Kazan Cathedral sits in the middle of Nevsky Prospect opposite the Church of the Spilled Blood (and the distinctive Singer Building). It has such an imposing aspect, you should go in. Residents of St Petersburg would want and welcome you to their cathedral, but be prepared to show respect. Hats on if you're a woman, and hats off if you're a man. I was lucky enough to see a service on my first visit, the choir and the atmosphere (dark windows, candles and singing) created a highly moving atmosphere. In my opinion, it is best to catch this cathedral during a service. You get the feeling of how important this place is to worshipers and how the acoustics and painting work to enhance the religious experience. Obviously, if you're going to do this you have to stand back and not behave like a crazy tourist. No cameras, no loud conversations or pointing, just find a quiet space and appreciate the building for its purpose.
Absolutely vast building and incredible inside, the air is thick with incense and there are icons everywhere which people will queue infront of to say their prayers to and also to kiss. Photos are allowed although not with flash. There is a gift shop which sells lovely trinkets and although nobody tells you to, its expected that you should cover your head out of respect.
Huge cathedral which looks like it could use a big renovation. But on the inside beautiful with lots of icons. Even more beautiful when the choir is singing.
An interesting Cathedral with a different design. It is modeled on the St Peters Basilica in Rome so has a familiar look about it. It is far larger than it looks from it's exterior when viewed from Nevsky Prospekt.It is still a working church today and a focus for worship by many Russians as it is also partly seen as a memorial to the Russian victory over Napoleon.It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, one of the holiest icons in Russia.Visited February 2013
I cannot tell you precisely why I find this cathedral ugly, but it is at least ugly in a somewhat interesting way. It is worth a stop inside. Be aware that it is a working church, so you will find worshippers inside (including a long line of people waiting to pay homage to the famous Our Lady of Kazan icon). Also, you cannot take photographs, though the cathedral interior, all grey marble with even deeper grey detailing, is probably too dark anyway.
There isn't much to see besides the statue of the general at the front and then admire the beautiful colonnade (which still has imperfections post WW2!) - it's something to take in briefly as you stroll Nevsky Prospect to get a feel of the vibe of the city
It is a huge building and a must visit place. Inside is like a church and there is no entrance fee. There is religious practice at nights.
我过去看到东正教人做礼拜的虔诚,里面不准拍照,但是里面的仪式和圣歌让你心灵得到洗礼,虽然你不一定信教。很庄严,壁画也很华丽。很值得一去的教堂。只是教堂外观有点破旧,周围太多电线,不然拍照的效果更好。
This huge fronted Cathedral makes a strong statement as is resides Predominantly on Nevsky Prospect. Externally and internally it is worth visiting and consuming. After way too many decades of neglect it wasn't til the mid 90's that this building started to come back to life.