The weather vane in the form of a mythological creature that decorated the spire of the Kazan Railway Station tower was restored. Specialists repaired the rotary mechanism, eliminated cracks and defects, restored the gilding.
The restoration of one of the main decorative elements of the Kazan railway Station — the figure of Zilant – has been completed. This is a gilded weather vane in the form of a winged serpent. It historically decorated the top of the main tower of the station. Last year, the zilant was removed from the spire in order to restore and eliminate the defects that appeared over time. Now the updated figure has been returned to its place.
Zilant is a winged serpent, or Kazan dragon. This is a character from Tatar fairy tales. Legends about the foundation of Kazan are connected with him, and he is considered the protector and patron of this city. Zilant is depicted on the flag and coat of arms of Kazan. In ancient times, it was believed that this is a dangerous creature, but the attitude towards it has changed. And now he, despite his threatening appearance, symbolizes good forces.
“Kazan Railway Station, built in the neo-Russian style, is certainly one of the architectural masterpieces of Moscow. Its main decoration is a 73—meter-high tower, stylized as a watchtower of the Kazan Kremlin’s Syuyumbike. The restorers have put in order its most recognizable element — the gilded figure of the serpent zilant. With the help of special equipment, the figure was returned to its historical place,” said the head of the capital’s Department of Cultural Heritage. Alexey Yemelyanov.
