Naberezhnye Chelny | Uncover the Charms of Modern City

Places to see and visit

The city of Naberezhnye Chelny is situated in the northeast of the republic and has a harbour on the left bank of the Kama river. Chelny (a short name of the city) is located 225 km to the east from Kazan, and 17 km to the north-east from the railway station Krugloe Pole. The first settlements on the territory of Naberezhnye Chelny were known since 1626.

The city is the administrative centre of the Tukaevsky district. The main industrial enterprises are the Kama Association for the Production of Heavy-Duty Vehicles (KamAZ) and the Nizhnekamskaya Hydroelectric Power Station.

Unveiling the Rich History

Naberezhnye Chelny stands as the second-largest city in Tatarstan. Scholars speculate that the roots of this city trace back to the 11th century. With a Bulgarian settlement called Yar Chally. The city’s official mention in Russian chronicles in 1626 marks a pivotal moment in its history, marking the inception of a settlement that would evolve into the industrial hub we know today.

Industrial Boom in the Mid-20th Century

While relatively unknown in the early 20th century, Naberezhnye Chelny underwent a transformative journey from a provincial town to a major industrial center from the late 1950s onward. The establishment of the Kama Automobile Plant in the 1960s played a significant role in propelling the city’s development.

Architectural Marvels of the 20th Century

Naberezhnye Chelny’s character took shape in the latter half of the 20th century. It boasted intriguing examples of architecture and sculpture from that era. Walking through the city’s streets, once the widest in the Soviet Union, reveals a well-maintained environment adorned with flower beds and vibrant floral compositions. August brings an explosion of colors during events celebrating the Republic of Tatarstan, turning the city into a fairyland of floral figures and structures.

Cultural Exploration in Museums and Theatres

Discover the city’s history in detail at the Museum of the City! It showcases the stages of Naberezhnye Chelny’s development and highlighting the grand socialist-era project – the construction of the KAMAZ automotive giant. Spend a few hours in the Naberezhnochelny Picture Gallery. There you may enjoy works by local artists, and immerse yourself in the majestic music of Bach in the Organ Hall. Catch performances at Tatar and Russian drama theatres for a taste of the city’s cultural richness.

Harmony of East and West

Reflecting Tatarstan’s cultural fusion, Naberezhnye Chelny features both Orthodox churches – Church of Cosmas and Damian, St. Tikhon’s Church, St. Seraphim Sarovsky Church, and modern mosques – Abuzar, Ak Mechet, Bilal, Jamig, Ramazan, Tufan Mahalla. Notably, the Tauba Mosque, built in the early 1990s, remains a masterpiece of contemporary Russian Muslim architecture.

Nature’s Bounty in Summer

During the summer, Naberezhnye Chelny and its surroundings come alive with greenery. Explore the “Lower Kama” nature reserve, covering over many thousands hectares of forests, meadows, and water bodies at the confluence of the forest and steppe zones. The reserve offers captivating land and water routes along the Nizhnekamsk reservoir, Kama, and Kriusha rivers.

Warm Hospitality of Naberezhnye Chelny

Chelny welcomes guests with open arms. Enjoy attentive service in cafes and shops, savor delicious cuisine in restaurants, and experience the city’s clean and well-maintained appearance, complemented by the friendly smiles of the locals, leaving you with a pleasant impression.