Church of the Nativity in Krokhino

The Church of the Nativity in Krokhino is a wooden structure partially submerged in the Sheksna Reservoir, with white stone walls rising directly from the water. The building features a rectangular form, an extended refectory section, and a separate bell tower that reflects traditional rural church design.

The church was built between 1788 and 1820 and served as the spiritual center of Krokhino village for decades. When the area flooded in 1961 to create the Sheksna Reservoir, the structure remained as the only building rising from the water.

The building displays Russian Baroque architecture with its cubic form and traditional bell tower design. It remains a recognizable religious symbol that speaks to the area's Orthodox heritage.

The building is best viewed from the water since it sits in the reservoir and is difficult to reach from land. A signal light installed in 1953 helps boat travelers locate the structure on the water.

The church's foundations were reinforced with a protective dam to shield it from wave action and ice movement in the reservoir. This preservation effort is a rare example of protecting a monument under such extreme water conditions.

Location: Krokhino, Vologda Oblast

Inception: 1788

GPS coordinates: 60.06072,38.03888

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00