The kremlin on top of Zayachy Hill is a peaceful green haven. Its walls and gate towers were built in the 16th century using bricks from the ruins of the Golden Horde’s capital Saray, which stood north of Astrakhan. Today, the kremlin encompasses several museums and two churches. The main entrance to the kremlin is through the impressive Prechistinsky Gate, which passes under the bell tower of the Assumption Cathedral at the western end of ul Sovetskaya.
© shushonok/Shutterstock
Kremlin
Top choice
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.05 MILES
Dating from 1698–1720, the Assumption Cathedral dominates the kremlin grounds and is decorated inside with attractive frescoes.
0.52 MILES
The Kryusha area of former Tatar and Persian suburbs south of the May 1st Canal is still predominantly Muslim, which is reflected in the proliferation of…
0.87 MILES
The Dogadin State Art Gallery is especially strong on works of Astrakhan-born Boris Kustodiev, who painted lushly coloured semifolkloric scenes of…
0.18 MILES
Located inside the guardhouse from 1807, this museum gives quite a good insight into the everyday life of soldiers in 19th-century Astrakhan.
0.54 MILES
The Kryusha Quarter is the location of the sprawling German Lutheran church and associated school and parsonage. The complex dates from the end of the…
0.39 MILES
The Local Studies Museum functions as both a natural history and ethnographic museum, with permanent exhibitions dedicated to local wildlife and fish as…
0.49 MILES
The striking white mosque, with gleaming blue domes, looks straight out of the Mediterranean. The structure is the oldest mosque in the city and dates…
Nearby attractions
0.05 MILES
Dating from 1698–1720, the Assumption Cathedral dominates the kremlin grounds and is decorated inside with attractive frescoes.
0.08 MILES
The artillery yard and museum has an interesting collection of historic weapons and a mock izba (Russian cottage).
0.1 MILES
The smaller of two cathedrals within the kremlin compound. It was closed for long-term restoration at the time of research.
0.18 MILES
Located inside the guardhouse from 1807, this museum gives quite a good insight into the everyday life of soldiers in 19th-century Astrakhan.
0.29 MILES
Covers the history of Astrakhan as a southern outpost of the Russian Empire from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
0.39 MILES
The Local Studies Museum functions as both a natural history and ethnographic museum, with permanent exhibitions dedicated to local wildlife and fish as…
0.42 MILES
This striking 'red' mosque dates from the 19th century and is notable primarily for the vertical minaret above the main entrance. It's sometimes referred…