Kostomarovsky Spassky Monastery, Cave monastery in Kostomarovo, Russia.
Kostomarovsky Spassky Monastery is a cave complex carved into chalk cliffs rising from the Don River, with interconnected chambers and passages. Eight rectangular columns support the main vault of this underground religious sanctuary.
The monastery was founded in the mid-17th century when Ukrainian monks migrated to the Don steppes and established this sanctuary alongside Cossack communities. This settlement became an important spiritual center in the borderlands of the era.
The monastery houses the Kostomarovskaya icon of the Mother of God, created in the late 19th century, which bears visible marks from bullet holes. This religious image remains central to the spiritual life of those who visit and pray here.
The monastery welcomes visitors daily and can be accessed by car from nearby towns. Advance reservations for guided tours will help you get the most from your visit.
During World War II, the caves of this monastery served as shelters for local residents fleeing danger. The site remained dormant for decades until it reopened in 1997 as a women's community.
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