35 attractions of Sergiev Posad that are worth visiting

Sergiev Posad - an ancient city (its history dates back to the distant XIV century) and known not only to almost all residents of Russia, but also to many foreign tourists (Sergiev Posad is part of the Golden Ring of Russia). Located 50 km. from Moscow, the city is more than convenient for visiting, especially since one day is enough for you to explore all the main attractions of Sergiev Posad. Sergiev Posad received its name on March 22, 1782 at the direction of Empress Catherine II in honor of the founder of the settlement: Hieromonk Sergius of Radonezh. From 1930 to 1991 the city was called Zagorsk in honor of the revolutionary figure V. M. Lubotsky (Zagorsky), after which it returned to its original name. The main attraction of Sergiev Posad is rightfully the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra - a monastery that is still active to this day.

Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius in Sergiev Posad

The best attractions in the vicinity of Sergiev Posad

Gremyachiy Key waterfall

It is located 20 km from the city, near the village of Vzglyadnevo. The source is considered healing, which arose at the request of St. Sergius. It consists of several springs flowing from a height of 20 meters.

The area near the waterfall is well equipped: neat paths, a wooden refectory and a chapel, a font.

Address: Gremyachiy Klyuch waterfall, Vzglyadnevo village, Moscow region, Russia

Official website: https://www.gremyachiy.ru/

Ethnopark "Nomad"

The park is dedicated to the life and activities of nomadic peoples, both Central Asian and Northern Russian regions. Here you can see the dwellings of the Mongols, Kalmyks, Nenets, and Yakuts.

The zoo yard, where camels, yaks, and sled dogs live, is extremely popular. Children can ride a reindeer or a dog sled.

Address: Ethnopark “Nomad”, Sergiev Posad district, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 19:00; Monday, Tuesday - closed

Entrance: for adults - 500 rubles, for children - 350 rubles, children under 7 years old - free

Official website: https://ethno-park.ru/

Estate "Muranovo" named after F. I. Tyutchev

Founded in 1919 as a museum of everyday life of the 19th century, and later it became a museum of the poets Tyutchev and Baratynsky.

The museum is interesting as an example of a classic noble estate. In the main house you can see furniture from the second half of the 19th century, an office with personal belongings of poets, and many household items of that era - chandeliers, candelabra, clocks.

Address: Muranovo, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00; Monday - closed

Entrance: for adults - from 50 rubles, for children - 30 rubles.

Official website: https://muranovo-museum.ru/ru/

Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve

An estate-estate, in which the owner was the writer Aksakov, and after him the entrepreneur Savva Morozov. Under Aksakov, Russian writers (Gogol, Turgenev) visited the estate. The next owner of Mamontov created the Mamontov art circle here, which included all the significant artists of that time (Serov, Vasnetsov, Nesterov, Polenov and others).

Interesting exhibitions in the Main Estate tell about the Aksakov family and the Mamontov circle.

Address: Muzeynaya street, 1, Khotkovo, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00; Monday, Tuesday - closed

Entrance: for adults - 300 rubles, for children - 150 rubles, children under 6 years old - free

Official website: https://www.abramtsevo.net/

Spaso-Vifansky Monastery

Buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and modern structures that carefully recreate ancient buildings. The monastery flourished in the 19th century, at the beginning of the 20th century it was a rich monastery with its own factory and apartment buildings.

In 1917, the monastery was abolished, some of the buildings were used, and some were destroyed. In 1998, the monastery started working again.

Address: Maslieva street, 25, Ptitsegradsky village, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 5:00 to 17:00

Official website: https://vifanskymonastir.cerkov.ru/

Chernigov monastery

Creation time: 19th century. Located approximately 3 km from the city. The complex consists of a cave temple, Chernigov church and a bell tower.

The buildings are built in pseudo-Russian style and are very beautiful. The bell tower especially attracts attention - it is five-tiered, towering above the rest of the houses, of a deep scarlet color, it can be seen from afar.

Address: Gethsemane Ponds street, 1, Ferma village, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 5:00 to 17:00; - day off

Official website: https://skit-chernigovsky.ru/

Desert of the Holy Paraclete

Created in 1858, the territory remote from the city was not chosen by chance - the inhabitants of the desert were going to lead a silent life. The desert was practically destroyed in the 30s, but was restored again 60 years later.

All that remains of the old complex are the buildings of the Temple of the Comforter Spirit (mid-19th century) and the gate bell tower from the early 20th century.

Address: Smena village, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 7:00 to 17:00

Official website: https://paraklitova-pustyn.ru/

Pokrovsky Khotkov Monastery

In the town of Khotkovo, 10–15 km from Posad, there is the Intercession Convent. The first mention of the monastery dates back to 1308, but no buildings from that time have survived.

The current complex of buildings was built in the 19th century - Intercession Cathedral, bell tower, monastic cells. There is a lot of greenery and flowers here. Walking along Pokrovsky is a pleasure.

Address: Kooperativnaya street, possession 2, Khotkovo city, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 6:00 to 21:00

Gremyachiy key

Gremyachiy Klyuch is the largest and most famous waterfall in the Moscow region. Its height is about 20 meters. The source is located on the right bank of the Vondiga River in the Sergiev Posad region. The nearest settlement to the spring is the village of Vzglyadnevo.

Gremyachiy key

According to legend, the Gremyachiy Key owes its appearance to the prayer of the hieromonk of the Russian Church Sergius of Radonezh. The waterfall attracts the attention of numerous pilgrims as a holy spring, but is no less popular among ordinary travelers. Gremyachey Klyuch water is considered healing due to its radon content.

The temperature in the spring remains at 6 degrees throughout the year. For the convenience of tourists, the approaches to Gremyachiy Klyuch were improved - stairs appeared on the slopes, and a temple with a chapel and a font were erected next to the waterfall.

Coordinates: 56°16′06″ N. latitude, 38°20′40″ e. d.

What to visit in Sergiev Posad for free

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Built in the 17th century, in the Moscow Baroque style. Externally, it is a two-story building. On the first tier there is the arch of the Lavra gate. And at the top there is a five-domed church with figured domes, multifaceted windows and painted walls.

The original interior paintings and stucco work were destroyed by fire in the 18th century. The paintings of the 19th century, when the building was essentially redecorated, were not preserved either. In 1948, the 19th century painting was reproduced as accurately as possible; later, in the 21st century, it was restored.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Smolensk Church

The church was erected in 1743, the style is Elizabethan Baroque. A single-dome building created in a cylindrical shape. Empress Elizabeth attended the consecration of the temple.

It is interesting for the stone image of Hodegetria of Smolensk (Virgin Mother of God) on the outer eastern wall. Now the original stone icon is in the historical museum of the city.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Bell tower of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

The building was created in the 18th century. Its height is 88 meters. The bell tower dominates the architectural ensemble of the Lavra.

This is an openwork building of five tiers, with elements of baroque and classical architecture. Inside the belfry there were up to 50 bells, most of them had names - Tsar Bell, Resurrection Bell, Panikhidny Bell.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Vvedensky and Pyatnitsky churches

Both churches are located close to the walls of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, but still outside its fence. Year of creation: 1547.

The buildings are located almost close to each other, which creates an interesting contrast between the temples. The strict and simple Vvedenskaya Church was obviously built according to Pskov models, and the Pyatnitskaya Church, although lower than its neighbor, but the openwork belfry gives it a more festive look.

Address: Red Army Avenue, 127, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00

Official website: https://pyatnitskoepodvorie.rf/

Elias Church

On the shore of the pond there is the Church of Elijah the Prophet, created in 1773. The architecture is Moscow Baroque. The church never closed; at one time it was the only church in the city where services were held.

An elegant building, whose walls are made of red brick, decorated with white trim and a portal. It has simple graceful forms, and the bell tower seems light and graceful.

Address: Kuzminova street, 1/5, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius

Founded in 1337 by one of the most revered Russian saints - Radonezh. In the 18th century the monastery became a Lavra. The monastery complex consists of 50 buildings of various architectures.

The most interesting are the Trinity and Assumption Cathedrals, created in the 15th–16th centuries, the Bell Tower of the 18th century, and the Royal Palaces of the 17th century.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Assumption Cathedral

Founded in the 16th century under Ivan the Terrible, the five-domed cathedral was built on the model of the Moscow Assumption Cathedral. The snow-white building looks massive and solemn.

The decor on the outside is as simple as possible, but the interior is another attraction. The walls were painted with frescoes in the 17th century, the paintings are perfectly preserved.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Trinity Cathedral

The main temple of the Lavra, the Trinity Cathedral, was built in the 15th century. This is the oldest building of the monastery. Quite a small cathedral with snow-white walls, correct proportions and simple architecture.

The inside of the temple is decorated with frescoes and icons; they date back to the same 15th century. It was here that the famous “Trinity” by Andrei Rublev was located (now the original is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery). In addition, the cathedral houses the relics of Sergei of Radonezh.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Temple of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Spiritual Church)

Created in the 15th century by a group of Pskov craftsmen. The building is tall and elegant; it has a belfry, unique for its time, located under the dome of the building.

The church has practically no natural consecration, so it was painted only 200 years later, and the iconostasis (rosewood) was added already in the 19th century.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Church of St. Sergius with a refectory chamber

Founded in the 17th century, style - Naryshkin Baroque. This is an amazingly elegant and sophisticated building with a carved colonnade and patterned windows. The wide staircase also fits well into the ensemble, although it was completed 100 years later.

The interior decoration matches the exterior - luxurious stucco molding, abundant gilding, many fresco compositions.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://www.stsl.ru/

Water-blessed chapel-canopy (“Canopy over the cross”)

Year of creation: 1872. Located near the Nadkladeznaya Chapel. It has the shape of a tent-shaped gazebo with a cross on top.

In essence, this is an elegant “roof” over a small cast-iron pool, where water from the source (the Assumption Well) is collected. The dome of the chapel is supported by seven thin columns. Several times a year the water is blessed.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Assumption Cathedral

The majestic Assumption Cathedral was built in the center of the Lavra in the second half of the 16th century. by order of Ivan the Terrible. The cathedral of the same name in the Moscow Kremlin was taken as a prototype. But the new cathedral turned out to be slightly larger in size, and built of brick rather than white stone. Originally spherical, the domes were built in the 18th century. were replaced by traditional bulbous ones. The central golden dome is surrounded by blue side domes with golden stars on them.

Assumption Cathedral

As in the Church of the Baptist, the interior of the Assumption Cathedral is very light. A powerful luminous flux penetrates through the window openings of the dome drums. The cross vaults are supported by traditional supports in Russian architecture - massive pylons. On the right in the photograph you can see the Assumption Treasury with an elegant chapel, erected over a healing spring at the end of the 17th century.

Where to go in Sergiev Posad and what else to see

Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve

Consists of several buildings with various museum exhibitions. The buildings are located close to each other.

The most interesting displays of relics from the 11th to 19th centuries are at the “Sacristy” exhibition; icons, handwritten books, samples of sewing and items made of precious metals are on display here. The collection of church vestments, partly made from eastern fabrics from the regions of the Ottoman Empire (mainly from Iran and Turkey), also attracts attention.

Address: 1st Shock Army street, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00; Monday, Tuesday - closed

Entrance: for adults - 700 rubles, for children - 350 rubles, children under 7 years old - free

Official website: https://www.museum-sp.ru/

Museum complex "Horse yard"

Located at the very walls of the Lavra. The complex was built at the end of the 18th century. Once upon a time there were indeed monastery stables here.

Now there are various exhibitions here. The most interesting are those dedicated to the archaeological past of Sergiev Posad, decorative and applied arts from the 18th century to the present day, as well as the life and traditions of the Russian village. The exhibition of Russian nesting dolls also deserves attention.”

Address: 1st Shock Army street, 2, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00; Monday, Tuesday - closed

Entrance: for adults - 120 rubles, for children - 60 rubles, children under 7 years old - free

Official website: https://www.museum-sp.ru/department/konny-dvor/

Toy Museum

It stands opposite the Lavra above the Kelarsky Pond. Opened at the beginning of the 20th century, in the 80s it moved to a commercial school.

The rich red brick mansion in the historicist style is an interesting attraction in itself. Collections of Russian and European dolls and the collection of toys of the Romanov family are popular.

Address: Red Army Avenue, 123, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00; Monday, Tuesday - closed

Entrance: for adults - 250 rubles. (weekdays) or 300 rub. (on weekends), for children - 120 rubles. (weekdays) or 150 rub. (on weekends), children under 5 years old - free

Official website: https://museumot.info/

Museum of Peasant Life "Once Upon a Time"

One of the new museums in the city was opened by an enthusiastic artist. It is located in a wooden house interesting as a peasant dwelling from the second half of the 19th century.

The museum displays utensils, jewelry, toys and clothing of peasant families. Here you can see homespun towels, forged locks, cast iron irons, samovars.

Address: Valovaya street, 22, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00

Entrance: for adults - 100 rubles, for children - 50 rubles.

Bethan Pond

At the confluence of two rivers - Konchura and Korbukha, the Vifansky Pond was created at the end of the 18th century. Its organizers were monks from nearby monasteries, who needed the pond for purely utilitarian purposes - to raise fish.

The place is very picturesque - a large lake, the banks are overgrown with forest. Although there are not many fish now, and the water quality is not very good.

Address: Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Skitskie Prudy Park

A picturesque park near Gethsemane and Chernigov skete. The hermitage ponds were created in the 18th century for fish breeding.

Now it’s good to walk there, admire the sculptures, sit in the rotunda, and you can fish. Fans of active recreation will enjoy the skate park, and children will enjoy the numerous swings.

Address: st. Vifanskaya, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 21:00

Museum of Impressions

An entertainment complex with the opportunity to take funny photos. The whole “zest” of the exhibitions is in optical illusions, which look completely naturalistic in the photo.

In addition, you can complete the “Toy Factory” quest, wander through the ribbon maze, or even rent a separate room for a disco.

Address: Moskovskoe highway, 25, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00; - day off

Entrance: for adults - from 150 rubles.

Official website: https://muzeivpechatlenii.ru/

"Wonder Park"

A whole town of open-air attractions, founded in 2002. This establishment is eagerly visited not only in the warm season, but also in winter - on Maslenitsa and New Year.

Children can ride a carousel, drive a car in a race track, or hang out at the slot machines. Those interested can take a boat ride in the pond (there is a station) or rent a raft.

Address: Red Army Avenue, 185B, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 20:00

Entrance: for adults - from 50 rubles.

Official website: https://parkchudes.business.site/

Trinity Cathedral

The first stone structure and the main cathedral of the Lavra were erected in the 15th century. instead of the wooden Trinity Church.

The cathedral is not high (30 m), but creates the illusion of a massive building. Narrow windows are cut into the white stone façade. Ornamental ribbons wrapping around the facades and the drum are the only decorative detail.

Trinity Cathedral

The rather ascetic facade hides a beautiful interior with a five-tier iconostasis - the same age as the cathedral. Fortunately, it can still be seen today. For him, Andrei Rublev wrote his famous “Trinity”, now kept in the Tretyakov Gallery. There is a copy of it in the cathedral. Unfortunately, only a limited fragment at the altar has survived from the original painting. The rest of the paintings are at the end of the 17th century. made by Yaroslavl and Troitsk masters, led by the famous master of that time Dmitry Plekhanov.

Ancient painting inside the cathedral

Saints are depicted in window openings and pylons. On the inner vault of the central dome, Christ the Pantocrator is depicted, and in the small ones - the Lord of Hosts, the Blessing Child Jesus, the Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos, John the Baptist. At the main altar there are chapels of the Great Martyr Theodore Stratilates (the heavenly patron of Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich), the Martyr Irina (Tsarina Irina Feodorovna), and also St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

One of the chapels of the Trinity Cathedral was built on the spot where the Mother of God appeared to Sergius. Several abbots of the Lavra were buried in the chapel. After the name of one of them, the chapel began to be called the Serapion Chambers. They are known as the site of several Christian relics. Visits to the Serapion Chambers are carried out with special permission in groups of 30 people, accompanied by a monk.

The main shrine of the cathedral is the wooden coffin in which Sergius of Radonezh was buried. In 1585, his remains were transferred to a gilded silver shrine kept in the Trinity Cathedral, and the empty coffin was transferred here.

Sights of Sergiev Posad in one day

Exhibition Hall "Bells of Rus'"

Created quite recently, in 2015. Dedicated to the creation and use of bells of various sounds. The exhibition has no analogues among world exhibitions.

Visitors are shown the sound of bells of all shapes and sizes, and are introduced to “signal” instruments - the predecessors of bells.

Address: Druzhby street, 14A, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 21:00

Official website: https://kolokola-rusi.ru/

Church-archaeological office

Located on the 2nd floor of the Royal Chambers in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. The collection began in 1814 with portraits of two empresses (Elizabeth the First and Catherine the Second).

The exhibition contains ancient books, religious paintings, and icons. The exhibition will appeal to those interested in art and religion.

Address: Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 18:00; Friday from 11:00 to 18:00

Official website: https://www.acmus.ru/

Source of St. Savva of Storozhevsky

Located north of Lavra. The Monk Savva Storozhevsky, a disciple of Saint Sergius, lived almost his entire life in the Holy Trinity Monastery. Tradition claims that the source appeared from underground, thanks to the prayers of the monk.

At the end of the 20th century, the source was improved. There is a wooden chapel and a font where pilgrims can bathe.

Address: Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Sergievskaya Kukhmisterskaya

On short Marx Street there is a young museum dedicated to catering establishments of the 19th century. The tour is accompanied by a demonstration of cooking without modern equipment. Visitors will also see a collection of kitchen stoves (sometimes very beautiful), kitchen appliances of that time (coffee grinder, chopper, butter churn) and authentic dishes.

Address: Karl Marx street, 7, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00; - day off

Official website: https://muzeykuhmister.ru/

Kelarsky Pond

An artificial reservoir created in the 16th century by order of the cellarer of the Lavra (hence the name of the pond). In the 19th century, a stone dam was built on the pond.

A great place to relax - you can feed the ducks, ride a catamaran, admire the swans. There is good infrastructure - there is a park, a restaurant and a children's playground nearby.

Address: between st. Pravonaprudknaya and st. Levonaprudnoy, Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, Russia

Chernigov men's monastery of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Chernigov men's monastery of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergius...

Moscow region

In the 40s of the 19th century, three kilometers from the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, the Monk Anthony founded the Gethsemane Chernigov monastery - a separate monastery for hermit monks. The secluded picturesque place became a haven for more than 400 monks. Anthony commanded that the monastery be kept in simplicity and austerity - even the church utensils were made of wood. Saint Philaret of Moscow wrote: “Simplicity... is the hope of the monastery. May the Lord preserve this." After the revolution, the monastery was closed, and monastic life here resumed only in the 90s of the 20th century.

The Chernigov monastery is named after the miraculous Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God, brought to the monastery at the end of the 19th century, and the Gethsemane monastery is named after the Garden of Jerusalem, where the Mother of God is buried. To this day, the monastery has preserved cave temples, monastic cells, a holy spring and ancient monastery buildings.

FAQ

What attractions are there near Sergiev Posad? Ethnopark “Nomad”, Gremyachiy Klyuch Waterfall, Muranovo Estate named after F.I. Tyutchev, Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve, Spaso-Vifansky Monastery, Chernigov Skete.

What sights of Sergiev Posad can you see on your own? Krasnogorskaya Square, Pancake Mountain observation deck, Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, Elias Church.

Where can you go with children in Sergiev Posad? Ethnopark “Nomad”, “Park of Wonders”, Museum of Impressions, Museum of Toys, Museum Complex “Horse Yard”.

Pavel Florensky Cultural Center

The Pavel Florensky Cultural Center was created on the initiative of the foundation of the same name, which popularizes science and Orthodox culture. The institution includes the main building with an annex on Vifanskaya Street and the adjacent territory of the estate with all its premises.

Pavel Florensky Cultural Center

The Pavel Florensky Foundation is a young organization - it was founded in 2011. Since 2012, work has been underway to equip the Cultural Center in Sergiev Posad. In 2021, the foundation organized a Christmas art festival in the city, and in 2017, the first exhibition entitled “Face and Face” was opened. The exhibition consists of photographs and portraits of Pavel Florensky.

The collection of the Cultural Center is gradually replenished with materials related to the life, work and work of the outstanding priest and religious philosopher. It is planned to open departments that will be dedicated to numismatics, scientific inventions, music, etc.

Address: Vifanskaya street, 2.
Information: by phone 8(905)-767-89-13.

The best hotels in Sergiev Posad

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Church of St. Nikon of Radonezh

In the photograph of the Trinity Cathedral, the Church of St. Nikon of Radonezh is visible on the left. It was added to the south side of the cathedral in the 17th century. instead of the previous church, built over the grave of Nikon, Sergius’s student and successor as abbot. The facade of the church is decorated with elegant half-columns and pointed arches.

Original painting from the 17th century. The interior has hardly been preserved. The exception is the images of stylites in the piers of the drum windows, and the frescoes of the Mother of God with the Child and saints above the apse. Many icons were painted by the hand of nun Juliania, who worked in the Lavra for many years. The church acquired a modern carved gilded iconostasis in 1950 as part of the Soviet restoration of the Lavra.

Gilded carved iconostasis

Bell tower

Built in the middle of the 18th century. The bell tower of the Lavra is considered the most beautiful in Russia. Its height of 88 m is 6 m higher than the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Moscow Kremlin. The first seven years of leisurely construction were led by architect Ivan Michurin. Upon completion of the two tiers, Michurin was distracted by the construction of St. Andrew's Cathedral in Kyiv.

Management passed to another Moscow architect, Dmitry Ukhtomsky. He suggested that Empress Elizabeth Petrovna build on the lower two tiers not two according to the design, but four tapering tiers, which were supposed to give the structure grace and upward direction. The topmost tier was supposed to be crowned with the original dome in the form of a golden bowl with side crowns.

Lavra Bell Tower

Upon completion of construction, a chiming clock and 42 bells were installed on the bell tower. The largest, the Tsar Bell, weighing 65 tons, was second in size only to the two Kremlin ones. Unfortunately, most of the bells were destroyed, and the current “Tsar Bell” (72 tons), “Firstborn” and “Blagovestnik” were recreated in our century.

By agreement with the attendants, you can go up to the observation deck of the bell tower to admire the panorama of the Lavra.

General information

Today Sergiev Posad is an ancient city, on the territory of which you can find a lot of attractions that carry history. This settlement is located 52 km from the capital, and you can get to it either by public transport or by your own car.

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This city is named after its founder, Sergius of Radonezh, thanks to whom the main attraction that almost all tourists want to see - the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius - appeared on its territory.

The reviews of tourists left for this city say that when planning a trip here, you need to set aside at least 2-3 days - this is the only way to have time to see at least the main attractions (in total there are more than 250 of them).

Micah's Church

Located next to the Refectory Church, the small and modest Church of the Appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Sergius of Radonezh was built in 1734. According to legend, at night during the Nativity Fast in 1385, Sergius read an akathist to the Mother of God. At this time, the voice “The Most Pure One is Coming” was heard, and the cells were illuminated with an unbearably bright light. Sergius saw the Mother of God in him, accompanied by the apostles Peter and John. She told Sergius that his prayer had been heard, and She was taking the monastery under her protection.

This event was witnessed by Sergius’s neighbor in his cell and his student Micah. Hence the other name of the church - Mikheevskaya. The church is located at the northwestern corner of the Refectory.

Micah's Church

Kelarsky Pond

Having visited the city of Sergiev Posad, you should definitely admire its main natural attraction - the Kelarsky Pond. This object, as tourists note in their reviews, is incredibly beautiful at any time of the year and in any weather.

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The history of this reservoir begins in the 16th century - it was then that it was artificially built by local monks. After a short time, this object was improved and acquired a more pleasant appearance, which is very popular with modern tourists. Arriving here, you can take a boat ride or just walk along its coastal part. Many tourists, leaving Sergiev Posad, take with them a lot of beautiful photos taken in this place.

Most tourists recommend visiting the territory of the Elias Church while taking a walk along the shore of the Kelarsky Pond. This building attracts fans of interesting architecture - it is made in the traditional Baroque style. In their comments, tourists who visited this place note that they are attracted by the appearance of the building. The walls of the Elias Church are painted dark red and painted with interesting patterns throughout its entire area. The main historical feature of this object is that the church was the only one operating during the entire Soviet period.

Walking along the shore of the pond, you can see an interesting sculpture - a monument to Fevronia and Peter of Murom.

Spiritual Church

The second stone church of the Lavra - the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, was built in the 15th century. invited Pskov masters. It is a combination of a temple and a belfry located on the vaults of the church.

Spiritual Church

The “Pskov” ringing sound produced by the bells was unusual for Moscow: beams with reinforced bells were swung from the ground using ropes and wooden poles. One of the bells - “alarmed”, warned the brethren about the danger during the Polish-Lithuanian siege of the 17th century.

Due to the design features, the church is quite dark, and the painting of the walls was carried out only two centuries after its construction.