Valday Iversky Monastery, Orthodox monastery on Selvitsky Island, Valday Lake, Russia
Valday Iversky Monastery is an eastern Orthodox community set on an island within Valday Lake, comprising several stone structures and religious buildings. The site features the Assumption Cathedral as its centerpiece, alongside a refectory church, a gate church dedicated to Michael the Archangel, and residential quarters arranged within fortifying walls.
Patriarch Nikon founded this monastic community in 1653 with backing from Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, starting with wooden church buildings. The complex expanded over decades with stone construction and became a significant religious center in Russian Orthodoxy.
The monastery takes its name from the Iveron Icon, a sacred image brought from Georgia that inspired monks to establish their community here. Pilgrims continue to visit seeking solace and spiritual connection through prayer and contemplation of the holy icon housed within the Assumption Cathedral.
The monastery welcomes visitors daily, with regular religious services held in the Assumption Cathedral where the sacred icon can be viewed. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the island grounds, and plan your visit during good weather for easier access and clearer views of the site.
The monastery housed one of Russia's first printing presses starting in 1655, operated by Belarusian monks who pioneered bookbinding and publishing work here. This early printing operation made the site a knowledge hub at a time when such technology remained extremely uncommon across Russia.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
