gun factory tours

Sign Up for the Henry Email List

Receive an occasional email from us with new product announcements, news, and notifications of future Henry events. You can unsubscribe at any time and we do not share or sell your information, ever.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email * Enter Email Confirm Email
• I'd like to order a Henry catalog, too!
• Mailing Address * Important: If mailing to street address, use complete street names
• Apartment Number / Additional Address
• State or Province * United States Alabama (AL) Alaska (AK) Arizona (AZ) Arkansas (AR) California (CA) Colorado (CO) Connecticut (CT) Delaware (DE) District of Columbia (DC) Florida (FL) Georgia (GA) Hawaii (HI) Idaho (ID) Illinois (IL) Indiana (IN) Iowa (IA) Kansas (KS) Kentucky (KY) Louisiana (LA) Maine (ME) Maryland (MD) Massachusetts (MA) Michigan (MI) Minnesota (MN) Mississippi (MS) Missouri (MO) Montana (MT) Nebraska (NE) Nevada (NV) New Hampshire (NH) New Jersey (NJ) New Mexico (NM) New York (NY) North Carolina (NC) North Dakota (ND) Ohio (OH) Oklahoma (OK) Oregon (OR) Pennsylvania (PA) Rhode Island (RI) South Carolina (SC) South Dakota (SD) Tennessee (TN) Texas (TX) Utah (UT) Vermont (VT) Virginia (VA) Washington (WA) West Virginia (WV) Wisconsin (WI) Wyoming (WY) US Territories American Samoa(AS) Fed. States of Micronesia(FM) Guam(GU) Marshall Islands(MH) Northern Mariana Islands(MP) Palau(PW) Puerto Rico(PR) Virgin Islands(VI) Armed Forces Armed Forces Africa(AE) Armed Forces Americas(AA) Armed Forces Canada(AE) Armed Forces Europe(AE) Armed Forces Middle East(AE) Armed Forces Pacific(AP) Canadian Provinces Alberta (AB) British Columbia (BC) Labrador (LB) Manitoba (MB) New Brunswick (NB) Newfoundland (NL) Nova Scotia (NS) Nunavut (NU) Ontario (ON) Prince Edward Island (PE) Quebec (QC) Saskatchewen (SK) Yukon (YU) Canadian Territories Northwest Territories (NT) Yukon Territory (YT) Nunavut Territory (NU)
• ZIP or Postal Code *
• Country * USA Canada Other
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Henry Factory Tour

HOW ARE HENRY RIFLES MADE? EXCLUSIVE PLANT TOUR.

The Henry Guarantee

From Founder & CEO, Anthony Imperato

• Privacy & Cookie Overview
• Analytics Cookies

The HenryUSA.com website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. No personal data is ever sent to us. You can learn more about how we use cookies and keep your data private by visiting our our Privacy Policy .

These cookies collect information that can help us understand how our websites are being used. The information collected is anonymous and only helps us improve our site, and your experience.

Please enable Preference & Functionality Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

Bond Arms Handguns Factory Tour

Best sellers

Stinger Driving Holster

Driving Holster

Bond Arms Sof-Tuck 2.0 for STINGER

Customer Comments

Loads of fun to shoot. Shooting the Winchester PDX1 Defenders is amazing. Rides nicely in the Bond Arms holsters also.

Tours must be scheduled in advance via phone (817-573-4445) or email ([email protected]).

Written By: Major Pandemic

I am fortunate that my real job takes me all across this great country and I found myself on the far Southwest side of Dallas/Fort Worth and close enough that a trip to Granbury, Texas was not an epic adventure. The trip to Bond Arms facility was both fun and educational, where I met the owner, Gordon Bond, many of his staff, and of course his robots ... yes, robots.

The first task is to actually find the Bond Arms facility which is actually a task in itself. Gordon loves his customers but his secure facility is not equipped to handle visitors. In fact, the facility is surrounded by a security fence with electronic gate, and the entry is also secured by a giant thick steel gate with Bond Arms handgun handles.

Once pulling open the massive door, Gordon greeted me and pulled me into his office to talk about the background of Bond Arms and describe the idea of how his handguns are produced. You will notice I keep saying Bond Arms "handguns" and not Bond Arms "derringers" .

Gordon noted that the "derringer" name has been really tainted as a cheap/junk gun which in some cases lack the durability to safely shoot the round they were intended for. Bond Arms handguns are a different class altogether. From my perspective, Gordon is not blowing smoke on that claim. Bond Arms' handguns are among the finest "derringer style" handguns ever made and some of the most highest craftsmanship handguns of any type.

Part of that quality is due to Gordon's brother, the original founder, taking a derringer design and then completely redesigning nearly every aspect of the firearm. The Bond frame itself is not a cheap alloy or inexpensive carbon steel, but each Bond handgun is made from wax loss stainless casings. This delivers a superior frame to any other double barrel handgun on the market.

The safety was also redesigned to move from left to right versus the other way around to allow the safety to be kicked off with the right hand thumb. The hammer was widened to ease cocking, and a completely new rebounding hammer design was created to deliver the safest and fastest double barrel handgun on the market. The Bond Arms hammer transfer bar auto-indexes to the next barrel so all you need to do is shoot-cock-shoot versus worrying about kicking a switch over to another barrel. Additionally, the hammer will not hit either top or bottom firing pin without the trigger being fully depressed. A removable trigger guard was added for those that wanted an extra margin of safety.

The extraction system was also redesigned to actually work and the action itself was designed to lock more securely, deliver a more ergonomic opening, and offer barrel interchangeability. One of "the" features of the Bond Arms handguns is that any barrel length and caliber offered by Bond Arms can be swapped out with any Bond Arms frame. Gordon went a step further and created sets of various grips and grip sizes which can also be swapped between the frames. Technically, all the Bond Arms frames are the same, some models feature different finishes or have a removable trigger guard, so if you have a Bond barrel, it will fit on any Bond lower receiver. This firearm’s interchangeability is one reason Bond owners keep coming back for more barrels , more handguns , and more accessories .

Bond's accessories are impressive as well. I can not think of any other firearms manufacturer who has put so much thought and care into their accessory line. In fact, I doubt any other manufacturer has an accessory line as comprehensive. Bond Arms features a huge array of gun barrel options ranging from .22lr to .410/.45 Colt in many different lengths, grips that range in size, shape , material, and color, knives , ther hand crafted CCW purses, very high quality holsters that include CCW, Nylon apparel, the "Bond Girl" accessory line, and display boxes . Bond has everything you need to accessorize, carry, load, and show off your handgun.

Wait A Minute ... A Two Shot Bond Arms Handgun As A Defense Weapon?

I will get into this on a deep follow up review article, but the answer is the Bond Arms two double barreled handgun is a viable defensive handgun with substantial stopping power in the larger range calibers. One of Bond Arms customers used a .410/.45 Colt chambered version to instantly incapacitate an attacker with one shot. Moments later the attacker died – the .410 Buckshot load has proven to be a devastating man stopper statically beyond that one attack.

Statistically, 99+% of attacks only involve 1.25 shots from the defender; which indicates that almost no attacker likes to get shot twice. Personally, I would rather have an G20 10mm on my hip with my DPMS GII .308 over my shoulder with hard plate body armor on however, sometimes concealment, rational judgement, or convenience dictates just a Glock 26, a slim Walther PPK, or in this case an extremely concealable double barreled handgun is slipped in a front pocket. I generally prefer to have my Glock 19 on my side, however there are times where that does not work with my wardrobe and I feel perfectly well armed with a Bond Arms handgun. I like them so much I have two handguns with barrels in .45ACP, .410/.45 Colt, and .357 Magnum. Shoot them once and you will be smitten.

The raw wax lost casings come in and are precision CNC milled to exacting dimensions, after that they are handed off to the yellow robot twins.  Gordon wanted to employ robotics to deliver about 60% of the frame and barrel’s precision grinding, finishing, polishing. The main drive to robotics for Bond Arms was that it would take nearly a year for a person to reach the level of speed, precision, and accuracy that the robots can achieve on this extremely critical high skill finish step. A major issue Bond Arms was able to overcome with robotics was removing the potential for sickness, personal schedules, vacations, turnover, and personnel issues to impact this critical production step which did previously halt and back up the entire production process.

Gordon has been working for over four years with a robotics team to create this use of robotics in the firearm industry – to my knowledge it is an industry first. That effort and the production capacity and efficiency has allowed the set of robots to pay for themselves in just over a year. I was certainly fascinated, however the robots deliver entertainment value as well. Gordon’s granddaughter also loves to sit and watch “yellow”, as she has named them, for hours according to Gordon.

After that step, the frames are handed over to skilled finishers who perform the final 40% of finishing and polishing before firing control and grips are installed. The barrels follow a similar CNC milling and finishing process, however they begin as billet stainless steel, versus cast wax loss forming. The barrels are CNC machined, bored, rifled, chambered, finished via the robots, and then passed to final assembly.

The barrel and receiver meetup and are paired based on customer and dealer orders. Although Bond Arms has established quality control steps along the production process, they perform one last complete inspection along with functionally by test firing each handgun in their in-house test range.

On another note, Bond Arms attempts to reuse and recycle almost everything. Packing is reused and even the massive crates from the robotics were recycled to create portions of the shooting range and the range table. They specifically added the indoor test range to cut down on the drive time required to test fire the guns at a local range. Bond Arms is cutting edge from many aspects and even a bit green as well.

Final Thoughts

It’s a funny thing to be out in Granbury, Texas and meet two robots. In fact what Gorbon Bond is doing is nothing short of amazing as I could find no other reference to automotive robotics being used in the firearms industry. He actually was told by over a half dozen robotics firms that it could not be done, however one company shared his vision and now Bond Arms could be the most technically advanced manufacturing firearms company anywhere because of it.

Bringing a firearm to market is tough, even in the current gun sales bonanza environment, however Bonds Arms has continued to grow since it was founded in 1995. Part of that recipe has been the quality and service they continue to offer at a premium level, plus the drive to continue innovation far beyond the norm of even very large firearms industry giants. Really…the titans of the firearms industry should be touring Bond’s facility.  Pick up a Bond Arms handgun and you will immediately be impressed with the quality of the firearm. Bond Arms have delivered thirteen SASS – Single Action Shooting Society world championships, so there must be something to these firearms, beyond just showpieces.

Look for an upcoming review on these great high quality handguns. The factory tour left me impressed to say the least.

Written By: Major Pandemic – Full original article and many other great reads can be found on MajorPandemic.com .

Questions? Call Us: 817-573-4445

Write us: P.O. Box 1296 Granbury, Texas 76048

Are you over 18 years of age?

This website uses cookies to ensure to ensure the proper functioning of our website, personalize content, and analyze our traffic.

Factory Tours

Celebrating american imagination and industry.

America’s oldest Second Amendment News outlet.

Home » Firearm News

GLOCK Arms First EVER Factory Tour, After Action Report

By Fredy Riehl, Editor AmmoLand

Smyrna, Georgia – -( Ammoland.com )- So I have always been something of a Glockaholic. Not that I don’t love 1911’s as well but for some reason I have owned and shot more GLOCKs than other brands of firearms.

So where is Mecca for a fan of GLOCK?

It is the GLOCK factory, duh , and I wrangled myself an invitation to be one of the first media to ever get a tour of GLOCK’s U.S. Arms factory in Smyrna, GA. Pretty exciting right?

Well it is also something of a big step for GLOCK as well, since they have traditionally been very guarded (read secretive) about letting media go behind the scenes and my visit, along with two other colleagues, started off a little tense. Our first stop was the Guard Booth just outside a big metal gate that surrounds the factory.

Remember this place has a lots and lots of guns. In fact they ship on average 100,000 firearms from this facility, each month . This place would be a gold mine for some ambitious gun runners but GLOCK is serious about business and is taking no chances.

After a quick pat down, no personal side arms allowed, and a going over of the rules, like no cell phones / cameras, a few signatures on the NDA and we were in.

Our tour guide for the main factory floor was GLOCK Executive Vice President Dr. Michael Jacquorie , he is one of the big dogs at GLOCK and reports directly to general management in GLOCK Austria. The Dr. has a great smile and was the only employee we saw dressed in a suit.

What a suit in a factory? When you see the factory is you will understand.

DR. Jacquorie, offered us a warm greeting and seemed generally excited to have “ media ” sticking their nose in the factory door.

GLOCK Factory First Impressions

My first thoughts on entering the factory was “ man this place is clean “, my wife would love it! No sweaty guys in overalls, no smoke and fumes, not even any really loud noises. The whole place is very organized, very orderly, very hi tech.

On the day we arrive,GLOCK was in the middle of a production run for G42’s pistols.

DR. Jacquorie couldn’t wait to show us the place and we jumped right in with a short detour… Yeah, he wanted us to know that the exacting quality of GLOCK products started 1000’s of miles away with a secret recipe for “ GLOCK steel” that is exclusive to them and comes delivered on a newly built loading dock just outside the factory door. Actually the entire factory is brand new in the last few years and built, like every thing else GLOCK, to their exacting standards.

Speaking of quality to say that the engineers at GLOCK and a little anal-retentive would be an understatement. 25% of the work of building guns in the factory is spent checking tolerances on tools, machines, barrels, slides, parts, steel,  you name it they have a standard. They even have people checking the people doing the checking in a special isolated room, just for checking things.

He also made the point to explain in detail how GLOCK keeps enough raw materials, steel and small parts, on hand to run 6-9 months. Like any smart “ Prepper ” they can produce 600,000 guns, give or take, for half a year. Either to meet consumer demand or to weather an unforeseen supply line interruption.

The main manufacturing floor has well defined areas based on particular manufacturing jobs with specialized Austrian built CNC machines including one for steel slides and gun barrels ( yeaup, they build their own machines and the tools that make them ) . Another section has polymer extruders with robotic arms, another section is for heat treating, deburring, blueing, polishing and, you guest it, more testing. 

On To Assembly

After all the 1000’s of individual parts are completed on the main manufacturing floor. They are transferred to the assembly building. At this point we said good bye to DR. Jacquorie and met up with our other host from GLOCK, Josh Dorsey , VP of Sales/Marketing.

Josh is a big guy, which was probably handy in his first career of twenty years as a U.S. Marine. Talking with him you pick up on his military experience in his “ Marine accent” (that pace of speech, that guys making tough choi ces all have, when you hear it you know what I mean ) as well as in his point of reference to many things. At first Josh seemed uncomfortable, and fell back on his GLOCK training. Explaining the “ GLOCK Ethos ” that was later obvious among all the employees, he just put a name to it. As well as highlighting the key to GLOCK’s many success. Those being the  Simplicity Of Design and the intense Quality Standard of Glock product and employees. By the afternoon he was all smiles and casually relayed many funny work and family stories that we were all able to relate to over lunch.

This firearms assembly work space and shipping area is just off the same loading dock where we began the tour. The small number of employees in this room is deceptive, because they “ Do Work ” in this room, cranking out completed and tested guns, up to 3000 a day. Completing all the tedious ATF paper work as well as shipping them to 10,000’s of FFLs, Police and Military units across the USA,Canada and beyond.

New guns ready to ship, that is the final out come, but there is just one more stop on our tour.

So what is the end result of all this painstaking attention to detail over the smallest nuances of manufacturing, assembly and paperwork? Just five guys in a small office doing warranty and occasional trouble shooting or gun sight replacement. On a business that ships and average 1,200,000 guns a year!

But you could have asked any Glockaholic off the street and he would have told you that and saved you the long read.

End of Story, not yet… Just when we thought we has seen all we could see GLOCK executives want to show us something else… See “ GLOCK G43 Single Stack 9mm Concealed Carry Pistol “

Related Articles

Glock 43 Pistol Review ~ 2nd Bonus Video

Glock G40 Gen4 – aka Glockzilla, is a 10mm Masterpiece

Grey Ghost Precision Geoscale GLOCK17 Slide

Mid-Sized Concealed Carry Pistols: Sage Words

I need a contact number for Glock so that I can get an owners manual for the Gen23 Glock 40 cal .

770-432-1202

I started with a model 30 and added a model 36 later and a couple of days ago I bought a model 42. I can’t seem to get enough Glocks.

just love my glock period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only issue I experienced was inserting the mags, they seem to hang up on the mag release if not inserted perfectly straight. The fix for this was to remove the mag release and bevel the lower edge (a small utility knife worked just fine), if you do this keep in mind you do not need to remove much material, just a slight bevel. Once I beveled the mag release I had no further issues with mag insertion.

I just bought a glock 30s 45cal. I would like to get a extra mag for it were can I get one and at what price. Thank you Larry Plourde.

I wanted to become super efficient with just one pistol.I have owned S&W .357 magnum revolvers and S&W .45 acp pistols and ,22lr Buckmark pistols and Ruger revolvers.I have owned a GEN 3 Glock 19 for many years.I sold all my handguns but the Glock 19.I have aftermarket barrels and USA steel guide rods and springs for it.I own a lot of Glock 19 magazines.I just practice with this firearm so I can be really good.Beware of the man that owns one handgun.I have put thousands of rounds thru the aftermarket barrels and kept the stock barrel fresh and new …  Read more »

I own 2 glocks a 34 and a 19 they have proven to be reliable, and very fun. And a great purchase price!

Can’t carry in a gun factory? How Un-American

Give all the workers a gun, and stand behind the Constitution…

Yeah, they have armed guards…It’s The safest place in Atlanta…Gaurds posted with ARs and shotguns at all entrances and insides factory… They can’t let the public for liability issues and the armorors do carry…Stop being a trolling cockbag

Ive always had aluminum cases in my factory test envelopes.

When Glock test fires each gun what brand / manufacturer ammo do they use?

Agreed. I’ve had a similar experience…no interest initially then realizing just how good they are. Especially after shooting them.

I love glocks. Years ago after seeing my first glock I had no interest but after becoming wiser over the years I’ve come to realize the beauty in their simplicity and reliability. First I got a 27 which has had around 3,000 rds through it without a bobble, then I got it’s big brother the 22. Next came a 17 Gen 2 from 1997 which shows lots of use but never has failed me yet. Last but not least (well, least in stature I suppose) the glock 43 which I now carry everywhere I go. Just can’t beat a glock …  Read more »

can i buy a new glock from the factroy if i where to go ??

how do you get your gun rebuilt at the factory and how much does it cost?. thanks

I have taken my Glock 27 to the factory for a repair.I was met by a person who took time to find out my concerns.I waited in the customer lounge while my pistol was worked on.I have never had anyone be so helpful .My Glock was ready in less 30 mminutes.Thank you ! I will only purchase a Glock .

As a Armory Sgt. for a state law enforcement division. We are using Gen 4 G22’s. The most reliable pistols we have ever had

ExcEllent firearm

Still waiting for Glock to replace the locking block on my G23. Even sending them a message on Facebook was ignored.

Just curious, how many rounds did you have through your 23? I put more than 200,000 rounds, each, through my 19 & 23 and had a part start to wear on the 23 so I just rebuilt both of them at the same time from the ground up, except for slide & frame and then kept right on shooting. Took me less than 25 min. start to finish for each gun. I have three Glocks and love them.

Privacy Overview

We Built Our Own Gun at This Exclusive Savage Gun Factory Tour

WATCH THE VIDEO NOW

Savage Arms knows how to put together a gun or two, and we got a behind the scenes look during a factory tour that let us do the same.

It's not every day you get a chance to stroll through a major gun company's factory. It's even more rare to get a hands-on lesson as you put together a hunting rifle you'll own for the rest of your life.

As luck would have it, I got that amazing opportunity through our friends at Savage Arms , who invited me to tour their factory in Westfield, Massachusetts and put together a Model 110 Long Range Hunter .

Needless to say I was humbled by the invite, and didn't want to take it for granted.

The tour of the factory was incredible, from the reaming of the barrels, to the unique way they still straighten the steel by hand. Modern technology has a huge influence, but sometimes there's no better way to do it than by hand.

The assembly of the trigger, bolt, and receiver was an intricate process but took some muscle at times, and gave me a whole new sense of what's going on inside a firearm.

When you actually get to put it together yourself, there's going to be some special meaning to it.

The meaning got even more special when the gun was shipped and I packed it for a Wyoming pronghorn hunt. I had my eyes set on a punched tag, and accomplished the goal on the first morning of hunting.

Related Content

Savage impulse debuted as the brand's new american-made straight pull rifle, savage unveils new accufit guns for 2019, savage b22 g review: slick classic style in a tech-driven rimfire.

There's more to that story, but for now, enjoy the unique perspective on how a Savage Arms gun is made.

NEXT:  SAVAGE ROLLS OUT NEW 2019 FIREARMS, HIGHLIGHTED BY 125TH ANNIVERSARY

You Might Also Like

6 Quick Firearm Tips From Savage Arms and Wide Open Spaces

Shooting Videos

Check out the new savage arms b22.

Savage B-Series: The Next Great Truck Gun

Savage 110 BA Stealth: The Long-Range Rifle of Your Dreams

Island of Fire Tour - the Battle for the Barrikady Gun Factory in Stalingrad

Description.

Island of Fire Tour - the Battle for the Barrikady Gun Factory in Stalingrad.

Stalingrad was one of the largest, bloodiest, and most famous battles in history as well as one of the major turning points of World War II. For four months during the battle, German and Soviet forces fought over a single factory inside the city of Stalingrad.

For those WW2 history buffs who have studied the Battle of Stalingrad in detail and for many years we designed this special detailed tour with visit of the area where the final German attack was followed by the Russian counter-attack in November 1942. 

During this special unique tour of Stalingrad we will drive along industrial area of modern Volgograd, will see many buildings that survived the battle after heavy enemy artillery shelling. We will visit the area of Russian defence line and follow in the footsteps of German special troops who were trying to capture these important Soviet positions, and visit all Russian strong points including the building known as Kommisarhaus (The Commissar’s House) – known also as U/П-shaped building, the ruined command post of HQs of 138th Rifle division, the Volga shore etc. 

The battlefield east of the Barrikady blazed with the most violent and profligate clash the world would ever see. Stalingrad was without doubt the epitome of hand-to-hand fighting, and nowhere was it more brutal, more savage, more relentless, than in the Barrikady.

On 8th of November 1942 few days before the launch of the last attack, secret name Hubertus, to the Barrikady Gun Factory Adolf Hitler pronounced his famous rousing speech in Munich where he mentioned Stalingrad as follows:

“I wanted to come to the Volga, to a definite place, to a definite city. It accidentally bears the name of Stalin himself, but do not think that I went after it on that account. Indeed, it could have an altogether different name. But only it is an important point, that is, there 30 million tonnes of traffic can be cut off, including about 9 million tonnes of oil shipments. There, all the wheat pours in from those enormous territories of the Ukraine, of the Kuban territory, then to be transported to North. There, the manganese ore was forwarded. A gigantic terminal was there; I wanted to take it. And do you know, we’re modest: that is, we have it; there are only a couple of very small places left there .”

October 1942 was one of the difficult months for the defenders of Stalingrad. By the middle of the month the enemy managed to reach the Volga north of the Barrikady plant. At this time, on the right (West) bank of the river crossed the 138-th Infantry Division, commanded by Colonel Ivan Lyudnikov. The division was tasked to prevent the Nazis from seizing the plant.

The 138-th Rifle divison was able to carry out their orders. The troops restrained the onslaught of the enemy and did not let enemy into the Barrikady. However, the enemy, pulling up fresh forces, managed in November to reach the Volga south of the plant. Thus, the division of Colonel Lyudnikov was cut off from its neighbors and pressed against the river. In front, left and right - the enemy, behind - the Volga. The division appeared to be on an“island”. And the symbolic island was not that big - 700 meters on the front and 400 meters in depth. The enemy could shoot through from all directions except from the side of the Volga river which was behind the defenders.

The 138th Rifle Red Banner division had to fight with the pursuing enemy in complete isolation, in isolation from the main forces of the 62nd Army, neighbors and even their rear, which were beyond the Volga. This historic battle entered into the history as defence of Island of Lyudnikov or simply - the Island of Fire.

The tour to the Barrikady Gun Factory can be perfectly combined with other 3-4 hour city tours on the same day.

The main highlights of Island of Fire tour – the Battle for the Barrikady Gun Factory in Stalingrad:

• The line of Stalingrad front along the factory area incl. the Red October steelworks factory and memorials on the way
• The area around Barrikady Gun factory - Lyudnikov's Island - Island of Fire
• Several mass graves of Soviet soldiers
• The ruined command post of HQs of 138th Rifle Division and buildings around 
• Remains of Kommisarhaus and other Russian strong points
• Gully of Death, Fuel tanks, Water pump, School #2 etc.

The price includes:

• tour itinerary;
• transportation services (comfortable air-conditioned car);
• skilled guide-interpreter (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian speaking).

We also provide:

• Russian visa support (for free if the tour already ordered);
• Hotel reservations;
• Transportation services (airport-hotel-airport, railway station-hotel, or delivery from or to nearby towns etc).

3 steps to book the Island of Fire tour in Stalingrad today Volgograd:

• Email your request for a tour;
• Specify the terms and the tours you would like to book;
• Get the confirmation with payment details.

21 Great American Factory Tours You Can Take Right Now

Many historic American factories are open to the public. Here are the ones worth the trip.

There's probably no escaping taking the kids to an amusement park this summer—sweltering in long lines and paying for overpriced junk food. But when that torment is over, take them to a different kind of theme park, one you'll both enjoy: an American factory. You'll see how baseball gloves are made. Or how they print the posters for your favorite concert. Or how a guy at Harley-Davidson takes every bike up to 77 mph on what looks a lot like an automotive treadmill. Sometimes you'll even get candy. And unlike at Six Flags, admission is often free.

1. Hatch Show Print

Nashville, Tennessee:  75 minutes; $15 (adults), $10 (ages 6 to 12)

Nashville's recent "it city" status has our skyline so dotted with cranes that longtime residents have started calling it Little Dubai. I worry that the town where my ten-year-old daughter, Margot, was born is becoming unrecognizable to her. So I decided a tour of the Hatch Show Print letterpress was in order.

"What's a letterpress?" Margot asked.

"They make music posters," I said. She got excited.

"Think they have any of Taylor Swift?" she asked.

"Maybe," I said, explaining that they've been in business since 1879, and have worked with just about every musician you can think of—from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello.

"Who's Elvis Costello?" Margot asked.

The production process hasn't changed much in over a century. Some of the letter blocks—exactly 0.918 inches high, a standard established in 1886 by the United States Type Founders' Association—are the original end-cut maple versions. This isn't Photoshop. There is no erasing. If even the smallest amount of grit builds up beneath an individual block, it must be sanded by hand so that it prints evenly. The rollers have to be reinked every four prints—each one slightly more faded than the last. These subtle inconsistencies are what make Hatch Show Print posters so special: No two look exactly alike.

The craftsmanship wowed my daughter—just like it had wowed me on my first visit, not long after I moved to Nashville two decades ago. But her favorite part was the end, when we got to browse through an inventory of photo plates and posters dating back to the shop's very first print run. I marveled at the photo plate for Led Zeppelin's first Nashville appearance in 1970. Then I glanced over and spotted Margot. She had the very same grin on her face. She was looking at a poster from Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" tour. —Adam Ross

2. The U.S. Mint

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Also Denver, Colorado): 45 minutes; free

From a 40-foot observation deck you'll see coins—tens of millions each day—sliced from metal coils that weigh 6,000 pounds and stretch five football fields. Inspectors use magnifying glasses to check the quality. Just one flaw in one coin and the entire batch is destroyed and recycled.

3. John Deere

Waterloo, Iowa (Also East Moline, Illinois, and Ankeny, Iowa): 90 minutes; free

Tours take place on a tram pulled by—what else?—a John Deere tractor. Huge robotic arms spray each vehicle in signature green and yellow. But the logo is still applied by hand.

4. Airstream

Jackson Center, Ohio: One to two hours; free

Each of the iconic travel trailers has thousands of rivets holding together huge sheets of aircraft-grade aluminum. And every one of those rivets is drilled in by hand. Once finished, the campers go into the rain-test booth, where they're pounded by hurricane-strength rain for 20-minute cycles.

5. Bourbon Barrel Foods

Louisville, Kentucky: 25 minutes; free

The nation's only soy sauce microbrewer—yes, soy sauce microbrewer—uses repurposed bourbon barrels and limestone-filtered Kentucky spring water to create a uniquely smoky-sweet condiment. FDA restrictions keep you from the factory floor, but you can still watch through glass as workers cook soybeans, roast grain, and press mash with six tons of force.

6. Woolrich

Woolrich, Pennsylvania: One hour; free

Woolrich has been churning out fabric since 1830, including blankets for Civil War soldiers. And for the factory's 60-odd employees, working with raw wool—a single blanket takes roughly four pounds—is its own kind of battle. A variety of heirloom machines dye, comb, spin, wind, warp, weave, wash, and roll the material before it can be turned into something you'd cozy up with on the couch.

7. Coors Brewing Company

Golden, Colorado: 30 minutes; free

What kind of dad takes his five-year-old son on a brewery tour? A cool one, I thought, boarding the shuttle bus to the Coors plant in Golden, Colorado—the largest single-site brewery in the world, capable of turning out 13 million barrels of beer annually. To me, it was just another father–son outing—a chance to see something new and learn something interesting. Like the zoo, but with the freshest free beer imaginable. Little did I suspect my boy would end up scarred for life.

In and of itself, the self-guided tour is utterly wholesome, an experience as pure as the vaunted Rocky Mountain spring water that prompted Adolph Coors to set up shop in Golden back in 1873. Exhibits explain ingredients, malting, mashing, etc., while affording a look at impressive mechanized assembly lines that channel endless rivers of freshly filled cans and packed cardboard cases in perfect perpetual motion. It wasn't easy to detach my son's nose from the observation window, but over the clack of the machinery, Daddy discerned the siren song of the samples that await responsible drinkers of legal age at the end of the tour.

As I sipped a cold glass of Coors and my son a soda, we surveyed our surroundings: an ersatz pub, decorated with old advertisements—including one featuring E.T. (left), that lovable extraterrestrial, imploring imbibers to "phone home" for a ride should they overindulge. This seemingly harmless poster, unfortunately, made by far the largest impression of the day on my son. What is that thing? Is it coming to get me? What part of me do you think it would eat first? Years later, the poor lad is still uncommonly concerned with the perceived dangers posed by aliens, even smiling ones in bartenders' aprons.

Then again, if that keeps him out of the taverns for a few extra years, maybe it's not all bad. —Kendall Hamilton

8. Golden Flake

Birmingham, Alabama: 45 minutes; free

When my wife and I moved from New York City to Birmingham, Alabama, five years ago, I'd braced myself for culture shock. I knew as much about college football and black-eyed peas as I do thermonuclear fusion. But while I'm still rusty on the vagaries of the wishbone formation, we definitely came out ahead. We've got a yard now, and a dog, and some savings. And we live ten minutes from a snack-food factory.

Since 1923, Golden Flake, "The South's Original Potato Chip," has been supplying chips and puffs and curls and popcorn and pork skins from Florida up through Virginia, in flavors as unlikely as Tangy Pickle BBQ and just plain Hot. It is tiny next to the Utzes and Pringles of the world, and touring its 700-employee Birmingham facility can feel like visiting a friend's home-brewing shed, if instead of beer he churned out Chili Lime Pork Cracklin Super Strips.

"This is our cheese puff, corn puff, and popcorn department," said both our guide and, I hope, whoever greets me in the afterlife. There are 14-foot drums of vegetable oil and giant rotating seasoning cylinders and kind-looking ladies slicing potatoes in half (by hand, for quality control). The highlight comes at the halfway point: a basket brimming with potato chips plucked fresh off the conveyor belt, intercepted between fryer and bagging station, and offered to you for sampling. It is the perfect bite of a perfect chip. Thin but still crunchy, with just-too-much salt. Whatever's in your pantry seems like wafer-shaped Styrofoam in comparison.

It's just one of several snack breaks on the tour. If your taste buds still want more—and they will—you get a few complimentary bags to take home. Lucky for me, I was already there. —Brian Barrett

Everett, Washington: 90 minutes; $20 (adults), $14 (age 15 and under)

When you're stuck in the middle seat and the baby behind you is wailing, it's easy to forget what a miracle an airplane is. You won't after visiting Boeing—the largest building in the world, big enough to fit Disneyland with 13 acres to spare—and witnessing 30,000 employees assemble millions of parts and miles of wiring into 747s and other jumbo jets.

10. Chevrolet Corvette

Bowling Green, Kentucky: One hour; $10 (adults), $5 (ages 10 to 16)

So you're buying a Corvette Z06. First off, congratulations. A supercar. You're a lucky man. But why stop there? For an extra five grand you can hop on the assembly line at the Bowling Green factory and help build your 650-hp engine, which gets emblazoned with a plaque commemorating the experience. For those on a budget, $10 gets you the standard factory tour—still thrilling, just no keys at the end.

11. Harley-Davidson

York, Pennsylvania: Two hours; free or $35

There's a free tour, but it keeps you on the periphery of the shop. Pay the $35 for the Steel Toe Tour and you get to walk up and down the aisles, right next to the workers as bike parts are delivered to them, on-demand, by a trolley that follows magnetic tracks in the floor. At the end, the guys put each finished Harley on a dyno machine and steadily bring it up to 77 mph, running the bike through all the gears.

12. Fender Guitars

Corona, California: One hour; $10 (adults), $8 (seniors), $6 (ages 13 to 17), free (ages 12 and under)

The first time I saw a Fender Telecaster up close was in 1979 on the stage of the Hollywood Palladium. I was 14, and Joe Strummer was next to me pounding out the chords to The Clash's "White Riot"—the two of us shouting the lyrics along with a few other teenage punks who had also scrambled onstage during the encore.

Strummer was thousands of miles from his London home that night. But his battered axe? That wondrous machine had been born less than an hour south, in Fullerton, California, where in the early 1950s self-described tinkerer Leo Fender revolutionized the electric guitar. Since that encounter with Strummer, I've seen hundreds of other Fenders—as a music journalist as well as in my short time as a drummer, which included a stint with punk legends Bad Religion. But I didn't fully appreciate their magic until I strapped on a pair of Devo-like safety goggles and took my first tour of the Fender Factory.

It all starts with unremarkable blocks of alder and ash. From this wood, about 400 employees—more than a few aging longhairs among them—shape, sand, seal, and paint the classic Telecaster and more angular Stratocaster bodies. They then fit the necks, attach the wound pickups, and connect the knobs. Finally, each instrument is plugged in to a row of new Fender amps to check the sound quality.

In the summer, crowds for the twice-daily tour average 50 people. On the April morning I visited, there were only six of us, including two middle-aged Swedes. Afterward, browsing a showroom filled with memorabilia of Fender-playing guitar gods, I asked the guys what made them travel all this way. One clearly didn't understand En glish. The other only a little. He smiled, pointed to a poster of Jimi Hendrix, and simply said, "Him." Returning the gesture, I pointed across the room, to a display about punk. The centerpiece: a replica of Strummer's banged-up Telecaster. —John Albert

13. Lodge Cast Iron Manufacturing

South Pittsburg, Tennessee: Last weekend in April, 45 minutes; free

You can't get in while the factory is running—it's way too dangerous—but once a year (during April's National Cornbread Festival, naturally) Lodge opens its doors to tourists. Hard to say what's more amazing: the electromagnet that can lift five tons, the furnace that burns at 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit, or the pouring machine that uses ancient sand-molding techniques to create as many as 8,000 skillets an hour.

14. Wood -Mizer

Batesville, Indiana: 30 minutes; free

I live in rural Indiana, in the north part of a farm county. Out here, the sight of a Wood-Mizer, the industrious portable saw mill, passing by behind a pickup or being towed up onto someone's acreage for a few days of transformative deep-woods lumber milling, is a moment of awe, rare and powerful, like catching sight of a panther or something. In the right conditions, three men and a Wood-Mizer can mill enough lumber to build an entire pole barn or a fishing cabin in just a day. It is a tool of thrift, profit, and creativity. I don't own one—I'm just another fanboy—but I do have a hat. And the logo alone gets me silent nods of respect from farmers who otherwise want nothing to do with me.

I bought the hat after going on the Wood-Mizer factory tour in Batesville, Indiana. (It was cheaper than the sawmill.) The six-month-old plant churns calmly forward, the assembly line formed in the shape of a U. There's no shouting. No rushing. No alarm registered along any of the snug, worker-designed assembly. There's notable focus in the workforce—risen from pride, taken from ownership (the 34-year-old company is entirely worker owned)—that permeates the movement and pace from loading dock to shipping dock. For me, the moment I recognized the familiar machine occurred right in the turn of that U, after the powdered orange paint was kiln-dried onto the steel frame. Then the wheels were attached and the custom motor mounted.

And then I couldn't help myself. "There's the big cat," I exclaimed, like some kid seeing a ballplayer parking his car. The guy on the line heard me. "You gonna build something?" he asked, assuming I was a buyer. I smiled and pointed to my factory-supplied earplugs. "I'm just on a tour," I said, but he couldn't hear me. "Build something great," he said. He was standing over a new Wood-Mizer, so it sounded like a promise. —Tom Chiarella

Nocona, Texas: One hour; $5

When Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan was seven, his father took him to a hardware store in downtown Alvin, Texas, to buy his first baseball mitt. It was a Nokona. Since 1934, the family-owned company has made gloves the same way: hand-lacing and stitching American rawhide, then beating it to hell with a mallet until the pocket is ready to snag a one-hop grounder.

16. Jelly Belly

Fairfield, California: 40 to 60 minutes; free for the self-guided tour, $47 for a guided tour that takes you on the factory floor

The thousands of jelly beans tumbling in hoppers may sound like bingo balls, only here every one drawn out is a guaranteed winner—except maybe the buttered popcorn. You can taste them at every stage of the tour, but save your appetite. The factory store at the end offers unlimited samples. If you paid for the guided tour, called Jelly Belly University, this is where you make up for your tuition.

17. Tabasco Pepper Sauce

Avery Island, Louisiana: One hour; $5.50

When I was growing up in the Cajun Triangle, any time a relative or college friend came to town, my family trotted out one of three old chestnuts: tours of swamps, plantations, or the Tabasco factory. I always hoped for the peppers—because I am afraid of alligators and ghost stories but mainly because, like all good Louisianans, I am obsessed with hot sauce.

Avery Island is only three miles wide, so most of the growing happens in South America. But this is where the rust-colored mash is packed into old bourbon barrels—about 50,000 are stacked in the warehouse—and left to ferment for three years. When ready, it is mixed with vinegar and aged for another month. Finally, the sauce gets bottled and shipped off to 180 countries.

The smells of the tour are as good as the sights—all that spice mixing with nearby forests of azalea trees. But the best part comes afterward, at the free tasting, when someone inevitably volunteers to try the inferno-level habanero sauce. That someone will always be me. —Katie Macdonald

18. Kenyon's Grist Mill

West Kingston, Rhode Island: July 23 to 24 and October 22 to 23; free

Two giant slabs of granite—each more than 150 years old and weighing more than 2,000 pounds apiece—pulverize whole grain and corn into meal and flour. That's it. A simple, centuries-old process that retains all the nutrients of the original grains and corn. Make sure to bring home some Johnny Cake mix.

Kohler, Wisconsin: Three hours; free

Lowell Kappers, the 80-year-old former Kohler employee who led our tour, worked at the Wisconsin factory, north of Milwaukee, for 44 years—31 of them as a cast-iron grinder. Three decades machining crankshafts and rail-track components. Three decades wearing a respirator helmet to keep pulverized iron dust out of his lungs. He retired in 1999 but still shows up two or three mornings a week to give tours. The factory has been offering them since 1926, a couple of decades before Kappers's dad started working there.

The tour is epic: four buildings, three hours, two and a half miles. You sidestep moving forklifts. You cross beneath conveyors shuttling tubs. You watch molten iron flow. In a cavernous brick loft called the pottery, liquid clay pumped from basement tanks filled plaster-of-paris molds before getting glazed and fired in 2,450-degree industrial kilns. In the enameling shop, an employee in a silver heat shield coated a cast-iron shower floor in enamel powder, then slid it into the orange maw of another kiln.

There are so many kilns. But Kappers didn't break a sweat, despite the heat and constant walking. The only time he really lingered was when we got to the aisle where he had worked, the spot where he jockeyed that heavy grinding wheel all those years.

"Noisiest place in the factory," he said. He wasn't complaining. He was proud. And then he was off again. —Phil Hanrahan

20. R.L. Winston Rod Company

Twin Bridges, Montana: 45 minutes; free

I learned to fly-fish on a fiberglass five-weight that my dad bought at Abercrombie & Fitch in the '60s. With his tongue sticking out in a pose of concentration, he showed me the basic ten and two. Wait for the glass to finish its slow backward flex, wait for the line to unfurl, then launch your forearm forward. Be patient, son.

This was the early '90s. By then, Dad's A&F beauty was a relic. Space-age graphite had made fiberglass obsolete. Trouble was, graphite is much stiffer than glass. Graphite rods cast like rocket launchers, and spooky trout require a delicate approach. Based in Twin Bridges, Montana, at the confluence of three legendary trout rivers, 87-year-old R.L. Winston Rod Company has figured out an alchemy that transforms graphite into velvet. The key ingredient is its staff of 40—roughly 10 percent of the population of Twin Bridges. They secure line guides with hand-wrapped thread. They balance rods by feel and sight alone. They hand-fit the ferrules connecting the rod sections to within one thirty-second of an inch. When customers send in broken rods for repair, Winston rebuilds the damaged segments from scratch.

"We've got a machine for attaching guides that's sitting upstairs collecting dust," said my tour guide, production manager Joe Begin. "We find that our employees are more efficient and make fewer mistakes."

This tireless, meticulous labor accounts for the cost of the rods: ranging from $500 to $3,000. That might sound pricey, especially when a perfectly serviceable rod will run you about $200. But near the end of the tour, I was frantically crunching numbers in my head, trying to figure out how many meals I could skip in the coming month. Fortunately, the gift shop sells only hats and sweatshirts. —Elliott Woods

Seattle, Washington: 30 to 40 minutes; free

One look at the sewing floor and it's easy to see how the garment and bag company that C.C. Filson started in 1897 to outfit Gold Rush prospectors has continued to thrive. Veteran employees, some who've been there 30 years, operate antique treadle machines customized to work with the brand's hallmark rugged twill.

*This article origionally appeared in the July/August 2016 issue of  Popular Mechanics. 

.css-cuqpxl:before{padding-right:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;} Infrastructure & Transportation .css-xtujxj:before{padding-left:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;}

Rebuilding the Maze

Curving Light Could Make the 6G Dream a Reality

Ship Crew in Baltimore Collision Are Still Aboard

Inside the Final Minutes of a Horrible Train Wreck

What to Learn From the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Secret Tunnel in NYC Destabilizes Nearby Property

The Secrets of a 26-Year-Old Medieval Castle

How Laser Lightning Rods Could Save Our Buildings

Christopher Payne's Industrial Photography

What It Took to Build the World’s Largest Sphere

Greek Mythology Impacts Longest Suspension Bridge

Can you visit the Beretta factory in Italy?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Beretta factory in Italy. However, visitors must make prior arrangements as the factory tour is available by appointment only.

1. How can I visit the Beretta factory in Italy?

To visit the Beretta factory in Italy, you need to make an appointment in advance through their official website or by contacting their customer service.

2. Is there an admission fee for the Beretta factory tour?

The Beretta factory tour is free of charge for visitors.

3. Are there any age restrictions for visiting the factory?

Yes, visitors must be at least 14 years old to take the factory tour.

4. How long does the factory tour last?

The factory tour usually lasts around two hours, during which you will get to see the various stages of firearm production.

5. Can I buy firearms at the Beretta factory?

No, the Beretta factory is not a retail outlet, and firearms cannot be purchased directly from the factory.

6. Are guided tours available at the factory?

Yes, guided tours with knowledgeable staff members are provided during the factory visit.

7. Can I take photographs during the factory tour?

No, photography is not allowed inside the factory premises to ensure the safety and privacy of their manufacturing processes.

8. Is it necessary to have an interest in firearms to visit the factory?

No, the factory tour can be enjoyed by anyone interested in learning about the manufacturing processes and history of one of the world’s oldest firearm companies.

9. Are tours available in languages other than Italian?

Yes, tours in English are available, and multilingual staff members are often present to assist visitors.

10. How far in advance should I book my factory tour?

It is recommended to book your Beretta factory tour at least a few weeks in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

11. Are there any restrictions on what you can wear during the factory tour?

For safety reasons, visitors are required to wear closed-toe shoes during the factory tour. Avoid wearing loose clothing or accessories that could interfere with the manufacturing processes.

12. Can I bring my own firearms to the Beretta factory?

No, firearms are strictly prohibited on the factory premises for security reasons.

13. Are there any transportation services available to reach the factory?

Transportation services to the Beretta factory are not provided, and visitors are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the facility.

14. Can I purchase Beretta merchandise at the factory?

Yes, there is a shop at the Beretta factory where you can purchase a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles.

15. Are there any food or drink options available at the factory?

The Beretta factory does not have a restaurant or café, but nearby towns offer various dining options for visitors.

About Gary McCloud

Gary is a U.S. ARMY OIF veteran who served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. He followed in the honored family tradition with his father serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, his brother serving in Afghanistan, and his Grandfather was in the U.S. Army during World War II. Due to his service, Gary received a VA disability rating of 80%. But he still enjoys writing which allows him a creative outlet where he can express his passion for firearms. He is currently single, but is "on the lookout!' So watch out all you eligible females; he may have his eye on you...

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Destination guides

Download free Russia travel guides

St Petersburg

Golden Ring

Lake Baikal

• Murmansk (Kola Peninsula)

Moscow & St Petersburg

• Russia River Cruises

Expedition Cruises

• Trans-Siberian Tours

Northern Lights Tours

Siberia Tours

• Winter Tours
• Students Trips
• Luxury Tours
• Plan My Tour

Start planning my tour

Your Russia, your dates, your mates

• Destination Guides
• Russia Travel Tips
• Russian Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Why 56th Parallel
• Traveller Reviews

FIND ARTICLES BY CATEGORY

• EXPERIENCES
• TRAVEL TIPS
• CULTURE & ETHNOGRAPHY
• FESTIVALS & EVENTS
• WEIRD & WONDERFUL

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:

Related posts

16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Russia You Must Visit

Did you know that there are currently 26 UNESCO world heritage sites in Russia? That makes Russia 9th in the world for its total number of World Heritage Sites – 16 of which are cultural and 10 of which are natural.

Top 13 Trans Siberian Stops Travellers Should Take time to explore

It is safe to say that a journey along the famous Trans-Siberian Railway would be a dream come true and a tick on the travel bucket list for many travellers. Known as the world’s longest railway journey which takes you across 10 different time zones. We thought you should know which are the best Trans Siberian Stops to spend a little time and explore.

A Traveller's Guide to Russia’s Golden Ring Region

The perfect retreat from million-miles-an-hour Moscow, the medieval cities of Russia’s Golden Ring are nestled amid green hills and floral meadows, with rambling country roads surrounded by forests, lakes, orchards and wooden farmhouses. The idyllic ‘Mother Russia’ of old still exists, and it’s right here.

Related Tours

Trans-siberian odyssey across russia.

What can be more captivating then crossing Russia from West to East in a train? It gives the full understanding of country’s scale and treasures, of how diverse and united it is ...

Imperial Russia, Classic Trans-Siberian Journey

Embark on a classic two-week adventure across Russia to China onboard the comfortable Imperial Russia train. Starting either from Moscow or Beijing, this train journey will show ...

Golden Eagle, Luxury Trans-Siberian Express

The Trans-Siberian Railway journey, onboard of the luxurious Golden Eagle across mysterious Russia from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and ...

Articles by Category

About 56 th parallel.

56th Parallel is a travel company specialising in providing packaged tours and travel services in Russia.

Our goal is to redefine travel to Russia, focusing on creating the most rewarding experiences, which help travellers unfolds the soul of this exciting destination.

RUSSIA TOURS FINDER

Russia tour finder.

< Return

Destination

Russian capitals and surrounds, siberia and russian far east, russian arctic, travel style, city breaks.

River Cruises

Trans Siberian Tours

Adventure and Discovery

Russia Winter Tours

Other travel styles

Luxury Holidays

Have a question or need specific information?

Send us a note below or call us

Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France Metropolitan French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and Mc Donald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao, People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785

Sign in to add this item to your wishlist, follow it, or mark it as ignored

Planned Release Date: Q1 2025

Add to wishlist, about this game, 🛠️manage your factory🛠️, 🎨design your weapons🎨, 🏪manage your shop🏪, ✅upgrade your machines✅, 🔫unlock new weapons and machines🔫, ai generated content disclosure.

The developers describe how their game uses AI Generated Content like this:

Some 2D artwork on our game is based on AI generation.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows (64-bit) 10
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2500 @ 3,3 GHz (4 CPUs
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVidia GeForce GTX 1050
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 6 GB available space

More like this

You can write your own review for this product to share your experience with the community. Use the area above the purchase buttons on this page to write your review.

You can use this widget-maker to generate a bit of HTML that can be embedded in your website to easily allow customers to purchase this game on Steam.

Enter up to 375 characters to add a description to your widget:

Copy and paste the HTML below into your website to make the above widget appear

Popular user-defined tags for this product: (?)

Sign in to add your own tags to this product.

Rusia expands Tu-214 production line and modernizes the Kazan factory

Ismael Awad-Risk

A board meeting of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) , part of the Russian defense conglomerate Rostec, addressed various topics, with a focus on expanding the production line of the Tu-214 passenger aircraft.

The president of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov , where the factory is located, stated that “the Kazan plant is entering a new stage. The company is implementing a large-scale program of modernization and technical re-equipment. We will start the construction of two new production units.” Simultaneously, significant efforts are being made to acquire new equipment and train highly qualified personnel. This concerted approach aims to fulfill the state task of increasing the production of the Tu-214 , with an emphasis on quality and on-time delivery.

Might be of interest:   Russia bets on Tu-214 and plans to double production by 2027

As reported by AEROIN , our associated media, as part of the production expansion program, the construction of a machining center for the production of long parts is included. A line for modular assembly and completion will also be built. Yuri Slyusar, CEO of UAC , emphasized: “The Kazan factory is on track to meet defense orders and increase the production of civilian equipment. The expansion of the factory is a crucial step in meeting aircraft production and delivery obligations.”

Vadim Korolev, CEO of Tupolev , added perspectives, stating: “The production speed will increase, driven by the commissioning of new equipment, the modernization of existing facilities, and the additional hiring of workers. This effort will significantly increase plant production.”

Beyond production, the factory is undergoing active updates in its public spaces. For instance, the museum has been renovated to align with efforts for student career orientation . The interactive format equipped with modern audiovisual solutions aims to engage the youth. Furthermore, other structural improvements, including a new events hall and a square, have been implemented.

Deja un comentario Cancelar la respuesta

Últimas noticias.

La investigación del tail strike del 777 de LATAM en Milán apunta a errores en la carga de datos por parte de los pilotos

Iberia aumentará sus vuelos a Japón en 2025

El gobierno argentino avanza por decreto en los cambios sobre las licencias del personal aeronáutico

Colombia: mientras Petro dice que no hay desabastecimiento, Aerocivil reconoce problemas de suministro de combustible

British Airways y Air France suspenden vuelos a Tel Aviv debido a la escalada del conflicto entre Israel y Hezbollah

Crisis de abastecimiento de combustible de aviación en Colombia: ALTA y LATAM reclaman soluciones de estado

Brasil lanza un programa de desarrollo de SAF de 1.000 millones de dólares

SOMOS EL medio especializado en aviación líder en idioma español

[email protected]

© 2024 Aviacionline. todos los derechos reservados.