Zhitenny Smolensky Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Ostashkov, Russia.
Zhitenny Smolensky Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in the town of Ostashkov on the shores of Lake Seliger. The complex includes several churches and religious buildings enclosed within fortified walls that rise from a peninsula jutting into the water.
The monastery was established in the early 1700s and became part of Russia's expanding network of religious institutions. It experienced periods of active religious life and closure during Soviet times before resuming its spiritual mission in recent decades.
The monastery serves as a working spiritual community where monks live and conduct daily religious life, drawing visitors who come to witness Orthodox traditions. It remains a meaningful place for pilgrims seeking connection to faith and contemplative practice.
The grounds can be explored on foot during daylight hours, with most areas freely accessible to visitors. Wear sturdy footwear since pathways can be uneven, and be prepared for changing weather conditions near the lake.
The monastery sits on Zhitny Peninsula, where water almost completely surrounds the buildings, making it one of the few such locations in the region. This isolated setting has historically reinforced the separation between the spiritual community and the outside world.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
