Holy places of the Vologda Region: the way to the spiritual heritage

The Vologda land has for centuries been the center of Orthodox culture, a place of solitary prayer and spiritual exploits. Here, among lakes and boundless forests, ancient monasteries, preserving centuries-old traditions of faith and holiness, rise up. The St. Ferapontov Monastery with frescoes by Dionisy, the mighty walls of the Kirillo-Belozersk Fortress, the Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery - each of them is associated with great ascetics, miracles and important pages of Russian history.

Today these holy places attract not only pilgrims, but also all those who want to touch the living spiritual tradition, see outstanding monuments of architecture and feel the atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Let's travel to the holy places of the Vologda region to discover their spiritual and cultural richness.

St. Ferapontov Monastery is not just an ancient monastery, but a unique ensemble of the Russian North, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Founded in 1398, it has preserved the style of XV-XVII centuries and stands on a high hill between two lakes, creating a unique look. The main pearl of the monastery is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, built in 1490, inside which frescoes by the great Dionisius, painted in 1502, have been preserved. This is the only surviving monumental project of the master in its entirety, where you can see the authentic colors, compositions and biblical subjects depicted more than five centuries ago. The monastery also has collections of icons, ancient books, household items, ceramics and metal. The modern museum is not only a tourist, but also a scientific and educational center that studies and promotes the heritage of Russian architecture and icon painting.

Address: Kirillovsky district, Ferapontovo village, Kargopolskaya street, 8.

It is the largest Orthodox monastery in the world, occupying 12 hectares of land and including more than 40 architectural structures. Founded in 1397 by the Monk Cyril of Belozersk, it became one of the most significant spiritual centers of Russia. The Assumption Cathedral, one of the first stone buildings of the Russian North, stands here, and its iconostasis of the 15th century is considered a masterpiece of Old Russian art. 33 of the 60 original icons are kept in the museum, while the rest are kept in the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum and the Andrei Rublev Museum. The museum has more than 80,000 exhibits, including relics of St. Cyril, ancient manuscripts, church utensils and archaeological finds from the Belozersky region. The guests are welcomed by the exposition "Antiquities of Belozero region", a collection of rare artifacts, as well as an observation platform on the fortress wall, which offers a view of the monastery ensemble.

Address: Kirillov, Vologda region.

This monastery, founded in 1371, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Russian North. It was founded by the Monk Demetrius Prilutsky, a disciple of Sergius of Radonezh, who chose a place near the bend of the Vologda River ("at the bow"). Quickly becoming the most important spiritual and cultural center of the region, the monastery gained the patronage of the great princes. In 1537-1542 by order of Vasily III the Spassky Cathedral was built, which became the oldest stone building in Vologda. Unique relics are kept here: icons, crosses and even personal belongings of St. Demetrius. The monastery was ruined several times during the Time of Troubles, but after the XVII century it was fortified and surrounded by powerful walls with unusual towers. In 1812 the valuables of the Moscow Kremlin and the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, saved from Napoleon, were evacuated here. Today the monastery is active and is the center of spiritual education - the Vologda Theological Seminary is located here.

Address: 34, Prilukskaya St., Vologda.

Sizma is an ancient village where Orthodox and folk traditions are preserved. Every year thousands of tourists come here to see the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, which is more than 500 years old. According to legend, this stone cross sailed against the flow of rivers until it stopped in Sizma, turning to the temple. There is also an icon of the Mother of God of Kazan, which was miraculously renewed, and in front of it are relics of great saints. In addition to the Orthodox shrines, in Siz'ma there is a museum of peasant life, old huts and expositions devoted to northern folklore and handicrafts. Tourists are treated with dishes of ancient cuisine - "Sizemsky-style" soup and a traditional drink "yeast".

Address: Vologda region, Sheksninsky district, Siz'ma village.

This monastery was founded in 1260 by Prince Gleb Vasilkovich, when he was caught in a storm on Lake Kubenskoye and made a vow to build a church on the spot where he would be saved. It is located on Kamenny Island and is the first stone monastery in the Russian North. Monks lived here for centuries, leading a strict ascetic lifestyle, and women were not allowed to set foot on the island. In 1925 the monastery was closed, and in 1938 it was destroyed by an explosion. Since the 1990s its restoration has been underway, and today it is open again. Tourists come here by boat to see the ancient ruins, climb the bell tower and enjoy the views of Kubenskoe Lake.

Address: Vologda region, Kubenskoe Lake.

This manor is a monument of architecture of the 19th century, where St. Ignatius Bryanchaninov, an outstanding theologian and ascetic, was born. The main building is built in the Classicist style, and its halls have preserved ancient interiors, carved furniture and moldings. The manor also houses the Intercession Church, the Bryanchaninov family necropolis and a terraced park. Today it hosts excursions, festivals of Orthodox culture and musical evenings.

Address: Vologda Region, Gryazovetsky District, Pokrovskoye village.

It was founded in 1544 with the support of Efrosinia Staritskaya, Ivan the Terrible's mother-in-law. The wives of Ivan the Terrible, Tsarevna Kseniya Godunova and other noble women were imprisoned in the monastery. In the XVIII century there was active gold embroidery work here. In Soviet times the monastery was closed, but in 1999 it was revived. Today the nuns live here again, restoration is carried out, and tourists are invited on excursions to the ancient walls and temples.

Address: Vologda region, village. Goritsy, Kirillovsky district.