Kazachie has a common and a private lux banya for up to 10 people. The whole place works in the old-school way – nudity only – strictly no underwear allowed and no-one speaks English, but it is a real Russian experience, especially when the old regulars cover you in honey and start beating the hell out of you with branches. This is one of the oldest banyas in the city – almost 140 years old. You can't get any more authentic than that!
My expat friends brought me to this banya when I visited St. Pete last year. A real Russian experience, I loved it! How did you find this place in the middle of nowhere, I asked them. They said: thanks to In Your Pocket! It was a very good tip (for people who want to see the real Russia, not for people like Sophie, she can better stay the whole week in the Hermitage, also nice). Thanks a lot.
28.05.2009
Leonie
I went last week to this banya with two friends and we thought it was a great experience. Everything was a bit unclear to us, but friendly naked women showed us all. A big naked woman covered is clay made our veniki soft with boiled water and another one with felt hat explained us that we first had to go under the shower, before jumping in the cold bath. All this in a setting of rusty taps and an open dressing room was part of a real Russian unforgettable experience.
04.05.2009
Jennifer
St. Petersburg In Your Pocket visited this very banya for one of their features in the past, I do believe. I, myself as a St. Petersburg expat have been to this banya and other ones, a number of times. I like the reality of Kazachy Bany and I like the variety of people. To me, its atmosphere is what would make it interesting to tourists, though I can't imagine what banya would not be intimidating to tourists in some way. But then if you get looked after too much, or don't take the time to go to places like Kazachy, you will get a overly-prettified view of this city. That would a be shame if you never saw how real Russians get by.
20.04.2009
Louise Whitworth - editor
It may indeed not be an ideal place for tourists given the nudity, brusqueness of the staff and general confusion of the place. In Your Pocket however also writes with expats in mind as well as tourists and after some years here many expats feel ready to take on the wilds of an old school banya experience. But as for tourists I would perhaps have to agree with you, if anything it's a little intimidating... In Your Pocket will be sure to mention that in the listing and as ever thank you for your feedback!
Comments
Richard
My expat friends brought me to this banya when I visited St. Pete last year. A real Russian experience, I loved it! How did you find this place in the middle of nowhere, I asked them. They said: thanks to In Your Pocket! It was a very good tip (for people who want to see the real Russia, not for people like Sophie, she can better stay the whole week in the Hermitage, also nice). Thanks a lot.
Leonie
I went last week to this banya with two friends and we thought it was a great experience. Everything was a bit unclear to us, but friendly naked women showed us all. A big naked woman covered is clay made our veniki soft with boiled water and another one with felt hat explained us that we first had to go under the shower, before jumping in the cold bath. All this in a setting of rusty taps and an open dressing room was part of a real Russian unforgettable experience.
Jennifer
St. Petersburg In Your Pocket visited this very banya for one of their features in the past, I do believe. I, myself as a St. Petersburg expat have been to this banya and other ones, a number of times. I like the reality of Kazachy Bany and I like the variety of people. To me, its atmosphere is what would make it interesting to tourists, though I can't imagine what banya would not be intimidating to tourists in some way. But then if you get looked after too much, or don't take the time to go to places like Kazachy, you will get a overly-prettified view of this city. That would a be shame if you never saw how real Russians get by.
Louise Whitworth - editor
It may indeed not be an ideal place for tourists given the nudity, brusqueness of the staff and general confusion of the place. In Your Pocket however also writes with expats in mind as well as tourists and after some years here many expats feel ready to take on the wilds of an old school banya experience. But as for tourists I would perhaps have to agree with you, if anything it's a little intimidating... In Your Pocket will be sure to mention that in the listing and as ever thank you for your feedback!