Saint Nicholas Monastery, Arzamas

Saint Nicholas Monastery is an Orthodox convent in Arzamas with stone churches and buildings arranged around a central courtyard. The site sits near Cathedral Square and forms a self-contained religious compound with several chapels and residential quarters.

The monastery was founded in 1580 with a wooden church, which was replaced by stone structures in 1683 after multiple fires. Its continuous operation was interrupted in 1924, only to resume following restoration efforts that began in 1994.

The monastery honors Saint Nicholas as its patron, and his veneration continues to shape the spiritual life of the convent community. The iconostasis and religious artwork inside reflect Orthodox tradition in a way visitors can directly experience today.

The monastery is centrally located in Arzamas and can be reached on foot from Cathedral Square. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing as it remains an active place of worship, and sturdy shoes are helpful for navigating the grounds.

The monastery houses a carved representation of Saint Nicholas in the Mozhaisky style, a rare artwork dating to its founding period. This sculpture differs from typical icons and shows a distinctive form of honoring the patron saint.

Location: Arzamas

Inception: 1580

GPS coordinates: 55.38576,43.81446

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03