Tikhon of Kaluga's ermitage, Orthodox monastery in Lva Tolstogo, Russia

Tikhonova Pustyn is a monastery complex in Lva Tolstogo, Kaluga Region, with pale beige stone walls and white trim. A five-tier bell tower rises 70 m on the left, topped by a dark blue dome and gold cross; the main church has a wide dark blue dome with arched windows and a gold cross. The facade has a large arched portal, three narrow arched windows above, and two crosses set into the wall.

Tikhon of Kaluga founded the monastery in the 15th century after living in a hollow oak; the first church was dedicated to the Dormition. In 1480 he blessed Ivan III before the stand on the Ugra River. Polish troops devastated the monastery in 1610 and hid the relics. The stone Transfiguration Cathedral was begun in 1677, and from 1684 to 1765 the monastery was subordinate to Moscow's Donskoy Monastery.

The monastery keeps a chapel where remains of the giant oak in which Tikhon lived were preserved, and a well he dug is honoured at the Life-Giving Spring hermitage about two kilometres away. Monks also served the raka of Tikhon's relics in the Transfiguration Cathedral, and pilgrims came for healings attributed to him.

The monastery welcomes visitors who can stay overnight and attend daily services held in different churches throughout the week. It helps to check service times beforehand and dress appropriately, as this remains an active place of worship.

Founder Saint Tikhon initially lived inside a hollow oak tree and dug a well that remains active in the Life-Giving Spring hermitage today. These humble beginnings stand in sharp contrast to the expansive complex built later at this location.