
Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan
A serene Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Old Havana, offering unique architecture and a peaceful spiritual escape from the city's vibrant energy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Old Havana, offering unique architecture and a peaceful spiritual escape from the city's vibrant energy.
"Simple and beautiful architecture, a peaceful premise at the fringe of the Cuban capital."

💵 Candle Pricing
Candles are priced in USD. Be prepared for this, as it differs from donation-based systems elsewhere.
🚪 Entry is Simple
If it looks closed, just push the door to enter. They aim for a quiet environment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Orthodox Architecture
Old Havana
A beautiful and relatively new construction, offering a unique architectural contrast in Havana.

Peaceful Interior
Main Sanctuary
Experience a serene atmosphere, often maintained by keeping the doors closed to the outside bustle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Candle Costs & Currency
Accessing the Cathedral
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💵 Candle Pricing
Candles are priced in USD. Be prepared for this, as it differs from donation-based systems elsewhere.
🚪 Entry is Simple
If it looks closed, just push the door to enter. They aim for a quiet environment.
⛪ Russian Orthodox Church
This cathedral is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Tips
from all over the internet
💵 Candle Pricing
Candles are priced in USD. Be prepared for this, as it differs from donation-based systems elsewhere.
🚪 Entry is Simple
If it looks closed, just push the door to enter. They aim for a quiet environment.
⛪ Russian Orthodox Church
This cathedral is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan to be a beautiful and peaceful Orthodox church in Havana, offering a unique architectural contrast. While the free entry is appreciated, the USD pricing for candles and the black market exchange rate for CUP have been noted as points of surprise for some.
"They charge for the candles in USD (???), the cheapest one costs $1, then 5, etc. The attendant speaks clear and loud it's US dollars and if you want to pay in CUP the rate is by the black market, not the official rate.
Didn't appreciate it. In Orthodox churches in Russia the basic candles are free and donation is up to the visitor."
Olga T.
"We thought that it was closed, but it seems that they keep it that way so there is no noise pollution. Push the door and you will be in. Simple and beautiful architecture."
Yolanda Santa Cruz
"The Catedral Ortodoxa de Nuestra Señora de Kazán is one of the newest constructions in Havana, being built in 2000. It is located in the south of Old Havana."
Paweł
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan is located in the south of Old Havana. It's accessible by taxi or a walk if you're already exploring the historic center.
While it's on the fringe of Old Havana, its distinct architecture makes it a notable landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required for entry. The cathedral may appear closed, but you can usually enter by pushing the door.
Specific hours aren't always advertised, as they aim to maintain a quiet atmosphere. It's best to try pushing the door to see if it's open.
There is no entrance fee. However, candles are sold for a fee in USD.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors often describe the interior as simple and beautiful, with a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Yes, you can light candles, but they are sold in USD with prices starting at $1.
Candles are sold in USD. If you wish to pay in CUP, the exchange rate used is based on the black market.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally respectful to ask or observe others before taking photos in religious sites.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
As the cathedral is in Old Havana, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area offering various Cuban cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture offers a unique visual, and the serene interior can also be photogenic, though be mindful of others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the candle purchasing system, as it involves USD and a specific exchange rate for CUP, which might require explanation for younger visitors. The quiet nature of the cathedral means keeping voices low, which is generally manageable for most families.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you need to use CUP, the exchange rate is based on the black market, which might not be the most favorable. For a free cultural experience, simply visiting and admiring the architecture is a great option.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Havana's Orthodox Community
This community, alongside other Soviet-era citizens hosted by Cuba, contributes to the unique cultural tapestry of the city. The cathedral serves as a spiritual center for this community, offering a familiar place of worship and cultural continuity. Its location in Old Havana places it amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding another layer of historical and architectural significance.
Visiting the cathedral offers a chance to witness a different facet of Havana's religious and cultural life, distinct from the more prevalent Catholic traditions. It's a quiet sanctuary that reflects a specific historical and demographic influence on the island.
Navigating Candle Purchases and Currency
This practice can be surprising for visitors accustomed to different customs. Furthermore, if you intend to pay in Cuban Pesos (CUP), the exchange rate applied is based on the black market, not the official government rate. This can lead to confusion or unexpected costs for those not familiar with Cuba's complex currency situation.
It's advisable to have USD on hand if you wish to purchase candles. Understanding this pricing structure beforehand can help manage expectations and avoid any misunderstandings during your visit.
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