Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University


World Heritage Identification Number: 1678

World Heritage since: 2023

Category: Cultural Heritage

Transboundary Heritage: No

Endangered Heritage: No

Country: 🇷🇺 Russian Federation

Continent: Europe

UNESCO World Region: Europe and North America

Map

Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University: A Journey Through Time and Space

The Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, offer a unique blend of history, science, and architecture that captivates visitors from around the globe. This dual-site observatory complex, situated in the heart of Kazan, Russia, comprises two distinct components: the Kazan City Astronomical Observatory, nestled within the university campus, and the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory, set amidst a verdant suburban forest.

More to come…

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The property is comprised of two component parts: one in the historical centre of Kazan and the other in a forested suburban area west of the city. The Kazan City Astronomical Observatory, built in 1837, is located on the University campus and the building is characterized by a semi-circular façade and three towers with domes built to house astronomical instruments. The suburban Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory includes structures for sky observations and residential buildings, all located within a park. The observatories have been preserved complete with astronomical instruments and today perform mainly educational functions.

Encyclopedia Record: Kazan Federal University

Kazan Federal University is a public research university located in Kazan, Russia.

Read more on Wikipedia

Additional Site Details

Area: 19.02 hectares

UNESCO Criteria: (ii) — Significant interchange of human values
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape

Coordinates: 55.7909083333 , 49.1190972222

Image

Image of Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University

No machine-readable author provided. Untifler assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain

About World Heritage Explorer

World Heritage Explorer is an independent educational project designed to uncover and share the richness of our world’s cultural and natural heritage. Dive into detailed site profiles, immersive imagery, interactive maps, and tools that help you explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe. Drawing extensively on open data sources, the project delivers authoritative, well-structured information for learners, educators, travelers, and younger explorers alike.

Learn more

Nearby World Heritage Sites

Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
1 km — Russian Federation
Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of the town-island of Sviyazhsk
29 km — Russian Federation
Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex
90 km — Russian Federation
White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal
543 km — Russian Federation
Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave
598 km — Russian Federation

Country Information: Russian Federation

Flag of Russian Federation

Official Name: Russian Federation

Capital: Moscow

Continent: Europe

Population (2024): 143,533,851

Population (2023): 143,826,130

Population (2022): 144,236,933

Land Area: 16,376,870 sq km

Currency: Russian ruble (RUB)

Country Data Sources

Last updated: January 18, 2026

Portions of the page Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University are based on data from UNESCO — World Heritage List Dataset and on text from the Wikipedia article Kazan Federal University, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes made. Additional original content by World Heritage Explorer (WHE), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. WHE is not affiliated with UNESCO or the World Heritage Committee. Legal Notice. Privacy Policy.

Open Data for an Open World