Monastery of the Theotokos of the Sign, Orthodox monastery in Irkutsk, Russia
The Monastery of the Theotokos of the Sign is an Orthodox monastery in Irkutsk featuring a stone cathedral, several chapels, and administrative buildings situated where the Ushakovka and Angara rivers meet. The complex brings together various structures from different periods into a unified religious compound.
The monastery was founded in 1689 starting with wooden structures, then received its stone cathedral in 1762 marking a major architectural shift for religious buildings in Siberia. This development reflected the region's growing investment in permanent and substantial places of worship.
The monastery served as a spiritual center for Orthodox believers in Siberia and continues to draw visitors interested in the role of religion in the region's development. People gather here for services and religious celebrations that shape the community's daily life.
The site sits along Angarskaya Street and is easily accessible for visitors wanting to explore the grounds. Allow enough time to see the different buildings and burial ground as the complex covers a substantial area.
Buried within the grounds is a collection of figures who shaped Siberia's history, including explorer Grigory Shelikhov and historian Afanasy Shchapov. These burials make the site a window into local history and the region's development.
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