Varnitsy Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Rostov, Russia

Varnitsy Monastery is a walled Orthodox complex in the settlement of Varnitsy, part of Rostov Veliky. Its long white church with red-framed arched windows and five dark onion domes with gold trim stands at the front left; behind and right are a yellow-walled church with a single gold dome and a red-and-white bell tower adjoining a red building with white trim.

The monastery was established in 1427 and connects to the life of Sergius of Radonezh, a revered Orthodox saint. It evolved over centuries into a significant religious center within the Rostov region.

The name Varnitsky comes from the salt works (varnitsy) that operated here until the end of the 17th century. The monastery is a metochion of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, and an Orthodox gymnasium with a boarding house for boys in the 10th and 11th grades works on its grounds. Outside the gates stands a veneration cross marking where, by tradition, the boy Bartholomew met the elder monk.

The monastery lies in the Varnitsy settlement, about two kilometres from Rostov Veliky. A hotel on the grounds accommodates pilgrims and guests, and a monastery shop and coffee house sell honey, kvass, mors and sbiten, including products made by the community. The gate cross outside the walls marks the traditional meeting of the young Bartholomew with the elder.

The monastery's name comes from the salt works (varnitsy) that operated here until the end of the 17th century. Outside the gates stands a veneration cross marking where, by tradition, the boy Bartholomew met the monk who foretold his future as Sergius of Radonezh.