Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery

Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery is an Orthodox religious complex set on the Vologda riverbank with a rectangular perimeter, four corner towers, and three entrance gates framed by white walls topped with red and white striped roofs. The site spreads across elevated ground overlooking the water and contains residential buildings alongside the main cathedral.

The monastery was established in 1371 when Saint Demetrius of Priluki founded it with backing from Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy. Over the following centuries the complex grew into an important center of monastic life in northwestern Russia.

The monastery displays northern Russian Orthodox design through its five-domed cathedral and wooden church, which together define the religious character of the place. These buildings remain active centers of worship where monks and pilgrims gather for services and prayer.

The monastery sits north of Vologda's city center and is reachable by local bus or minibus routes. The journey from downtown takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes depending on where you start your trip.

During the Napoleonic Wars the monastery served as a secure vault for treasures evacuated from religious institutions across Russia. This role made it one of the most carefully guarded places in the region during that turbulent period.

Location: Vologda

Inception: 14 century

Founders: Dimitry Prilutsky

Website: http://spas-priluki.orthodoxy.ru

GPS coordinates: 59.26280,39.88924

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08