Nickolo-Cherneevsky monastery, Eastern Orthodox monastery in Starotsjernejevo, Russia.
The Nickolo-Cherneevsky monastery is a working religious complex near Starotsjernejevo with multiple buildings arranged for prayer, dwelling, and communal life. Traditional Russian Orthodox architectural features shape the design of the churches, cells, and surrounding structures.
Founded in 1573 by the hieromonk Matvey, a Don Cossack, in dense dark forest, the monastery took the name Cherneev from that woodland and was also called Matveyeva Pustyn. Don Cossacks funded its building, and by the late 17th century it held over 600 peasant households. In 1686 it passed to the Tambov eparchy; it was closed in 1926 and returned to the Church in 1991.
The monastery serves as an active center for Orthodox religious life, where monks follow monastic traditions and communities gather for prayer and spiritual observance. Daily routines and liturgical celebrations shape the rhythm of life within these walls.
The site is accessible by local roads and visitors can explore the buildings and religious spaces within the complex. It is important to be respectful of the active monastic community and their daily practices while on the grounds.
The monastery was founded in 1573 by the hieromonk Matvey, a Don Cossack, in dense dark forest, which gave it the name Cherneev. In 1663 the Cossack ataman Osip Petrov wrote that the whole Don Host built and endowed it, and returning Cossacks asked leave to pray at "the great wonderworker Nicholas in Cherneevsky monastery".
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,022 contributors worldwide.