Kasimov: a Harmony of Two Worlds

Kasimov is a town with special energy. Russians and Tatars have been living here side by side for many centuries. Two different worlds with their traditions and religion co-exist as good neighbors. This non-standard town was included in the popular tourist route Golden Ring of Russia in 2015. People visit Kasimov to look at the harmonious combination of Old Russian and Eastern architecture, and also admire the picturesque landscapes and get acquainted with the original Tatar cuisine.

Kasimov appeared on the map of Russia thanks to Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the founder of Moscow. In 1152 he ordered to build a fortress in the dense forests near the Oka River. It was named Gorodets Meschyorsky. At the end of the fourteenth century, Gorodets was destroyed by Tatars. In 1452, the rebuilt city was given by Grand Prince Vasily II the Blind to the Tatar prince Qasim for his loyalty. From that time the city began to be called Kasimov, where a Khan’s palace and white-stone mosque arose near the wooden huts and Orthodox temples. Later, there appeared massive stone tombs - mausoleums. An ancient mosque with a minaret, from where one can see the town and admire the river vast expanse, is currently one of the main attractions of Kasimov, and the surviving mausoleum-tombs are the rarest monuments of Tatar architecture of the Middle Ages.

The intertwining of Russian and Tatar traditions in the town image is not the only reason to visit Kasimov. Over the centuries, it was famous for its bells and hand-bells made by local craftsmen. Today you can appreciate their skill and listen to the sound of bells in the Bell Museum.

Every summer the town hosts a bright Festival of Folk Art "Golden Boat", during which you can buy toys and souvenirs of national crafts, take part in "Handicraft Sloboda" master classes and taste dishes of Russian and Tatar cuisine. The national Tatar Festival "Sabantuy" is always lively held in Kasimov, with old Russian and Tatar songs and tasting of traditional Tatar dishes.

The Tatar cuisine is peculiar for its hot dishes: soups and broths with a unique taste. The secrets of their preparation are passed on from generation to generation. Having arrived in Kasimov, it is worth to drop into the local cafes and find a rich and flavory soup tokmach with homemade noodles, or an unusual hearty soup kullama with boiled meat. Lovers of the second course will certainly like the juicy stuffed lamb or exotic peremyach (peremech). This dish is a bit similar to Russian dumplings, fried in deep fat. Dessert men can taste Tatar honey pastries called "chak-chak".

The ancient town of Kasimov has carried harmony and traditions down the ages and now generously shares its treasures with every guest who visits it.

Get directions

You can get to Kasimov by bus from Moscow, Ryazan, Vladimir and Nizhny Novgorod. In addition, the passenger harbour Kasimov receives passenger ships from May to September.