the building. Fourthly, the symmetrical design of Buckingham Palace is not only pleasing but also plays a structural role. This symmetry helps in evenly distributing weight and stress across the building, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of such a large structure. Finally, the roofing structure, including trusses and other elements, is designed to distribute the roof’s weight across the walls evenly. This is particularly important in large and historic buildings like Buckingham Palace, where the top can be a significant source of weight and stress.

Who designed Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace was designed by architect William Winde in the Baroque style, featuring a large central block with two smaller wings.  In 1820, George IV wanted to transform his mother’s house into an imposing royal palace. He appointed his Official Architect of Woods and Forests, John Nash, to oversee renovations and expansion. Nash had established himself as a leading architect of the Regency era, favoring the Neoclassical style. He extended the central block and rebuilt the two side wings, enlarging the U-shaped structure into a much grander building suited for royal ceremonies and functions. Nash’s reconstruction cost far more than budgeted. After George IV died in 1830, Nash was dismissed for overspending. The new King William IV appointed Edward Blore to finish the work. Blore added an extra floor, embellished Nash’s east façade design, created a new southern entrance, and completed the iconic public face of Buckingham Palace by 1837. The interiors were also transformed under Nash and later architects to match the exterior’s grandeur. Nash’s student James Pennethorne contributed opulent Baroque and Rococo-inspired rooms. The current Throne Room and Picture Gallery date to the 20th-century renovations by Sir Aston Webb during King Edward VII’s reign. Ongoing repairs and upgrades aim to preserve the 775-room palace for future generations.

What are the historical design influences visible in Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace influences historical designs with neoclassical, baroque, and rococo. Originally constructed in 1703 as a large townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, the property was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private royal residence. Major expansion and redesign of the palace began in the 1820s under the direction of architect John Nash. Nash embraced a French neoclassical style favored by King George IV, evident in the palace’s imposing facade with intricate stonework, columns, and grand arches. However, costs escalated rapidly, leading to Nash’s dismissal. His successor, Edward Blore, retained the neoclassical external façade but focused on interior design with opulent baroque and rococo features. These ornate styles dominate spaces like the Throne Room and Picture Gallery, resplendent with antiques, art, and decadent finishes in bold colors and gilded accents. Successive monarchs and architects continued to leave their imprint through minor modifications and technological enhancements, but the palace’s core 18th and 19th-century architectural details remain intact as emblems of British history and sovereignty. The synthesis of design influences across various eras is considered an elegant expression of national heritage.

How has Buckingham Palace influenced the design of other buildings in London?

Buckingham Palace has influenced the design of other buildings in London in several key ways. Firstly, the palace set a precedent for using stone as a primary building material. Many landmark buildings across London emulate Buckingham Palace’s Portland and Caen stone facade, aiming to achieve its grandeur and neoclassical aesthetic. This is evident in structures like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Admiralty Arch. Secondly, the decorative elements of Buckingham Palace sparked a trend of elaborate detailing on the facades and interiors of other notable London buildings. Intricate moldings, bas-reliefs, columns, and cornices define spaces like the Royal Albert Hall, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and the Palace of Westminster. The renowned East Front facade introduced in 1913 inspires the front-facing designs of other institutions. Its iconic balcony and Portland stone facade set a standard that buildings like the BBC Broadcasting House and Royal Festival Hall emulate in their imposing, symmetrical street presence. Lastly, Buckingham Palace shapes the perception of prestige in British architecture. Other structures that host cultural events or house institutions hope to capture this spirit of civic importance in their designs’ grandeur and bold classicism. Buckingham Palace has directly influenced what defines landmark and cultural architecture in London across the decades.

What purpose does Buckingham Palace serve and how does the design help?

Buckingham Palace has been the British monarch’s London residence and administrative headquarters since 1837. Its purpose is to provide a setting for important state occasions, royal hospitality, and ceremonies. The palace’s design reflects this ceremonial function through its neoclassical facade and interiors. The staterooms are the most essential spaces for entertaining guests and dignitaries. Nash designed them in ornate styles like baroque and rococo, using materials like gilded detailing, Sèvres porcelain, silk wallcoverings, and crystal chandeliers. The Throne Room, Picture Gallery, Music Room, and Ballroom are among the highlights. The Grand Staircase makes a suitably grand entrance to these rooms. In total, there are 19 state rooms used for ceremonies and receptions attended by royalty, heads of state, and other VIPs. In addition to interior grandeur, the palace has the largest private garden in London at 39 acres. It provides the setting for the royal family’s annual garden parties. Other amenities include a swimming pool, post office, doctor’s office, movie theater, and police station, allowing the palace to function as a small town catering to the royal family’s needs. So in both its architecture and facilities, Buckingham Palace is designed to serve as a fitting residence, office, and entertainment venue for Britain’s monarch to conduct state business and host guests in style and luxury. 

How is Buckingham Palace maintained?

Buckingham Palace undergoes regular maintenance and renovations to preserve the building and enable it to function effectively as the monarch’s residence and administrative headquarters. However, the infrastructure had not seen significant upgrades since the 1950s, prompting a 10-year, $460 million (€430 million, £369 million) resurfacing program that began in 2017. The reservicing replaces outdated systems, including electrical wiring, heating, plumbing, drainage, and IT networks. Many were near or beyond their recommended service life, posing fire, flood, and operational risks. The project takes a phased, wing-by-wing approach to allow partial palace occupancy and access for visitors. Specialist art handlers decanted over 3,000 artifacts from the East Wing before infrastructure upgrades began there. An “army” of over 800 staff keep the palace clean and dust-free through sweeping rather than vacuuming to avoid noise pollution. The 42-acre garden is tended by horticulturalists who recycle green waste as a natural fertilizer. The reservicing project is on track for completion in 2027. The palace remains actively used for royal business and events in the interim period. The 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations provided an early showcase of the upgraded facilities. Modern infrastructure will support the palace, enabling it to function effectively as a working royal residence and remain open to the public for the next 50 years.

How does Buckingham Palace reflect cultural and contextual relevance in its design?

Buckingham Palace reflects cultural and contextual relevance in its design. In architectural style, the palace’s neoclassical facade was inspired by French chateaux and designed to project regal elegance. Its style reflects the cultural influence of European architecture and Britain’s political ties with France at the time. Inside, Nash incorporated baroque, rococo, and other ornate styles that were fashionable in early 19th-century England. In historical significance, the expansions over time made Buckingham Palace an icon representing the continuity of the British monarchy for over 300 years. It is a living record of shifting architectural tastes from Queen Charlotte to today. Buckingham Palace shapes Britain’s public narrative as a stable, enduring monarchy. It is a globally recognized symbol of tradition that still feels relevant as the backdrop for events like royal weddings. The palace has adapted to stay current. Recent technology upgrades and accessibility improvements help it operate effectively while preserving heritage. 

What architectural trend or movement does Buckingham Palace represent?

Buckingham Palace represents the contemporary architectural trend. The palace features neoclassical stylistic elements inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, it has undergone major expansions and renovations into the 19th and 20th centuries to keep up with the evolving architectural innovations and ideas of the times. So contemporary architecture, which incorporates modern technologies and design concepts as they emerge while not adhering to any one historical style, is the overarching architectural trend that Buckingham Palace falls under. The palace encompasses both neoclassical and contemporary elements as it has been upgraded to reflect the prevailing architectural trends.

What are the challenges faced during the restoration of Buckingham Palace?

The ongoing restoration of Buckingham Palace faces several key challenges. Firstly, the safe removal of asbestos spread throughout the building. Given its hazardous nature, asbestos removal necessitates specialized protocols and precautions during demolition, adding complexity to various renovation tasks. Secondly, it revolves around averting imminent catastrophic failures in the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. Dating back to the 1950s, urgent upgrades are essential to prevent potential disasters such as fires or flooding. The outdated components must be swiftly replaced to mitigate the risk of substantial damage. Thirdly, the massive scale and scope of the renovation, spanning a decade, pose additional difficulties. The project involves carefully coordinating thousands of artifacts being decanted across a phased plan, focusing on core infrastructure and accessibility. Lastly, there is a delicate balance to strike between conservation and transformation. Preserving heritage aspects while executing transformative modernization requires meticulous consideration. The preservation of historical details must be carefully weighed against the installation of new sustainable and efficient building technologies to uphold the functionality of Buckingham Palace during and after the restoration process.

How does Buckingham Palace comply with contemporary safety and accessibility standards?

Buckingham Palace has been strategically focused on enhancing accessibility, with a series of upgrades implemented to facilitate a more inclusive environment. Among these initiatives is adding a golf cart and trailer, specifically designed to transport wheelchair users seamlessly past the gravel driveway and into the Palace, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges have convenient access. Thick carpets aid in improving navigation for those using mobility devices.  In tandem with these accessibility enhancements, Buckingham Palace has implemented a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul through a 10-year phased resurfacing program initiated in 2017. This ambitious program aims to replace outdated critical systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and wiring, which have aged over time, posing potential risks of fire and flooding. The improved accessibility measures will accommodate a more diverse range of visitors, including those with disabilities, fostering a welcoming environment for all. Buckingham Palace actively aligns itself with government health guidelines, particularly in the context of COVID-19 safety measures. The adaptability of the Palace to evolving standards is evident, as policies and facilities are continually updated in response to the dynamic landscape of health and safety protocols. 

Are there any specific tours for architects or architecture enthusiasts visiting Buckingham Palace?

Yes, there are specific tours for architects and architecture enthusiasts visiting Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace offers Exclusive Guided Tours that provide an in-depth look at the architecture and design of the palace. These tours are available in winter and spring when the State Rooms are closed to the general public.

The Exclusive Guided Tours last around 2 hours and 30 minutes and are limited to groups of 30 people. They are led by expert guides who share details on the building’s history, architecture, and renovations over the years. Some key architectural and design elements highlighted on the tours include showcasing the facade Edward Blore designed in 1913, including the iconic balcony where the royal family appears. Tours visit the 19 State Rooms of the palace, explaining how different monarchs shaped their designs over time. Guides chronicle major structural renovations done to the palace over 300 years. This includes discussing destroyed wings, extensions built, and modernizations for heating, electricity, and technology.

What lessons can architects learn from the design and construction of Buckingham Palace?

Architects can learn several key lessons from the design and construction of Buckingham Palace. Firstly, the importance of adaptability in architectural design. Buckingham Palace has undergone constant renovations and extensions to meet the changing needs of its royal residents over 300 years. Architect John Nash led one of the first major reconstructions in the 1820s, but updates continued into the 20th century. This ability for the structure to transform over time provides a great case study in flexible form and function. Secondly, architects should note the neoclassical influences in the palace’s facade. Classical Greek and Roman elements like columns, pediments, and symmetry have stood the test of time. Even in the 19th century, architect John Nash emulated these styles, giving the palace a monumental, timeless aesthetic. Thirdly, Buckingham Palace was situated to connect with surrounding gardens and parks. The green spaces provide beautiful views and accessibility for the public. This lesson in integrating landscaping is invaluable for architects to increase sustainability and community engagement. Buckingham Palace has been upgraded technologically across the centuries. Architects can look to these improvements as inspiration to design buildings ready for innovation rather than limited to the technology of their time.

What are the best architectural landmarks in London to visit as an architect?

Listed below are the best architectural landmarks in London to visit as an architect. 

• The Shard: The Shard is a paradigm of modern skyscraper design and a must-visit for architects in high-rise architecture and sustainability. Designed by Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, it stands as the tallest building in the United Kingdom. The Shard’s glass facade, resembling a shard of glass, demonstrates the innovative use of materials and provides views of London. Its mixed-use design, incorporating offices, residences, and public spaces, represents the concept of a vertical city, making it a key study in contemporary urban architecture.
• The British Museum: The British Museum is pivotal for architects studying the integration of historic structures with modern design. The Great Court, redesigned by Norman Foster and opened in 2000, transformed the museum’s central courtyard into a dynamic, covered public space. The roof, a glass and steel structure, allows natural light to flood the interior. This museum is an example of traditional architecture with contemporary design, demonstrating how modern interventions can enhance historical buildings.
• St Paul’s Cathedral: St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is a landmark for architects interested in classical architecture and its influence on cityscapes. Completed in 1710, its dome is an engineering marvel, influencing church architecture worldwide. The cathedral’s design, embodying the grandeur of the English Baroque style, offers insights into the construction techniques of the time and Wren’s architectural vision. Its presence in London’s skyline makes it a symbol of architectural resilience and innovation.
• 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin): 30 St Mary Axe, known as The Gherkin, is a significant visit for architects studying sustainable skyscraper design. Designed by Norman Foster and completed in 2003, its shape and diagrid structure make it stand out in London’s skyline. The building’s eco-friendly features, including natural ventilation systems, represent a shift towards sustainability in urban architecture, making it a model for future skyscraper designs.
• The Royal Pavilion, Brighton: The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a remarkable example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Designed by John Nash and completed in 1823, its Indian-inspired design marked a significant departure from traditional British architecture. The Pavilion’s decorated interiors and exteriors showcase a fusion of styles and make it a study of opulent and imaginative design.
• The Tate Modern: The Tate Modern, a masterful example of adaptive reuse, is crucial for architects interested in the transformation of industrial spaces into cultural venues. Herzog & de Meuron’s conversion of the former Bankside Power Station, completed in 2000, maintains the industrial essence while introducing contemporary elements. The Tate Modern represents how architectural innovation can repurpose existing structures, offering a new life and function, which is increasingly relevant in urban development.
• The Lloyd’s Building: The Lloyd’s Building is a must-visit for architects interested in this architectural movement. Designed by Richard Rogers and completed in 1986, its external services and modular, prefabricated construction challenge conventional architectural norms. The building’s futuristic design and functional aesthetics have made it a symbol of innovation in commercial architecture.
• Westminster Palace and Big Ben: Westminster Palace, particularly the iconic Big Ben, is a fundamental site for architects studying Gothic Revival architecture. Reconstructed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin after a fire in 1834 represents a revival of the Gothic style adapted for a modern legislature. The complex’s stonework, pointed arches, and detailed ornamentation offer insights into 19th-century design and craftsmanship, making it a key example of historicist architecture in a political context.

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• Buckingham...

The King's official London residence and a working royal palace.

Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as the home of the monarch, the focus of national and royal celebrations, as well as the backdrop to the regular Changing the Guard ceremony.

Explore the magnificent State Rooms which are open to visitors each summer , and on selected dates for guided tours during winter and spring.

The summer opening of Buckingham Palace this year is 11 July to 29 September 2024 . Tickets are still available for Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms. 

For the ultimate royal experience book a  Royal Day Out . You will visit Buckingham Palace's magnificent State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery, all in one day.

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With so much to see and do, take a look at our list of recommendations to make your visit extra special.

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Royal day out.

For the ultimate royal experience choose a Royal Day Out ticket. You will visit Buckingham Palace's magnificent State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery, all in one day.

Shopping and Eating

The garden café.

Relax in the Garden Café after your visit to the Palace, with afternoon tea in a keepsake tin.

Buckingham Palace shops

Visit the garden shop at the end of your visit to the Palace, or find our shop on Buckingham Palace Road

Children and Families

Children and families visiting buckingham palace.

Read our guide to help plan your visit with your family.

Top 10 highlights for children

Learn more about some of the highlights of Buckingham Palace for families and children.

What's on for children and families

Group prices.

We offer a groups discount for bookings of 15 people or more.

Group bookings

Group visits to Buckingham Palace must be pre-booked, either online or over the phone.

Coach parking

Coaches can pick up passengers after they exit the Palace on Grosvenor Place. There is no coach parking near Buckingham Palace.

Guiding isn't allowed at Buckingham Palace. Visitors can enjoy a free multimedia tour, available in nine languages.

What's on for groups

Bring the curriculum to life with a visit to Buckingham Palace during the summer. We offer a range of interactive workshops, tours, learning activities and resources for nursery, primary and secondary pupils. Our school visit information will help teachers and organisers plan their visit.

School activities at Buckingham Palace are published each spring and take place during the summer. Throughout the rest of the year we offer school sessions at the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

School sessions

Write Royal: Putting the Palace into Words

• 9 Sep 2024 - 30 Sep 2024
• Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Art & Design, English Language, History
• Creative writing, English, Historical Interpretation, Monarchy

Landscape drawing in the Buckingham Palace Garden

• 12 Sep 2024 - 27 Sep 2024
• Art & Design, Citizenship, History
• Buckingham Palace, Composition, Landscapes, Learning from paintings, Perspective, The Victorians

Behind the throne: The role of Buckingham Palace through time

• 12 Sep 2024 - 3 Oct 2024
• Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3
• British values, Buckingham Palace, Chronology, Coronation, Famous people, Kings and Queens, Lives of significant individuals, Monarchy, Queen Victoria, Significant individuals in the past, The Victorians

Access and Mobility

Concessionary rates are available if you have a disability and we offer a free access companion ticket which can be booked online. 

If you require step-free access this must be pre-booked by contacting the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or  [email protected] . The standard admission route is not step-free. The Specialist Sales team may also be able to arrange accessible parking for you, subject to availability and this must be pre-booked at least 3 full working days before your visit. Please contact the Specialist Sales team for more information.

Accessible toilets and limited seating are available.

Registered assistance dogs are welcome.

The multimedia guide is available in British Sign Language (BSL) and with subtitles, and an audio-descriptive guide is available for blind or partially-sighted visitors.

A number of Wardens are Dementia Friends, please ask staff for any assistance.

The State Rooms tour is indoors, taking in several large rooms and halls over two floors, exiting via a long outdoor gravel path through the garden. As the State Rooms are open during the summer months, it can become very hot inside.

There is a separate gift shop available on the Access route and the terrace café is fully accessible.

For detailed access information, please select one of the options below. For any other information, you can contact the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or  [email protected] .

About the Palace

The east wing of buckingham palace.

A journey through Queen Victoria’s famous addition to the Palace.

Who built the Palace?

The history of the site where Buckingham Palace stands can be traced back to the reign of James I in the early 17th century.

Who lived at the Palace?

Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to live in the Palace in 1837.

The Garden at Buckingham Palace

Learn about the history of the royal garden and how it is used today.

State Banquets at Buckingham Palace

A look behind the scenes at this grand feast.

Book tickets

Buckingham palace standard admission.

Open Thursday - Monday

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The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.

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On the End of Debutante “Presentation Parties” at Buckingham Palace

Princess margaret: “we had to put a stop to it. every tart in london was getting in.”.

In February 1958, the Tatler published its debutante issue, “to help those who are bringing out daughters this year.” There were articles on “fashions for her first season”; pages and pages of photographs of teenage girls looking variously confident, shy, or sullen; and an endless calendar of cocktail parties, buffet luncheons, and coming-out dances. “The social season of 1958 looks like being an exceptionally full one,” wrote the Tatler ’s social diarist, “Jennifer.” “To begin with, there are three afternoon Presentation parties at Buckingham Palace instead of the usual two.

These royal parties had once been the entire raison d’ȇtre of the London Season, that period between April and August when the elite and would-be elite came together at a glittering array of social and sporting occasions from opera to Ascot. A debutante’s presentation at court—the queuing, the nerves, the sovereign acknowledging the practiced curtsey with a glimmer of a smile before the deb was quickly moved on so that the performance could be repeated with the next girl, and the next, and the next—this was what marked a young woman’s coming out into Society with a capital S, her arrival on the marriage market, her transition to adulthood, and her admission to a privileged elite.

After social norms had been inconveniently interrupted by the Second World War, presentations at court were revived by George VI in 1947. But the business was less exclusive, less glamorous than before. And it felt uncomfortably anachronistic in a postwar Britain which was struggling with rationing and bomb damage. The presentation party went into a slow decline until finally, in November 1957, the lord chamberlain’s office announced that there would be no more presentations after the following year’s Season. “The present time is one of transition in the sense that the traditional barriers of class have been broken down,” admitted the author of a rueful leading article in the Times the following day. “It has long ceased to be true to say that the Court is the centre of an aristocracy, the members of which form a clearly recognizable section of the community.” Princess Margaret was more succinct: “We had to put a stop to it,” she said. “Every tart in London was getting in.”

So 1958 was to be the last royal Season, and anxious social commentators predicted that its demise heralded the end of the Season altogether. In fact, the hectic round of social activities continued into the 1960s, with the overlapping worlds of aristocracy and plutocracy simply getting on with the business of bringing out their daughters and advertising their availability for marriage. Traditional fixtures were maintained—Queen Charlotte’s Ball, the Royal Caledonian Ball, both held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair—as were the great sporting occasions—Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta, Wimbledon, and the Royal International Horse Show at White City Stadium.

There were also the private events, the cocktail parties, the “small dance” in Holland Park or Hampstead, perhaps shared between two or three debutantes, the grand ball with royal guests. There were around a hundred private dances each year well into the 1960s. Mothers whose own debuts had taken place in prewar days went for familiar venues—stalwarts like the Hyde Park Hotel and Claridge’s, the Ritz, the Dorchester. Others, with impressive addresses in Mayfair or Belgravia or Chelsea, opted for their own town houses.

But around half of the coming-out dances held both before and after the end of presentations at court didn’t take place in London at all. In 1956, for instance, Lady Cynthia Asquith gave a ball for her granddaughter at Stanway House in Gloucestershire, the Jacobean country home of her nephew Francis, Earl of Wemyss and March. Also in Gloucestershire, Mrs J. H. Dent-Brocklehurst gave a ball for her daughter Catharine at the family’s 15th-century seat of Sudeley Castle. The Marchioness of Abergavenny brought out her daughter, Lady Anne Nevill, at Eridge Park in Sussex; Mrs Bromley-Davenport did the same for her daughter at Capesthorne Hall in Cheshire, which had belonged to the Davenport family since the mid-18th century.

The country house was coming to rival the traditional hotel and the Mayfair mansion as a fashionable venue for a coming-out ball, as indeed it had been for years both in Ireland, where the season revolved around the Dublin Horse Show in August, and in Scotland, where the best of the Northern Season’s autumnal entertainments had always taken place in private homes. And while the country house made for a very different experience—guests were more likely to meet with country doctors, inebriated clergymen, and horse-mad matrons rather than the determinedly sophisticated types that might be found at the big London dances—it was usually a pleasant one.

“The best dances were in the country, in some castle or huge house,” remembered Angela Huth, who came out in 1956. Fiona MacCarthy, who came out two years after Angela and, like Angela, went on to forge a distinguished career as a writer, reckoned that “the Season only came alive out in the country.” People dressed less formally and were generally more relaxed. “In the last hour or two of a good party in the country, as dawn rose on dancing partners sleepily entwined on the dance floor in the garden, even girls who had their reservations about the Season felt fortunate indeed.” Angela Huth agreed: “The unforgettable part of the country dances was the return to the house at which we were staying to find the brilliance of the previous evening veiled in early mist, melancholy wisteria drooping more heavily, mourning doves cooing—all so uniquely English that tears came to tired eyes.”

_______________________________________

Excerpted from  Noble Ambitions: The Fall and Rise of the English Country House After World War II by  Adrian   Tinniswood . Copyright 2021. Available from Basic Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

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WHERE IS BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham palace is in London, England. Buckingham palace was built around 1705. It is famous because Queen Elizabeth of England lives there. She became queen in 1952.

Buckingham palace is a big and beautiful building. A flag flies at the palace. It flies on top of the palace when the queen is there .

Queen Elizabeth and her family live on the second floor of the palace. The queen also has her office at the palace. Presidents, kings, and politicians meet with her. Queen Elizabeth often asks important People to eat dinner at the palace.

She also has three garden parties in the summer. She invites 9 000 people to each party! A lot of people meet the queen.

Buckingham Palace is like a small town. It has a police station, a hospital, two post offices, a movie theatre, a swimming pool, two sports clubs, a garden, and a lake. The palace has about 600 rooms. About 400 people work there. Two people have very unusual jobs. They take care of the clocks. There are 300 clocks in Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth’s day starts at 7:00 in the morning. Seven people take care of her. One person prepares her bath, and another person prepares her clothes. Another person takes care of her dogs. The queen loves dogs. Right now she has eight dogs. Every day, a man brings food for her dogs to queen Elizabeth’s room. The queen puts the food in the bowls with a silver spoon.

At 8:30 every morning, the queen has breakfast with her husband, Prince Philip. They drink a special coffee with hot milk. During breakfast, a musician plays Scottish music outside. Then Queen Elizabeth works in her office the rest of the morning. After lunch, she visits hospitals, schools, or new buildings.

It is very interesting to eat dinner at Buckingham Palace You have to follow rules. Queen Elizabeth starts to eat first, and then everybody eats. When the queen finishes eating, everybody finishes eating.

You can’t leave the table during dinner. The queen never accepts a telephone call during dinner, even in an emergency.

People visit the rooms in Buckingham Palace in August and September. There are wonderful things to see, like paintings and statues. Don’t forget that Queen Elizabeth is one of the richest people in the world.

Buckingham Palace

Jul 23, 2014

1.38k likes | 4.99k Views

Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of British kings and queens since Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 . . Queen Victoria . Buckingham Palace built in 1703 by John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham .

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Presentation Transcript

BuckinghamPalace

Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of British kings and queens since Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837. Queen Victoria

Buckingham Palace built in 1703 by John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham. King George III bought the house in 1762 as a town dwelling for Queen Charlotte, and they occupied it as a private residence. John Sheffield George III

Buckingham House, 1710 Buckingham Palace panorama, 1909

The present palace – building work started in 1825 – was designed by John Nash, who commissioned by King George IV. The east- or front-wing of the palace, the part most familiar to the public today, was built in 1847 and refaced in Portland stone in 1913. George IV

The west facade of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace seen from Green Park

The Royal Family on the balcony in 1986

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. The State apartments are in the west wing of the palace and are approached by the Grand Hall and Grand Staircase. Grand Hall

Grand Staircase Guests ascending the Grand Staircase in 1870.

The Ballroom, the largest of the apartments, built for Queen Victoria in the 1850s, is used for State banquets and investitures.

The Throne Room

The Queen’s private apartments are in the north wing and on the opposite side is Queen’s Gallery, which since 1962 has been open to the public, showing works of the art from the royal collection. The State Dining Room The Queen's Breakfast Room

Nash Gallery

The Pennethorne Gallery

The White Drawing

The Blue Drawing Room

The Green Drawing Room

The palace garden are used for the royal garden parties; the Royal Mews, or stables, on the south of the palace grounds, house the carriages, horses and royal cars and also open to the public on certain afternoons each week.

The Gold State Coach

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE. JOANA - ONA. INDEX. Who live in Buckingham Palace? Flag. Changing of the guards. Now. WHO LIVE IN BUCKINGHAM PALACE?. Queen Elizabeth lives in the palace. FLAG. This flag has got seven lions. CHANCHING OF THE GUARD .

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Britain's royal family host a party on the grounds of their London residence.<br>

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This year however it would be extra-special as to mark the 20 years since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales there will be an additional display in the music room in tribute of the princess’s commitment to her official duties. If you are still excited to see all these things you can go for Hotels in London Earls Court now.

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Buckingham Pewter is one of the largest pewter manufacturer and a Giftware offering a wide range of custom made products like, belt buckles, key rings, coasters, medallions, lapel pins, paperweights, bookmarks and custom 3d figurines in Perth and all throughout the Australia. All of our pewter products are handmade and we have an aim to be the largest retailer of Australian made gifts. So, we offer great quality of these products and even better service. With a huge range of products available, we cover a wide range of gift giving ideas. We are pretty much sure that we have the perfect pewter gift for everyone.

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Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. Buckingham House, c.1710, was designed by William Winde for the 1st Duke of Buckingham.

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A 21st-century guide to Kazan’s sights

Since the Millennium Jubilee Kazan has become a very different city compared to what it used to be. It came out of the celebration of its first millennium as a completely transformed urban center staking its claim as Russia’s third capital after Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Almost all pre-existing sport facilities in Kazan were rebuilt for the World University Games, while 30 new ones were built from scratch including the Water Sports Palace, the Tennis Academy, the Ak Bars Wrestling Palace, the St. Petersburg Volleyball Center, the boat canal on the Middle Kaban Lake and the 45,000-seat Kazan Arena. It is the third-largest stadium in Russia.

Apart from the arrival of new sport facilities, many other changes have taken place. The entire city center has been restored and has seen the construction of a business district, a university campus, a high-speed tram and a metro. Historical monuments have been rehabilitated, while new streets and parking lots have been built. Kazan has also become a bike-friendly city, with a bike rental program featuring Paris bicycles (the first 30 minutes are free). Free Wi-Fi is available in the Metro and throughout the center.    

A new railway station and an additional airport terminal have been built to handle the growing inflow of tourists and sportspeople. To go to the airport visitors can take the Lastochka express train, which goes from the center to the terminal in 20 minutes, cutting the journey time in half.

Tatarstan’s capital now stands out as one of Russia’s top urban destinations. Let’s have a look at Kazan’s top seven new sights.

The Kul-Sharif Mosque

The mosque has a capacity of 1,500 and the square in front of it can host up to 10,000 people. The shapes on its dome recall the “Kazan Cap,” which was the Khan’s crown. According to legend it was taken to Moscow after the fall of Kazan and is now located in the Armory Chamber in the Kremlin. Kul-Sharif is not just a religious space, but also hosts two exhibitions: The Museum of Islamic Culture in the Volga Region and the Museum of Ancient Calligraphy.

Temple of All Religions

In 1994 architect Ildar Khanov began construction of the so-called Temple of All Religions on land that he owned. In the eclectic silhouette of this cascade of buildings you can see a combination of Christian crosses, Muslim crescents, stars of David and Chinese domes. The Temple does not function as a place of worship, but features a museum, an art gallery and a concert hall.

Khanov decided to erect this curious building after his travels to Tibet and India where he studied Eastern art, Buddhism, yoga and Tibetan and Chinese medicine. He was helped in the realization of this grandiose project both by local businesspeople and like-minded locals. This humanist and artist passed away in 2013 without having managed to complete the construction of the temple, but funds are being collected to complete it. 

To get to the Temple of All Religions take an “elektrichka” (local train) from Kazan and get off at “Staroe Arakchino” station or take bus no. 2 or 45 and get off at “Poselok Staroe Arakchino.”

The Palace of Agriculture

The Palace of Agriculture is impressive for its magnificent simplicity and grandiosity, characteristics typical of Baroque buildings, a style that dominated European art from the end of the 16th to the mid-17th century. You will know you have arrived when you see the fanciful and enormous tree mural in the center of the structure.

Millennium Park

Kazan Family Center

One hundred weddings can take place simultaneously in the three halls of the complex. The design imitates the epoch of the Great Volga Bulgars, the Kazan Khanate and even Classicism. There are separate chambers for the bridegroom and the bride, halls for banquets and celebrations and is visited by tourists and prospective families alike.

It is popular for featuring one of the best viewpoints in the city. There is a two-storey viewpoint on the roof at a height of 32 meters (entrance ticket costs 50 rubles or less than one dollar). The landscaped lawns and sky above Kazan provide a wonderful background for a wedding picture or a selfie.  

The World University Games facilities

Today innumerable sport facilities are available not only to professional sportspeople, but also to tourists and to local people: Besides watching competitions and using the various facilities, you can just enjoy the latter as urban sights and book an excursion by van or by minibus (from 4,000 to 16,000 rubles for a 4-hour tour).  

The Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is the city’s longest bridge (1,524 metres). It unites the two sides of the Kazanka River. Its opening was the most longed-for event for the city’s and even the republic’s car drivers; moreover, the bridge became an important part of the Kazan’s Small Ring. It instantly became one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. It looks particularly beautiful in the evening, when the additional lighting is turned on and the letter M in the middle of the bridge becomes one of the  most illuminated objects of the city by night.

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Kazan Travel Guide - Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Kazan Travel Guide – Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Craving a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring trip to a place of ancient histories, visually spectacular, and spiritual marvels? The Kazan Travel Guide has everything you need to get just that.

Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, also known as Russia’s third capital. Just an hour-and-a-half flight away from Moscow, this beautiful and thriving metropolis has a centuries-old history. Founded in 1005, Kazan is one of Russia’s oldest cities (older than Moscow) with sites and architecture reminiscent of its glorious 12th-century reign by the river Kazanka. The multiethnic region is famous for the harmonious co-existence of many different religions, whose sculpted sacred sites are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find a sublime fusion of Tatar and Russian culture in this city, creating a glorious melting pot of different cultures. Whilst predominantly Muslim, you will find all religious backgrounds within the republic. Discover how easy it is to be entranced by the captivating Kazan – it is even worth making a detour on the Trans-Siberian Railway for.

This Kazan Travel Guide will help you plan everything down to preferred months of travel according to seasonal highlights, main attractions, meals from our pick of Tatar cuisine delicacies, methods of transport, and activities from morning until noon.

Table of Contents

Why travel to Russia’s Kazan?

Kazan kremlin.

This UNESCO listed fortified citadel is the most familiar landmark of Kazan. Kazan Kremlin is full of cozy parks, picturesque streets, delectable foods, and beautiful sites. Take a tour through the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and lose yourself in its Middle Ages era splendor with this heritage-listed site. Many of the Kremlin’s architectural wonders are sculpted by the famous Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shirjay, recruited by the Tzar. Kazan Kremlin is also home to the Söyembikä Tower and museums, where Kazan’s extensive history and legends take centre-stage. Many also flock to the multi-faith place of worship for its glorious sculpted sacred sites such as Kul Sharif Mosque.

Söyembikä Tower

Kazan’s tiered tower of Soyembika, also known as the leaning tower or ‘Khan’s Mosque’ is the highlight of Kazan Kremlin. Its construction is recorded by scholars to date back as far as the 16th century, whose age-old history is expressed in some of its majestic colonial architecture. The colours are stunning in summer, and even in winter, the snow creates a fairytale-like scene. Once inside, you should pay attention to the haram carpet and elaborate details on the ceiling. Romantic and mystic legends surround the tower and the only woman to rule the Kazan Khanate for which it’s named after. It is said to be the same tower that led the beautiful Princess Syuyumbike to her death, built for her by Ivan the Terrible who seized Kazan in 1552 and then demanded they wed. Others tell a different history of a Soyembika forcibly detained here by Muscovite forces, before being taken to Kasimov where she died. For those interested in its story, be wary of self-nominated guides- the official Kazan guides are a purchase worth making. Despite its tragic history, many locals believe if you touch the tower and make a wish it will come true.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque is Kazan Kremlin’s main mosque and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. You will hardly be able to take your eyes off this one-of-a-kind structure. This attraction is not just for Muslims. It is open to all Kazan’s travellers, but it is preferred that women have their hair covered during their visit. The Kul Sharif Mosque takes the place of a former mosque conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. From outside, the majestic lotus-flowered dome landmark sits atop a hill overlooking Kazan. Inside, it’s fitted with a modern yet classical interior where you can pray with the names of 99 gods inscribed on ceilings and window glass. On the ground floor is a Museum of Islam, where a tour in English may be available if there’s an English-speaking docent on shift. Otherwise, there are booklets in English that explain the whole exhibit. Whilst everything is free to all visitors, they ask you pay 3 rubles for shoe slip-covers to help keep its floors clean. It is recommended you go in the morning to avoid a queue to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, boasting a reputation as one of the best mosques in the world.

Temple of All Religions

For those interested in the spiritual marvels of Russia, it is also recommended you see the Temple of all Religions located along the Volga river of Kazan . This is under construction, so it’s not a must-see, but worth the visit if you have time to kill before taking a train or bus. It boasts 16 towers all for various different religions- a stunning sight to behold from the outside.

Baumana street

The Baumana Street is the main tourist and pedestrian zone between the Kremlin and Tokai Square. Tatarstan restaurants, stalls of street painters, boutiques, souvenir shops, fountains that fulfil wishes and kiosks are just a few of its gems that are ready to assure your every need and charm your socks off. Monuments and fountains make for a perfect photo backdrop, with statuary ranging from a bronze carriage of Catherine II to the “thick lazy Cat of Kazan”, a tribute to its feline protectors who fended off mice. Whilst mingling with the locals, the rich chimes of Kazan’s bell tower help bring the vibrant Arbat to life. Baumana street’s historical attractions include houses of the 19 th century, a monument to Feodor Chaliapin, and a Russian baroque style Epiphany cathedral. For opportunists seeking for the perfect Russian souvenir, Baumana street is the place to buy everything: Matryoshka dolls, Tatar folk costumes, and one particular favourite of tourists is the Tatar national male headwear “Tubeteika”. This is a street that never sleeps- when the sun sets, it becomes a hub for nightlife.

Palace of Farmers

The Palace of Farmers is a vast and regal building like something out of a fairytale. Despite being a recent addition to Kazan’s collection of ancient sites, it looks to be built well over a century ago. This eclectic architectural piece boasts elements of Classicism style, the Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. A magnificent, 65-foot tall bronze tree sculpture grows in the archway of the palace’s façade- a sight that makes for a mesmerizing photo backdrop. This is a governmental building related to agriculture, so the interior is not accessible. However, it’s worthwhile just to see its magnificently sculpted exterior. Located adjacent to the Kremlin and Kazan river embankment, the Farmer’s Palace makes for beguiling scenery for your riverside stroll. Manicured gardens out front create a serene, relaxing space in the summer sunshine, the site’s most popular season. When the sun sets, the Palace of Farmers comes alive with an array of spectacular light displays.

Raifa Monastery

Whilst known as one of the largest monasteries in Russia, Raifa Monastery had humble beginnings as a place of solitude where monastic followers could dedicate themselves to God. Found in a serene location by Sumy Lakes in a lush pine forest, this centuries-old site has been rebuilt time and time again. Its history tells of temple destruction, brutal plundering, arson, and has once made a home for juvenile delinquents. The history behind the monastery’s name is no exception to this trail of tragedies. In fact, the hermitage was established and named in memory of holy fathers tortured in Sinai and Raithu. Abandoned for over half a century, the ruins have been given new life with well doted on additions. This includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Cathedral of God’s Mother of Georgia, the Church of the Ss Reverend Fathers and bell tower, with beautiful onion-domed architecture and intricate iconography. It’s free to wander monastery grounds, where small shops and cafes populate the area. Arrive at this stunning rural monastery via a 40-minute drive from Kazan (with some free parking available), bus tour, or a scenic boat trip.

Sviyazhsk Island

Sviyazhsk Island, or “Conqueror City”, began as a fortress for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 when Kazan was an unassailable fortress. Frozen in time, visiting the Island is like going through a time machine with no fewer than 37 cultural-historical monuments. Its religious marvels are a must-see. Trinity Church is the last of its kind in Sviyazhsk- a wooden structure dating back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Axe marks made by Yaroslavl carpenters can still be seen. The Dormition Cathedral boasts a glorious collection of 16th-century frescos. Its most famed is St Christopher with a horse’s head- a fresco that tells the story of a saint so handsome he pleaded to God for ugliness, to avoid unwanted attention from women. However, these monasteries have seen their fair share of horrors- the Soviet political repression saw them turn into prisons, concentration camps, and psychiatric hospitals. A local museum, Sviyazhsk State Museum of History and Architecture, is no stranger to these horrors. Here, inmates and prisoners were executed and their belongings are still on display in abandoned cells inside. A monument to the victims of political repression forms a two-meter-tall marble slab on the island.

The Ancient City of Bolgar

Not far from Kazan, Russia’s mysterious Muslim City, Bolgar, dates back to the 7th and 15th centuries. With such a powerful history, this Eurasian metropolis is one of Russia’s first UNESCO listed sites. It’s served as the capital of the Mongol Golden Horde, ruled by the founder of the Timurids Empire, and even the Prince of Moscow. A 1969 excavation for the State Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve saw the city turned into a huge open-air museum.  Stone citadels, mosques, and tombs are some of its jaw-dropping remains from its glory days. Other attractions include the Khan’s palace, White Mosque, the hidden healing well of Gabdrakhman, a 700-year-old burial chamber for Bolgar nobility, and an interactive bread museum. The city of Bolgar has great religious significance, once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe. Here, you can find the largest printed Kora in the world weighing at 500kg. Bolgar remains a sacred pilgrimage destination to Tatar Muslims. The city of Bolgar is a three hours’ drive from Kazan along the scenic route of the river Volga.

Kazan from a boat

Kazan’s river station is flocked to by tourists eager to experience the scenic water route along the city’s shores. Travelling through Kazan with a Volga River boat trip is filled with incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping scenes. Gorgeous views of some of the city’s beloved icons include the Kazan Kremlin, whose structure sparkles like a jewel in the sun in all its Russian glory. The comfortable steam-ships on the rivers and lakes of Russia depart a few times a day to make for regular service (12:00, 15:00, and 19:00 on most days). Two-hour boat trips without stops, with a guided tour along Kazan’s coast. A total of 9 dams choke the river and halt its waters to a standstill- a glistening, magical scene that is a magnet for artists, writers and explorers. By its shores, the Volga river is a favourite for camping, relaxing, fishing, and swimming.

Kazan Cuisine Guide: A Foodie’s Haven

Kazan is the central home of Russia’s Tatar cuisine, boasting many restaurants and cafes that have earned its keep in the hearts of foodies across the globe. This Kazan Travel Guide will convince you why this is a haven for Russian and eastern cuisine.

Museum of Chak-Chak

The Museum of Chak-Chak (Çäkçäk) is named after the mouth-watering honey-baked balls of doughy goodness, a delicacy served at celebrations and festivities. This museum-turned food establishment is dedicated to traditional Tatar foods and drinks, particularly their national sweet foods. Bashkir dishes, chak-chak, bursak, and kak-tosh made from almonds are some of the recipes derived from Tatar enlightener kayum nasyri. These are only some of the most popular must-try dishes that cannot go unsampled. Here, guests drink tea and sample desserts whilst guides tell stories of the ancient Tatar people’s way of life, tradition and customs. If you want to learn the secret to cooking the perfect Tatar dish, this is the place to be.

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii (restaurant)

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii, or House of Tatar Cuisine, is one of the oldest national restaurants that has earnt its place in the heart of foodies from across the globe. Its dishes are based on Yunus Akhmetzyanov’s time-tested recipes and traditions – a beloved local guardian of traditional Tatar cuisine. Here you can find confectionary like Tatar sweets, and authentic dishes such as:

• Echpochmak: These are triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with mince and potatoes. A small hole remains at the top of the stuffed and folded dough. Halfway through the oven baking process, the pastries are filled with a spoonful of broth, ensuring that the meat (stuffed raw) is moist and tender.
• Gubadiya: Layered pie which contains cottage cheese or quark, minced beef or lamb and boiled egg, which is combined with raisins or mixed dried fruits (such as figs, prunes and apricots). This filling is then covered with melted butter before being baked into a mouthwatering dessert.
• Kazylyk: Originating from Tatar nomadic culture, this dish is a horse meat sausage which has been traditionally cured by air-drying in the sun and wind. It is often spiced with coriander or cumin, served in thin slices with pickled sliced onions
• Talkysh kaleve: This intricate dessert involves honey and sugar spun into a stringy fairy-floss which is then moulded into miniature cones and coated with a powder of melted butter and flour
• Manti: Tatar dumplings made from either spiced lamb, beef or horse meat, which can be mixed with pumpkin or squash depending on the region. They can be boiled or steamed in their own juices, typically served with butter, sour cream, onion sauce or red pepper powder.

In the evenings, your wining and dining with this Bauman street food will be accompanied by live music and the opportunity for master classes about preparing national dishes.

Kazan Travel Guide: Summer Highlights

Months & temperature.

  June, July, August: +24 – +27 C

Summer is by far the most popular and most frequented time of year to trek to Russia’s glorious Kazan city. The bustling, sunny and comfortable seasons of June, July and August are some of the best months to travel here. July is its hottest month at an average of 27 degrees- the perfect time to bask by the mesmerising Volga River.

The Sabantuy Tatar National Festival in June is jam-packed with competitions, sports events, dances, feasts, and music. This holiday hallmarks the end of spring crop planting and draws crowds of up to 40,000 in Kazan’s village of Mirny. Competitions of sportsmanship draw contenders near and far, both amateur and professional, in games like the egg-and-spoon race, sack races, horse races, and wrestling matches. Contenders for the more professional scenes like wrestling can earn prizes varying from home electronics to cars. The wrestling champion is declared ‘Batyr’ and lifts an overweight ram onto his (or her) shoulders for the cheering crowd. This festival is a marvel to behold, especially witnessing it for the very first time.

Similar to this: See also International handicraft festival ‘Spasskaya Yarmarka’ in August, Elabuga city

Kazan Travel Guide: Winter Highlights

  November, December, January, February – 0 to -10 C

For those far-reaching globetrotters, here is your chance for a true white Christmas- Kazan in Winter gets especially chilly in November, December, January, and February, the coldest months to travel. In November and December, there is a high chance of snow. Besides public holidays, winter outings mean fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more serene, quiet atmosphere.

The Nardugan Pagan Holiday Festival is popular in Kazan as an annual celebration honouring the winter solace. According to the ancient Tatar calendar, the birth of the Sun is December 22. This begins weeklong festivities and celebrations acknowledging the awakening of nature and the beauty of life. Dancing, traditional costumes, theatrical performances, Tatar baker’s delicacies, and fortune tellers are part of the joyous festivities.

For those creative art buffs interested in the sophisticated art forms of ballet and opera, see Kazan’s Shalyapin International Opera Festival (February), and the International Festival of Classical Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev Dance Festival (May).

Kazan Travel Guide: How to Get There

Kazan international airport.

Kazan’s international airport in the Laishevsky district is the only one in Russia that secured a win in the World Airport Awards of 2018. It’s equipped with paid and free parking, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, shops, cafés and restaurants, a post office and more whilst being English friendly. The train terminal of inner-city travel is located within the airport. Find out more about travel options via the air through the Russian Official  Kazan Aero site, Aeroflot Airlines, or plan your trip with Google Flights.

Railway station

For visitors travelling to Kazan from within Russia, the Russian railway is connected to the city’s two main stations: Kazan-Passazhirskaya and Vosstanie-Passazhirskaja station. Trains from the Russian cities  Moscow , Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, St. Petersburg , Novosibirsk and Adler pass by these stations. The railway stations are fitted to meet your every need, supplying luggage storage, baby changing facilities, tourist info desks, ATMs, cafes and more.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Kazan is one of the top must-see stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway . The traditional Russian Trans-Siberian Railway route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, and has Kazan as one of its main stops. Even if you weren’t planning on visiting Kazan but will be making your way through the Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a detour you won’t regret making. Kazan is a 1000-year-old ancient city, still full of life, and the perfect place to lose yourself in (but not too lost, because their diverse transport system will be sure to get you back on track).

Enjoy a short Kazan city tour via this entertaining video:

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