Stolobny Island, Monastic complex on Lake Seliger, Russia
Stolobny Island is a monastic complex with several churches and buildings located on an island in Lake Seliger. The site is connected to the mainland by a stone causeway and includes structures from different time periods.
A monk named Nilus founded the monastery in the late 1500s, starting with simple wooden structures. Over time, larger stone churches and buildings were constructed, making it into an important religious center.
The monastery displays a mix of building styles that visitors encounter while walking the grounds, with older wooden churches standing near later stone structures. The different periods are visible in the architecture and show how the place changed over time.
The island is reached by a stone causeway that connects the monastery to the town of Ostashkov and is walkable on foot. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the buildings and pathways.
Each January, the faithful gather for the Epiphany celebration and immerse themselves in the cold waters of the lake, a practice visitors can witness. This event draws people from across the region and marks an important moment in the monastery's yearly cycle.
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