On the Volga shore west of the city, one artist's lifelong project piles cupolas, a minaret, a pagoda roof and a stupa into a single building.
In 1992 the artist and healer Ildar Khanov began building in the village of Staroye Arakchino, with his own hands and his own money.
The result belongs to no single faith. Orthodox cupolas, a minaret, a pagoda roof, a synagogue star, a Buddhist stupa and a Catholic spire all rise from one brick and plaster building.
Khanov died in 2013. His family and volunteers carry on the work, so the building keeps changing.
No services are held. The exterior is free to see, and the halls inside cost a small fee.
Half an hour each way, an hour or two on site.
Take a suburban train west to Lagernaya, or a taxi.
Walk up from the road for the full jumble of domes and towers.
Circle the building to pick out each tradition's symbol.
Pay the fee for the painted halls and exhibitions.
Walk down to the river before heading back.
Suburban train towards Zelenodolsk or a taxi, about 30 minutes.
The outside is free; a small fee for the halls.
