Tour to Sergiyev Posad and the Trinity of St Sergius Monastery

Just 70km away from the country’s famous capital, and surrounded by picturesque villages and landscapes, you’ll have the chance to visit this significant provincial town with its well-preserved 19th century wooden houses – as well as its most famous monastic churches. These include the 14th century Trinity of St Sergius Monastery (the oldest surviving temple in the Moscow region), the 16th century Cathedral of the Assumption and the 17th century Refectory Church, which still features its original interiors.

During your tour, you’ll enjoy an in-depth introduction into the evolution of Russian church architecture over the centuries. Plus, you’ll learn more about the history of the Monastery itself, from its design, construction and fortifications, to its many unique architectural features. And you’ll discover the role the Monastery played in influencing the history of the Russian state, and the Russian military too – including its connection to many key historical figures, such as the Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy, tsars like Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, Alexey Romanov and Peter the Great and many others. You’ll also learn more about the life story of the founder of the Monastery – one of Russia’s most respected saints – St Sergius of Radonezh, and get the chance to visit his grave.

On this visit you’ll learn all about the rules and traditions of monastic life – including the vital role it has played in Russian spiritual education, both past and present. Plus, you’ll be able to see the carved iconostasis, as well as some of the incredible icons created by the famous Russian master iconographer, Andrei Rublev. You’ll also gain some deeper insights into this small town, which is considered to be the ‘Russian Lourdes’, and the Monastery, which has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. As the tour continues, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some Russian kvass, a special drink that’s prepared in the Monastery using an ancient recipe, as well as pies that are also baked there. And you’ll be able to visit the small souvenir market nearby, that sells Matryoshka – the famous Russian nesting dolls – which actually originated in Sergiev Posad in the 19th century! While on your return, you’ll also have the chance to stop in the city of Radonezh. This was the childhood home of St Sergius, where you’ll be able to visit his 19th century monument and a famous holy spring as well.

This tour takes approximately 5 hours by vehicle.