There are about 1000 monasteries in Russia. Only two of them (the largest, most important monasteries that have played a prominent role in the history of the country) carry the honorary title of ‘lavra’: the Alexander Nevsky Monastery of St. Petersburg and the famous Holy Trinity-St.Sergius not far from Moscow, in the town of Sergiev Posad. The complex of buildings of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra has evolved over the centuries. The result was very heterogeneous and even a bit motley, but such a variety of forms and styles did not spoil the appearance of the monastery, but only made it more picturesque. The monastery’s campuses are sometimes located quite far from the its main grounds. For example, the Holy Trinity Church is situated on one of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica!
A two-hour walk through the monastery will allow each participant to get answers to many questions about the rich history of the monastery and its cultural heritage:
- see the four temples, so different in architectural features and interior design,
- hear the story of the life and activities of the founder of the monastery, St. Sergius of Radonezh,
- learn how the monastery participated in the Battle of Kulikovo, the patriotic movement of the Time of Troubles and in other major historical events,
- visit the tomb of the patriarchs and the repository of the relics of the saints (note: skirts and shawls are obligatory for women, and trousers and shirts for men).
We’ll have lunch and then move on to the second part of the trip, where you get to learn the techniques of traditional nesting doll painting. Paint a doll by yourself, guided by the workshop master, and discover the history of the matryoshka (surprisingly, it does not go back centuries!).
The history of asceticism and spirituality, beauty and greatness, honor and glory awaits you!
The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person
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$353 group of 1 per |
$186 group of 2 per |
$132 group of 3 per |
$103 group of 4 per |
$91 group of 5 per |
$79 group of 6 per |
$80 group of 7 per |
$72 group of 8 per |
$66 group of 9 per |
$66 group of 10 per |
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We'll pick you up at the hotel
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Transfer to Sergiev Posad
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Guided tour of Holy Trinity - St.Sergius Lavra
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Lunch
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Master class in matryoshka doll painting
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Transfer back to Moscow
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End of tour