Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan
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Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan

4.5
·73 reviews·Havana, Cuba

A serene Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Old Havana, offering unique architecture and a peaceful spiritual escape from the city's vibrant energy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan

Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan

Best Time

Anytime

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.5
(73 reviews)

"Simple and beautiful architecture, a peaceful premise at the fringe of the Cuban capital."

Vertical photo
TIP

💵 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Orthodox Architecture

Stunning Orthodox Architecture

Old Havana

A beautiful and relatively new construction, offering a unique architectural contrast in Havana.

Reddit
Peaceful Interior

Peaceful Interior

Main Sanctuary

Experience a serene atmosphere, often maintained by keeping the doors closed to the outside bustle.

Reddit
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Candle Costs & Currency

Be aware that candles are sold in USD, with prices ranging from $1 upwards. The exchange rate for CUP is based on the black market, not the official rate. This differs from many Orthodox churches in Russia where basic candles are free. Reddit

Accessing the Cathedral

The cathedral may appear closed, but you can often enter by simply pushing the door. This is done to minimize noise pollution and maintain a peaceful atmosphere inside. Reddit

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

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. Reddit

🚪 Entry is Simple

If it looks closed, just push the door to enter. They aim for a quiet environment. Reddit

⛪ Russian Orthodox Church

This cathedral is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. Reddit

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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. Reddit

🚪 Entry is Simple

If it looks closed, just push the door to enter. They aim for a quiet environment. Reddit

⛪ Russian Orthodox Church

This cathedral is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(73 reviews)

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. Reddit+1

"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

Beautiful architecture
Peaceful atmosphere
Free entry

What People Dislike

USD candle pricing
Black market CUP rate

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. Reddit

While it's on the fringe of Old Havana, its distinct architecture makes it a notable landmark. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No ticket is required for entry. The cathedral may appear closed, but you can usually enter by pushing the door. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is no entrance fee. However, candles are sold for a fee in USD. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Visitors often describe the interior as simple and beautiful, with a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Reddit

Yes, you can light candles, but they are sold in USD with prices starting at $1. Reddit

Candles are sold in USD. If you wish to pay in CUP, the exchange rate used is based on the black market. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally respectful to ask or observe others before taking photos in religious sites. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

As the cathedral is in Old Havana, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area offering various Cuban cuisines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture offers a unique visual, and the serene interior can also be photogenic, though be mindful of others. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan offers a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Old Havana. While there are no specific child-focused activities, the serene atmosphere can be a calming experience for children. The unique architecture might also capture their attention. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Entry to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly attraction. Reddit However, be aware that candles are sold in USD, with prices starting at $1. If you plan to purchase them, ensure you have small USD bills. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Havana's Orthodox Community

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan is a relatively recent addition to Havana's religious landscape, constructed in 2000. It stands as a testament to the enduring presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Cuba. Its existence is partly linked to historical migration patterns, with some sources suggesting a connection to Ukrainian Orthodox populations who found refuge in Cuba following the Chernobyl disaster. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Candle Purchases and Currency

A notable aspect of visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan is the system for purchasing candles. Unlike many Orthodox churches where basic candles are free with optional donations, here they are sold for a set price in US dollars. Prices start at $1 and increase for larger candles. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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