Where to stay near St Petersburg’s Kazan Cathedral

Completed in 1811, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan stands on Saint Petersburg’s central Nevsky Prospect. Its design was inspired by the great churches of Italy, and inside it’s a maze of marble columns with a magnificent central dome. Among the countless sculptures and artworks is an icon of the cathedral’s patron, Our Lady of Kazan – said to protect Russia from harm.

We’ve sought out the most highly rated apartments within walking distance of Kazan Cathedral. Here are five of the best.

Kazanskaya Art Apart

Stepping inside Kazanskaya Art Apart is like walking into a stately home – all glittering chandeliers, stucco ceilings and gilt-trimmed fireplaces. This grand two-bed apartment is actually a protected historical monument, and Dostoevsky lived here briefly in 1846. Both bedrooms and the living room have views of nearby Kazan Cathedral, and the master ensuite comes with its own private sauna. The cathedral is only a couple of minutes from the front door, and Palace Square is within an 8-minute walk.

Peter the Great Apartments in Centre with View

Peter the Great Apartments in Centre with View is located right behind Kazan Cathedral – the living room windows look out over the cathedral dome. Inside, the apartment is all dark wood and clean-lined design in neutral shades. The sleek kitchen is stocked with essentials like coffee, tea and sugar, and there’s a grocery store five minutes away. You’re also a few minutes from Mamalyga, a Georgian restaurant with vintage décor. Try the cheese-stuffed khachapuri bread and garlicky aubergine salad.

Apartmients u Kazanskogho sobora

At Apartmients u Kazanskogho sobora, two-bedroom apartments are painted in pale pastels, with rustic wood furniture. There’s plenty of space to cook in the open-plan kitchens, which include an oven, gas hob and coffee maker. Windows look onto a quiet internal courtyard, but step outside and you’re in the heart of the action. Kazan Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect are both three minutes away, and Mannekin Pis – a Belgian bar with a great selection of beers – is right downstairs.

Welcome Home Apartments Kazanskaya 5

A few minutes from Kazan Cathedral, Welcome Home Apartments Kazanskaya 5 is a two-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to six. There’s a homely feel to the wooden furniture, floral wallpaper and squishy leather sofa. The kitchen is kitted out with cheerful spring-green curtains and aqua-toned cabinets, and has an oven and microwave if you want to stay in and cook. There are also plenty of places to eat out in the area, including Café Suliko. Locals love this restaurant’s hearty Georgian food and wine, with stand-outs such as pomegranate-studded salads and juicy shish kebabs.

ApartHotel the City of Bridges

The ApartHotel the City of Bridges studios feature traditional Russian design with a modern twist. Living areas are decked out with lavender and gold brocade, textured wallpapers and fireplaces clad in white-painted stone, while bathrooms have gilded taps and roomy corner showers. On the ground floor below the apartments you’ll find Gills, a popular restaurant serving Asian fusion dishes. A easy 4-minute walk will bring you to Nevsky Prospect and the entrance of Kazan Cathedral itself.