Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Orthodox monastery in Sergiyev Posad, Russia.
The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is an Orthodox monastery in Sergiyev Posad, roughly 70 kilometers northeast of Moscow, that now includes several churches, towers, and administrative buildings within a walled compound. The structures date from different centuries and show a range of building styles, from plain stone walls to colorful onion domes.
A monk named Sergius built a small wooden church here in the 14th century and attracted other hermits who gathered around him. Over time the community grew and received support from Russian princes, who commissioned stone buildings and turned the monastery into a major religious center.
Monks follow the rhythm of liturgical prayers held multiple times daily in the churches, and visitors may witness the singing and rituals. The name recalls Sergius of Radonezh, a hermit who spread his teachings here and whose relics still draw pilgrims from across Russia.
The compound is open daily to visitors, and you can walk through the courtyards to see the different buildings. Women should bring a headscarf and all visitors should cover shoulders and knees, as this is an active monastery.
The fortress wall now houses workshops where traditional wooden toys are made using old techniques, and you can sometimes see craftspeople at work. These toys were once widespread in the region and are still sold as souvenirs.
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