Assumption Goritsky Monastery: where is it? Photos and history

Monasteries and temples attracted the attention of tourists at all times. Ancient architecture, a unique way of life, a unique iconostasis, all this is of interest to people. For some it is an opportunity to satisfy one's curiosity, for others - a chance to learn the other side of life and, perhaps, draw certain conclusions. Uspensky Goritsky Monastery is an interesting monument, which is worth visiting. Why the monument? Because today it is given to the museum, the nuns live in a small area, all other premises of the complex are freely visited by tourists.

Celebrity among tourists

Indeed, it is worth visiting at least once. Uspensky Goritsky Monastery is the most famous in Pereslavl-Zalessky. Virtually all the buildings belong to the XVII-XIX centuries. The most ancient today need restoration, but they remain beautiful. Particularly interesting is the main temple of the monastery - the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. Ancient and amazing, he stands for hundreds of years and looks at what is happening around. Uspensky Goritsky monastery is decorated with the iconostasis, which was created in 1750. Grandiose, carved, it still surprises tourists with its greatness. Many people say that it could also decorate the Moscow churches.

The history of the great monastery

Uspensky Goritsky Monastery was founded in the very beginning of the XIV century. And this temple of the Assumption was not from the very beginning called Goritsky. Later this name was added to him because he was built on a hill. At first, all the churches were wooden, and from them today nothing has been preserved. It's amazing how many years this namolennoe place was the abode of monks, who offered thanks to the Lord.

However, the dashing times did not spare the Assumption Goritsky Monastery. His history, like many other ancient temples in Russia, includes dark pages of total annihilation. So, in 1382 the army of Tokhtamysh completely destroyed Pereslavl, and with it the monastery. However, he did not sink into oblivion. It was at this time, just before the invasion, that the princess came to worship in the holy abode. She managed to escape from the Tatars, sailing along the river on a raft.

Miraculous rescue did not leave her husband without attention, Dmitry Donskoy. Already in 1392 he completely restored the Goritsky Assumption Monastery, having done it at his own expense. But no building, created at that time, has reached our days. All of them were destroyed by raids, fires, and also by time. However, the monks did not leave him, repeatedly building his quiet abode.

From creation to our days

Pereslavl Goritsky Assumption Monastery existed for so long that the chronicle of it has significant gaps. It is known for sure that in the form in which we know it today, it was built in the 17th-18th centuries. What happened to him in the period from the XIV century, how the monks lived, why the monastery had to be completely rebuilt - is unknown, one can only guess. However, we know that the future of the monastery was rather difficult. This is clear already on the basis of the fact that it has not been functioning for several centuries.

In modern history, the Goritsky Assumption Convent of Pereslavl-Zalessky already appears, although initially it was exclusively male. Nuns fell a heavy burden: as early as 1744 their quiet abode was abolished. The services in it ceased, and she herself was transferred to the diocese. However, soon the same fate awaited her: the diocese was abolished.

Abandoned, but not forgotten

Goritsky Assumption Convent for a long time was quite a miserable sight. Even magnificent and solemn, it was completely abandoned. The walls were dilapidated and destroyed unattended, the territory overgrew with grass, vandals showered it with debris. Only at the end of the 20th century was he remembered again and placed in one of the buildings a spiritual school.

Gradually Goritsky Assumption Monastery began to put in order. However, he was waiting for a new test: he was given a museum-reserve. At the same time, surprisingly, the nuns did not leave their abode during all these difficult times. And today they are trying to restore the ancient monastery. Although there are not many nuns in the territory, and it is not easy for them to maintain a huge territory in order.

Road to the Monastery

If you are going on a trip to the historical places of our Motherland, be sure to visit the Assumption Goritsky Monastery. How to get there, we'll tell you now. It is located at the address: Museum Lane, 4. If you call from Moscow, then at the entrance to the city, you can already see the walls and domes of churches (on the left). If you are staying in Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and want to visit a quiet abode, then you can use public transport. The most convenient for you will be a regular bus number 1 (the stop is called - "Museum"). At the entrance to the monastery you will see the walls from afar. They always look around. Now it really feels that the temple is located on a hill from which beautiful views of Pereslavl are opened. Entrance to the territory of the monastery, and now the museum, will cost 250 rubles (if you want to visit all the expositions).

The walls of the monastery

It is them we see from afar, only approaching the temple. Considering the Assumption Goritsky Monastery (photo we brought in the article), you can see that, despite the centuries past, the walls of the monastery are still strong enough. However, historians will immediately tell you that they were already finishing up in later times, most likely in the 18th century. This is evident from the fact that they are very low, and therefore did not perform a defensive function. The bullets have never been used for their intended purpose, and in some places there are no walls at all.

Assumption Cathedral

This is the main attraction, which is famous Goritsky Assumption Monastery. Pereslavl-Zalesskiy is the guardian of this miracle: few cities of the Golden Ring of Russia can boast such a magnificent architectural monument, although it has not operated for more than 200 years, and now belongs to the museum.

So, the Assumption Cathedral. It was built in 1750 and still exists in its original form. Even if you are far from religion, you will really like it here. The cathedral is crowned by five small graceful glavkov. Inside the walls are richly decorated with stucco and stunning Baroque paintings.

The iconostasis is the main shrine and landmark. It was created simultaneously with the church and today needs attention. The multi-tiered, gilded structure represents five rows of icons that rise from the floor near the altar to the base of the main arch. Baroque columns, figures of saints and floral ornament complete a stunning interior. To date, the main task is to preserve this beauty for descendants, so the temple is opened only in the summer.

Do not forget to visit

The Church of the Epiphany is another interesting building. It is quite small, old, was built in 1768. Actually, the attention of tourists is more attracted not by this building itself, but by a four-tier bell tower, on the lower floor of which is a church tower. The bell tower itself is simply amazing, when you are here, you really regret that its ringing was not carried around the neighborhood for hundreds of years. Take the time and climb to the observation deck. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Pleshcheyevo and the city itself. However, remember that the bell tower is only allowed to pass in the warm season.

Church of All Saints

This building was also built in the second half of the 17th century. It is located next to the Assumption Cathedral and can be seen from a distance, as it rises high above the walls of the monastery. The cult structure is crowned with five small glazes. When the spiritual school was opened on the territory of the monastery, it was closely attached to the walls of the church. At the same time she herself underwent a complete reconstruction and began to perform the function of a house church. It is difficult to say whether it was preserved in its original form, because there were no drawings left.

Other attractions

Walking around the temple can take a whole day, so you better stock up on time. In the northern wall there is a small belfry, which was built in the second half of the XIX century. The building itself is not very noticeable, but from its second level there are beautiful views of the city.

Very beautiful church of St. Nicholas. It is located above the Holy Gates, and was founded in the second half of the XVIII century, built in the Moscow Baroque style. For almost 300 years, divine services have not been held here, now one of the museum's expositions is located there.

A fruit garden on the shore of an artificial lake is not just beauty. It is very nice to take a walk on hot days. Created this lake was in order to provide the temple with water in case of fire. Water enters it through pipes from a nearby reservoir. Such an interesting experience that made it possible to grow a beautiful garden. Judging by the reviews, he is not very well-groomed today, and this somewhat reduces his charm.

Wooden chapels on the territory of the monastery are relatively young buildings. Residents of the surrounding areas themselves collected money for them, and also took part in the construction. To date, one of them serves as the cashier of the museum.

Almost all tourists mention in their reviews The gateway to the eastern wall of the monastery. This is a real masterpiece of Russian architecture, which certainly will not leave you indifferent. Relatively low, they still attract the gaze of the guests. Pay attention to the oval niche above the gate - there is a unique fresco. It has been preserved very well.

Instead of concluding

Judging by the reviews, the monastery is still very beautiful and representative. However, a large influx of tourists and the lack of care for the monument of the old by the museum workers leads to the fact that the building is dilapidated. Many regret that the monastery is not fully returned to nuns. The current monastery receives donations that go to its maintenance, and today the museum charges a fee for visiting the shrine and does not care about preserving the complex for descendants. But, despite the difficult times, it remains very interesting and attractive, so many strongly recommend visiting it.