Sergiyev Posad Things to Do

Lavra's Refectory was reconstructed in the end of XVII century (1686-1692). It has wide stairs, fretted columns and walls with interesting painted style (by the way, walls was painted in XIX century). In front of Refectory you see God's Mother Appearance Church of 1734.

The central entrance in Lavra. They were built in XVII centuries. Above gates you can see Ioann Predtecha Birth Above-gates Church, built in 1693-1699 by help of richest fabricants (merchants) of that times. It had 5 heads but it's pity till nowadays only one is kept. Beyond wall you see Uspensky Cathedral and Bell Tower.

Refectory has large hall and its construction is enough hard for that times (XVII century). In the end of the hall there is Sergiy church with rich iconostasis. Pay attention for interesting style of the floor. The photo was made when people came to church, that their Kulichs, Easter cakes, would be sanctified. Sorry for not clear photo, I should read instruction for my camera how to make photo without flash (flash is not allowed in the Orthodox churches).

This is the most pretty catheral in the monastery. With its star-spangled domes, it was modelled on the cathedral of the same name in the Moscow Kremlin.

It was finished in 1585 with money left by Ivan the Terrible in a fit of remorse for killing his son.

Services are held here in summer but outside service times, you may find it closed.

The monastery is enclosed by walls almost 2 km in length. In order to enter, you'll pass under/through the Gate Church of St. John the Baptist.

The Stroganov family founded it in 1692-9 and it's constructed in a gorgeous terra-cotta colour that makes it unique in the grounds.

It took 26 years to complete construction ~ Ivan the Terrible had been succeeded by his half-brother and the regent Boris Gudonov. The Gudonov family tomb can actually be found on the western outer wall of the cathedral.

In 1684, painters from the renowned Yaroslavl school took just over three months to decorate the interior of the cathedral. It's breathtaking, but you need to time your visit, as the church closes for several hours each day (we made it in just minutes before the closing).

The Cathedral of the Assumption is the monastery's main cathedral. The cathedral was commissioned in 1559 by Ivan the Terrible, to celebrate a victory at Kazan.

Its star-spangled domes are visible on the approach from outside the monastery walls. Once you enter the grounds, the paintings on the gables only add to the majestic and dominating appearance.

Even among the brightly coloured churches of the monastery, this small pink chapel stands out. Its cotton candy appearance aside, the chapel holds interest due to the traffic of people filling their water jugs and bottles.

The chapel was erected over a spring in 1644. . .if you enter it during a visit, keep in mind that there is very limited space inside. You should step into a corner as soon as you enter, to allow the non-stop line of pilgrims easy access to the well.