Khvalynsk, "Monk's Cave": how to get there? Photos and reviews of tourists

On the territory of the Russian Federation in the Saratov region, near the town of Khvalynsk, near the village of Podlesnoye is the rehabilitation and diagnostic center "Monk's Cave". It is multidisciplinary and is of interest for people with diseases of the nervous system, blood circulation, musculoskeletal system and respiratory organs.

In addition, near the sanatorium there is a unique structure with a similar name. It contains many legends and is recognized as a historical value. Vacationers who have visited these places dream of coming back here again. Perhaps some readers for the first time hear about the city called Khvalynsk, "The Cave of the Monk" is also unfamiliar to them. If this is the case, then we suggest to get acquainted with the location of the city and its sights.

How to get there?

So, if you have a ticket to the rehabilitation center, then you should come to the sanatorium when it is indicated in the document, so pay attention to the date. The most common departure point for passengers is Moscow.

The fastest way to travel is by plane. For 1 hour 25 minutes you will get from the airport "Domodedovo" to the city of Saratov. Then you should take the bus "Saratov-Khvalynsk". It takes another 3 hours drive.

• On the bus, the next on the route Moscow-Saratov from Paveletsky to go about 15 hours.
• From the same station on the train "Moscow-Saratov" you will reach to 16 hours.
• Approximately the same amount of time will take a trip by bus or train from the Kursk railway station in Moscow to Saratov. Whichever method you choose, you will spend 3 hours driving from the regional center to Khvalynsk by bus.
• By car along the M-5 "Ural" highway , the journey time is 15.50 h.

The latter method is suitable for travelers who perfectly orient themselves in the road space. Of course, you must first find the location on the map: Khvalynsk, "Monk's Cave". The address can also be found easily thanks to the navigator.

All along the way, you should orient yourself to the official address: Saratov Region, Khvalynsk city, State Pedagogical University of Central Asia "Monastery Cave". However, we warn that the sanatorium is located not in the city itself, but 7 km to the south, near the village of Podlesnoe. For those who arrived in the city by train or bus, it is best to book a taxi to get to the rehabilitation center.

Usually, drivers themselves fit and offer their services at the bus station. You can also arrive at the destination on a minibus. True, the schedule should be specified on the spot with the cashier. Whatever method you choose, on the eve of your departure, we recommend calling the rehabilitation center at +7 (927) 141-91-44 to clarify some of the nuances. For example, to which hour it is necessary to arrive at the sanatorium, so as not to be without breakfast (dinner or dinner).

Reviews of tourists

The city of Khvalynsk is located in an ecologically clean area, in the gorge among the majestic mountains. Here relic plants grow, Many of them are listed in the Red Book. The sanatorium, to which we are on our way, is located in a place of rare beauty among the diverse species of coniferous trees.

Specialists consider the main advantage of this place - air-rich and therapeutic fogs. Here the atmospheric pressure is lowered, the air temperature is stable and the relative humidity is also within the norm. Such conditions create comfort during the residence and treatment of patients.

Reviews about the sanatorium are mostly positive. Visitors note the natural beauty that can not be overlooked. Also, guests say that the staff here are sympathetic, friendly and polite. Many like the food in the sanatorium, the residents note the cleanliness and convenience of rooms, the quality of medical procedures. The cultural program does not let you get bored even in the dull autumn days. Of course, the unforgettable feelings from visiting the cave dominate in the reviews.

The path to the "Cave Monk"

The rehabilitation center of Khvalynsk periodically organizes excursions to various sights of the city, one of which is a cave. Perhaps this will be an opening for the one who keeps on the route: "Khvalynsk -" Monk's Cave ", assuming to see only the treatment and prophylactic institution.Thus, if your goal is not treatment in a sanatorium, but there is a desire to just relax and find a cave, Then be guided by the same address: Saratov Region, Khvalynsk city GAU CR "Cave Monk".

First, you can join the excursion, having previously agreed with the staff. Secondly, if you still prefer solitude, the employees of the center will kindly point out the way to the cave, which is a few minutes walk from the sanatorium. Another option for independent tourists: go to the village Podlesnoe, where you can rent a cheap apartment and learn from local residents the road to the ancient structure.

History of the cave

Previously, it consisted of 2 rooms, one of which was intended for domestic activities, the other for prayer ceremonies and rest. To date, only this one room has been preserved, in which icons and stone trestle are kept. The second part eventually blurred with rain. "Cave monk" has a cult significance and is recognized as a tourist attraction.

Local residents of the Saratov region will not only tell you where the city of Khvalynsk is located, "Cave of the Monk", how to get there, but also tell the ancient tales.In fact, there are no reliable sources about the origin of the cave, with the exception of the diary. Who lived in this place, but who led it? It only remains to guess.

The Legend of the First

From the records of the diary it is known that in the cave lived a monk-hermit Seraphim. Curiously, he slept in a coffin, which was in one of the rooms. It also follows from the diary that this monk was not quite an ordinary person and had extrasensory abilities. Therefore, a considerable number of sick people came to him in the cave. Also local historians believe that some entries in the diary were conducted by Seraphim himself, since information about some of his patients, ways of healing with prayers and conspiracies was preserved.

Legend number 2

If it turns out that you will get to the inhabitants of the village Podlesnoe, you will hear more than one myth about the famous cave. For example, there are rumors that after the death of Seraphim, the homeless old Fyodor lived there, who communicated with spirits and could foresee the future.

They say that creative people came to her when they had no inspiration and a flight of fantasy. The cave healer fumigated them with magic grasses, read prayers and after that people wrote poems, composed poems and created magnificent pictures. So, there is a bike that the artist Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin used to go to the old woman for creative inspiration.

As the blessed woman died and where she was buried, history is silent. Some residents are sure that its ashes rest in the cave itself. Also local villagers say that modern inventors, musicians and writers often come along the route Khvalynsk - "Monk's Cave". They ask the holy spirit of Seraphim to increase their talent and glory.

Such amazing stories can be heard from the inhabitants of the Podlesnoye village and the town of Khvalynsk. "The cave of a monk," many of which are left on its walls, is small, and if you go deep, it surprises you how you could live here for a long time? Unfortunately, people of large sizes are unlikely to be able to get far into the cave. Desire and traditionally tie a ribbon at the entrance of the dungeon to them under force.

Reviews visited in this sacred place, repeat about its uniqueness and inexpressible energy. Many experienced even a mystical horror. But practically all of them had positive impressions.

Finally

We often talk about amazing places abroad. But if you look around, then we have such territories. The route is amazing: Khvalynsk - "Monk's Cave". Photos in the article eloquently reflect the originality of this region. Visiting the sanatorium, you not only maintain your health, but also enjoy nature, touch the mysterious world of legends. And at last you can tie a ribbon and make a wish at the cave. They say that the spirits of the mysterious Seraphim and the mysterious Theodora will necessarily perform it.