Trinity Sergius Lavra

The Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad is an active monastery and one of the most important centres of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a Lavra – originally a term for a cluster of hermit’s cells (now only visible here at the gate church), but also a sign that the monastery is high up in the orthodox church hierarchy. It has been the seat of the Moscow Patriarchate until 1983, although it was closed during the early communist years (1917-1946). It’s also an educational center for young priests.

I visited Sergiev Posad on a day trip from Moscow by interurban train. The slowest trains cost 360 rubles (4,60 EUR) for a return trip and are very frequent. Just as Clyde noticed in his review from 3 years ago, there’s a constant coming and going of salesmen and -women through the carriages: advertising such necessities as woolen socks, glue, children’s books, ‘leather’ wallets and plastic toys.  

From the Sergiev Posad railway station, exiting to the right and following the road for about 15 minutes, it is an easy walk to the monastic complex. Taking this route, you’ll be presented with an exquisite panorama of the whole complex with its turrets and towers (see photo 1). It’s a very pretty ensemble, especially when seen from a distance. Up and close it comes across as a bit Disneyesque. Lots of what you see nowadays stem from the 18th century (after a fire in 1746), so the baroque style is heavily …

UNique - 7/10

The first building of the complex, the Trinity Cathedral, was built in 1422, in honour of the St. Sergius, a revered monk who founded a lot of monasteries across the country and blessed the Russian Grand Prince before the battles against the Tatars. The site of the original cathedral grew over centuries with various rulers adding churches and belfries to the complex. Nowadays, Lavra is the centre of Russian Orthodox religious life, with numerous holy water wells dotting the area and services being held around the clock. Long lines of devotees and curious tourists line up to pay respects to the famous Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev.

ESsential - 6/10

Although intended for religious purposes, the monastery played an important part in the political developments of the country. The six-meter-tall walls came in very useful during the famous sixteen-month siege by the Polish-Lithuanian troops in 1608. In 1689, young Peter the Great took refuge at the monastery during the attempted military coup in Moscow. As a token of gratitude, he ordered to build several smaller churches which completed the architectural appearance of the Lavra complex.

COst-effective - 9/10

Like with other Russian churches, there is a sign for an entrance fee for foreign tourists. However, unless you are a part of a guided tour, you can save yourself 450 rubles, as the entrance to the entire Lavra complex is free. Do resist taking pictures inside the churches, as it is a very intimate and holy experience …

I visited this WHS in August 2016. It is a very pleasant day trip from Moscow and for those who have more time it would be great to sleep over in Yaroslavyl (another WHS) after having visited Sergiev Posad as you'll be able to use the same train station. I decided to allow more time to Sergiev Posad instead of a rush visit to take in yet another WHS as there is quite a lot to see in what is nicknamed Russia's Vatican. First I took the metro to Komsomolskaya and once I exited the metro station I immediately saw the Yarolavsky railway station and I bought the return tickets for the sub-urban train to Sergiev Posad. The cashiers (look out for KACCA) don't speak English so make sure to print the name of Sergiev Posad in Russian (Сергиев Посад). There is a faster train that takes closer to one hour which leaves only at around 09:00 and 13:30 while the other trains leave almost every half an hour and take around 1hr 30mins. I found the right platform by looking at the big departures screen and comparing the Russian scrolling letters to my printed version. The return train is much easier as there are only 2 platforms and you only have to look out for the train to MOCKA. The trains are quite an experience as they are similar to a locomotive flea market with different alternating vendors and performers. Make sure to time your departure and be ready …

It was May 1986 when I traveled for the 4th time to the Soviet Union in order to explore more it'treasures.

Having been twice on the night train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg (Leningrad in those days) I felt that I should explore more of her glorious and often, sad past.

Our Intourist guide suggest Zagorsk (today Sergiev Posad)

a day trip from Moscow.

Traveling by bus in a Northern direction for 70 km, I found myself engrossed deeply in Russian history, as fields and birch tree groups, were sliding by. Colorful houses with picket fences and flower boxes lining the road. I found myself humming Russian tunes, those I remember my mother singing when I was a child.

We were informed that this fortress-like monastery held a special position as it was - I guess in these times - the only place pilgrims from all over Russia would come to worhsip in the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption.

There were many elderly women with head scarfs gathered in front ot a fountain that spouted water. They gathered the silvery flow in bottles to take with them.

The Russian Tsars would seek refuge there escaping invading enemies. There was an infermary, as explained, full operational during WWII.

Walking slowly inside the cathedral, candles flickered, reflecting their light on the religious ornaments, not as elabortate as in some other places of worhsip, but very moving.

Awareness of foreigners made a few women turn around and look at us. One caught my …

A small town just around 70 km. north of Moscow is Sergiev Posad or Zagorsk during Soviet time. As the former center of Russian Orthodox Church for many centuries, the town has special position for Russian, and the town monastery also has special title called Lavra which is the highest title for monastery granted by the Tsar. The town has become famous after Saint Sergius of Radonezh has been promoted as the patron saint of all Russia then the pilgrims from every corners of the Empire made their journey to this holy town.

The town monastery, which has been established by the saint himself in 1340 hence its name Sergiev Posad - Town of Saint Sergius, is located on the hill and surrounded by huge white wall making its fortress- liked appearance similar to the Novodevichy convent in Moscow but less ornate details. For inside, as typical Russian monastery the center is the five onion domes cathedral and this one is bright blue with golden star spangled, the very beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption; however, the true center for everyone is a small and dark Trinity Cathedral where the tomb of Saint Sergius located.

I was so overwhelming by the whole day memorial service melody and a long queue of pilgrims as well as tourists in this small golden and colorful cathedral, one of the most memorable moment of my Russia trip. The European baroque bell tower is another landmark for the monastery as it is so different with other …