Borovsk Monastery of St. Paphnutius, Orthodox monastery in Borovsk, Russia
The Borovsk Monastery of St. Paphnutius sits on a high riverbank where the Istrema River meets the Protva River, with defensive stone walls, towers, and several church buildings arranged across the grounds. The complex contains structures built over centuries, including churches with surviving frescoes inside.
The monastery was founded by Saint Paphnutius in 1444 and evolved into a fortified stronghold with defensive stone walls added during the 16th century. This military transformation allowed the religious community to survive and protect itself during periods of conflict.
The monastery takes its name from its founder Paphnutius and has long drawn pilgrims seeking spiritual reflection. Visitors today still move through the grounds to pray in the various churches, continuing a tradition that shapes how the place is experienced.
The monastery welcomes visitors during daylight hours and allows access to explore the various churches, former refectory, and other historic buildings on the grounds. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and the complex covers a considerable area.
During restoration work in the 1960s, workers discovered 194 white stone blocks bearing medieval fresco fragments, now preserved in the monastery's storage rooms. These hidden artworks represent layers of earlier painting and offer clues to the site's artistic past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
