Our next stop was the tiny village of Goritsy from where we drove about 8 km to the huge 14th century St Cyril’s Monastery which is the largest in Europe. Only 17 monks still live there and nowadays it has become more of a museum to showcase its superb collection of frescoes and icons. The magnificent 15th-century Cathedral of the Assumption still functions as a Russian Orthodox church and is a favourite spot for weddings!

Among the several monasteries that remain in this ancient town, the most picturesque is this one right here overlooking Lake Pleshcheev.

Pereslavl-Zalessky’s Goritsky Uspensky Monastery

Entering the stunning gateway of the Pereslavl-Zalessky’s Goritsky Uspensky Monastery that was founded in the beginning of the 14th century during the reign of Grand Prince Ivan Kalita. Despite being a rich and importance monastery in its time, much of the history of the monastery was lost forever after the monastery’s archive was destroyed by fire in 1722. It is known that St Dmitry of Priluki and St Daniel of Pereslavl-Zalessky were once monks at the monastery before going on to found new monasteries.

The above photos show the beauty of the frescoes upon entering the Pereslavl-Zalessky’s Goritsky Uspensky Monastery that was founded in the beginning of the 14th century during the reign of Grand Prince Ivan Kalita. Despite being a rich and importance monastery in its time, much of the history of the monastery was lost forever after the monastery’s archive was destroyed by fire in 1722. It is known that St Dmitry of Priluki and St Daniel of Pereslavl-Zalessky were once monks at the monastery before going on to found new monasteries. 

Of all my stops along the Volga River to Moscow the history of Goritsky Monastery is one I realise that is very complex indeed. If these walls could talk just imagine the delight, the horror and the mysteries they hold. It appears the Russian North has always appealed to monks and saints. Here in the land of white nights there must have been something very spiritual about this part of the country. And here at Goritsky you can truly can step back in time to an era that exemplified grace and tranquility where many Russian sanctuaries and sacred places are preserved in their original appearance like these examples from the 14th century.

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Lake Pleshcheev

One of my favourite buildings in Goritsky Monastery, above, had a nearby gateway that led to the charming Lake Pleshcheev.

In Russian ‘Goritsky’ is related to a word for ‘little hill’. And although relatively small, the lake played an important role in Russian history, as a training ground for the young Peter the Great, who practised sailing there.

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Just how breathtaking is the architecture here? I had such a thoroughly fascinating visit to Goritsky Monastry and it’s made me want to read even more into the history here. 

I really hope you’re enjoying my Russian travels with Volga Dream. If you’re catching up, the first stop was the magnificent St. Petersburg. then we set sail for the charming Svirstroy, then the otherworldy Kizhi Island. 

I’ll be following this post with my whole adventures travelling down the Volga River with Volga Dream. So for the rest of my travels head right here. And where will we be headed tomorrow? To one of my favourite destinations: Yaroslavl. See you there!

xoxo