New Jerusalem Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Istra, Russia
The New Jerusalem Monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex in Istra, Russia, with white stone walls, five golden domes, and a bell tower. The complex covers a large site with churches, administrative buildings, and a surrounding fortified wall.
Patriarch Nikon ordered the construction of the complex starting in 1656, drawing inspiration from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. After damage in the 20th century, the compound was restored and reopened for worship.
The name of the complex refers to Jerusalem and appears in the layout of the grounds, where buildings carry religious motifs in their decoration. Worshippers visit the churches for prayer and attend services, while visitors observe the icon screens and frescoes inside the chapels.
The complex is open daily, allowing visitors to see both the religious buildings and the on-site museum. Guided tours are available and help with orientation around the large grounds.
Patriarch Nikon renamed the surrounding terrain after Gospel sites: the hill holding the monastery became Zion, the rise to the east the Mount of Olives with its stone chapel, and the northern hill Tabor. The Istra became the Jordan, and a small convent nearby was called Bethany.
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