Monastère Saint-Corneille de la Komela

The monastery is a religious complex with stone buildings and churches situated along the Nurma River. The ensemble lies approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Vologda and 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Gryazovets.

Saint Cornelius founded the monastery in 1497 and constructed the first wooden church dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in 1501. Between 1515 and 1529, he wrote the third Russian monastic rule, setting strict guidelines for the monks' daily lives.

The name honors Saint Cornelius, whose veneration remains central to the site and shapes how people experience the place. Visitors can sense the weight of monastic tradition in the layout and use of different buildings.

The site is located away from town, so plan ahead for travel and allow time to explore the grounds properly. The riverside setting provides a calm environment for walking through the buildings and landscape.

In the 19th century, the site housed a medical facility that drew on a mineral spring discovered in 1765 to offer hot and cold therapeutic baths. This approach made healing accessible in a remote area long before modern health retreats.

Location: Kornilyevo

Founders: Corneille de la Komela

GPS coordinates: 58.82447,40.23852

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:09