Luzhetsky Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Mozhaysk, Russia
Luzhetsky Monastery is a stone architectural complex along the Moscow River in Mozhaysk, Russia. The site consists of the Cathedral of the Nativity, Introduction Church, a bell tower, and four circular towers enclosed within defensive fortification walls.
The monastery was founded in 1408 by Therapont of White Lake, a student of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, at the request of Prince Andrei of Mozhaysk. Over the 16th century, stone buildings replaced the original structures, marking the site's growing importance across generations.
The monastery displays traditional Russian Orthodox architecture with five domes that developed over centuries. The white stone walls and arrangement of buildings within defensive fortifications reflect the protective role that riverside monasteries once served.
The best route is a train from Moscow to Mozhaysk, followed by local buses such as lines 1, 2, 5, 21, or 29. The site sits along the river and is explored on foot, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The monastery preserves the relics of Saint Therapont, its founder, who was taught by the renowned monk Sergius of Radonezh in the 15th century. The stone foundations contain rare medieval inscriptions and crosses that reveal the age of the site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
