The village of Staraya Ladoga is located on the banks of the Volkhov, 12 kilometers above the mouth. Archaeological excavations have shown that in the X century it was a large city.
Historians, based on the analysis of the collected data, concluded that the city arose no later than 753. This is the first ancient Russian city on the territory of modern Russia.
Staraya Ladoga did not appear by chance, trade routes ran here. Just like Novgorod, it was a city of artisans and merchants. Agriculture was not developed in these places due to the unfavorable climate.
History of St. Nicholas Monastery
Nikolsky Monastery in Staraya Ladoga is located on the banks of the Volkhov near the Staraya Ladoga fortress. Belongs to the Tikhvin Diocese.
According to legend, the monastery was founded by Alexander Nevsky immediately after the victory in the battle on the Neva. This was an important event of that time. There was a constant struggle for the ability to control maritime trade, the interests ofpolitics and commerce. The victory in the Battle of the Neva had far-reaching consequences for the Russian lands. It made it possible to preserve trade routes and access to the sea for many years.
The first mention of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Staraya Ladoga was found in Novgorod census books of the 15th century. The monastery chronicle says that the monastery was built in memory of the Ladoga warriors who died in the battle on the Neva. They were brought from the battlefield and buried on a hill, later called "Victory". There are many military graves of that time in the vicinity of the monastery.
In troubled times, in 1611, the monks of the Valaam Monastery destroyed by the Swedish troops fled to Staraya Ladoga. But soon the St. Nicholas Monastery was also destroyed. After 1628, the Staraya Ladoga St. Nicholas Monastery was rebuilt.
After the end of the Time of Troubles, under the terms of the Pillar Peace, part of the Russian cities went to Sweden. Staraya Ladoga ended up on the border of Russian lands, becoming an outpost for the enemy.
In the 18th century, the monastery experienced hard times. Peter's reforms began, during which the patriarchate was abolished. In 1714, the monastery buildings became so dilapidated that the brethren settled in an outbuilding unsuitable for habitation. In 1771, mass secularization of church lands began, and the St. Nicholas Monastery was abolished. The monks moved to Zelenets. And only at the request of the residents of the Nikolsky Monastery in Staraya Ladoga was reopened.
In the 19th century, a school for the children of priests and the clergy was established at the monastery.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
Nikolsky Monasteryarranged near the walls of the Temple, built in the XIII century and consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas of Myra. Nikolsky Cathedral was destroyed by the Swedes during the Troubles. But in 1668 it was rebuilt and consecrated. During the restoration work, a chapel called Antipiev was built at the expense of the merchant Antip the Gibly.
In 1697, by order of Metropolitan Kornily, a new chapel was built on the right side of the cathedral. In 1913, the architect A. P. Apraksin developed a project according to which the cathedral was restored: the iconostasis was covered with gold, the building was insulated, and another chapel and sacristy were made. All these extensions greatly distorted the original appearance of the ancient cathedral.
During excavations in 1972-1974, the remains of an ancient temple were discovered under it. Now work is underway to restore it to its original form.
Church of John Chrysostom
The building was built on the site of a dilapidated church of the 17th century in 1860-1873. designed by A. M. Gornostaev in the style of a Romanesque basilica.
However, the Russian style is also present in the architecture of the building: figured brickwork, decorations.
Byzantine ornament, gospel scenes and picturesque frescoes with images of St. John Chrysostom have been preserved on the inner vaults.
Belfry
In 1691-1692 between the Church of St. John Chrysostom and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was builtoctagonal bell tower.
They say that a bell weighing 100 pounds hung on it. If converted to kilograms, then this is more than one and a half tons.
The monastery after 1917
In 1927 the monastery was closed, and the monastic community became a fishing artel. After 10 years, warehouses, hostels and a craft school were placed in the monastery. In 1974, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was declared a cultural monument.
Nikolsky Monastery today
In 2002, the St. Nicholas Monastery in Staraya Ladoga was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. On November 26, 2002, a particle of the holy relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker was delivered to the monastery from the city of Bari. A month later, on December 26, the monastery was opened for monastic life.
In 2013, the Tikhvin diocese was formed, and the monastery now belongs to it. The monastery cooperates with public organizations of the Volkhov region, participates in celebrations, maintains contact with children's organizations, military units and units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Every year a youth procession to the city of Tikhvin is organized. The monastery also owns the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Cathedral of John the Baptist, which are located on the opposite bank of the Volkhov.
Excursions and pilgrimages
Staraya Ladoga Nikolsky Monastery welcomes pilgrims and tourists. In order to visit the monastery, you must fill out an application on the official website and send it by e-mail.
The site shows prices forexcursions. The fee is charged as voluntary and feasible donations from 100 rubles.
On the territory during the tour you can take pictures and shoot videos. The cost of photography - 100 rubles, video - 150.
Three meals a day are organized for pilgrims. The website lists menus and prices. Meals must be ordered in advance. The dining room is fully self-service. The group itself sets the tables and after the meal cleans up after itself, takes out the trash and washes the dishes. The monastery has a hotel for 14 people. The cost of living is from 800 rubles per day for one person.
How to get to the village of Staraya Ladoga
How to get from St. Petersburg by train: From Ladoga or Moscow railway station go to the station "Volkhovstroy-1". Transfer to bus number 23, which runs between this station and Novaya Ladoga, passing Staraya Ladoga and Yushkovo along the way. In Staraya Ladoga, you need to get off at the Balkova Gora stop and go down the alley to the river, where the monastery is located.
How to get there by bus: from the bus station on the Obvodny Canal, buy a ticket in the direction of the city of Tikhvin. The bus goes along the M18 highway (Murmansk highway). Before the bridge over the Volkhov, you need to get off at the Kirishiavtoservis stop and transfer to bus number 23. The interval of movement of the 23rd route is 1 hour 17 minutes.
The easiest way to get there is by car. If you drive along the M18 highway, then along the way you will meet signs with the inscription Staraya Ladoga. How to get from St. Petersburg to the Nikolsky Monastery, you can find out from local residents or from a guidebook.
Before the bridge over the Volkhov turn right at the sign. ATStaraya Ladoga, after passing the Ladoga fortress, also turn left at the sign to Nikolskaya street.
Address where you can easily find St. Nicholas Monastery: with. Staraya Ladoga, st. Nikolskaya, 16.
