Monastery of St. Alexander Svirsky is located 260 km (160 miles) from St. Petersburg and 21 km away from the small town of Lodeynoe Polye. This town is situated on the highway M18 going from St. Petersburg to Petrozavodsk and further to the north, to Murmansk.
The monastery can be visited by car (bus) from St. Petersburg or from Petrozavodsk, the distance from Petrozavodsk is shorter - about 170 km (106 miles). The town of Lodeynoe Polye has got good train connection with both of these cities but to use it you should know how to find a car from Lodeynoe Pole to the monastery (and back).
The monastery was founded by famous russian Saint and spiritual figure Alexander Svirsky at the end of the 15th century. The cloister stood surrounded by wild forests among the heathen population of karelian, vepsian and other aboriginal tribes. From the moment of its foundation the popularity of the monastery grew quickly, the monastery attracted people and new monks.
Alexander Svirsky monastery stands on a shore of picturesque lake Roschinskoye. Most of its buildings are rather well-preserved though they need some restoration works. A lot of restoration works have been done since the revival of the monastery from 1997 year.
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| View of the monastery in 1912 year. |
The most ancient building of the monastery preserved till nowadays is the stone church of the Intercession of Our Lady built by St. Alexander Svirsky himself in 1533 year. The church is built according to the novgorodian style.
During more than 500 years of its history the monastery had several periods of decline and prosperity. New monks settle here from 1997 year.
Alexander Svirsky monastery has got lots of buildings and occupies rather large area. The monastery consists of two parts: Preobrazhensky (Transfigutaion) Complex and Troitsky (St. Trinity) Complex. For the present time buildings of Preobrazhensky Complex are in more restored condition.
At the nearest townships and villages you can find small hotels to stay overnight.
At the township of Svirskoye located not far from the monastery, there is a cafe "Palomnik" ("Pilgrim") where visitors of the monastery can have meals.
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| Restoration works |
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| Preobrazhensky Complex of the Monastery |
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| Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Transfiguration Cathedral) |
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| Troitsky Complex of the Monastery (St. Trinity Complex) |
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| Monastery Skete (Monastic Cell), about 10 km away from the monastery itself, with Temple of the Icon of Our Lady and Spring of Holy Water. |
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| A View of the Monastery in Winter |
At the township of Svirskoye located not far from the monastery, there is a cafe "Palomnik" ("Pilgrim") where visitors of the monastery can have meals.
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| At the cafe. |
