# Vysotsky Monastery

- **Country:** Russia
- **Year Built:** 1374-1840
- **Location Text:** Moscow Oblast

The Vysotsky Monastery is a historic Russian Orthodox complex located in Serpukhov, situated on the high left bank of the Nara River approximately two kilometers from its confluence with the Oka. Founded in the 1370s by Prince Vladimir the Bold, the monastery originally served as a critical border fortress defending the southern approaches to Moscow against Tatar incursions. Its name derives from the Russian word for heights, reflecting its commanding geographical position. The site holds deep spiritual significance as the first hegumen, Afanasy the Elder, was a disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh, and it is believed that St. Nikon of Radonezh took his monastic vows within these walls.

Architecturally, the monastery evolved significantly over centuries. After being destroyed during the Russo-Crimean War of 1571, it was rebuilt on a grander scale under Ivan the Terrible, resulting in the five-domed Cathedral of the Conception. By the mid-17th century, stone walls and corner towers were added, while a Neoclassical belfry was completed in the 1840s. The complex once housed the All Saints church in the Neo-Byzantine style, designed by Roman Klein, though this structure was destroyed following the 1917 Revolution. During the Soviet era, the monastery suffered severe neglect, serving as barracks for Latvian Riflemen and losing most of its defensive walls before falling into dilapidation.

Restoration efforts commenced immediately after the property was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1991. Repairs have focused on the 17th-century Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, which preserves a rare 16th-century iconostasis and royal doors. Today, the monastery thrives as a major pilgrimage destination due to the venerated icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice. Transferred from the nearby Vladychny Convent, this icon is renowned among believers for its miraculous powers in treating alcoholism, drawing hundreds of visitors from across Russia and abroad to the revitalized spiritual center.

![Photo of Vysotsky Monastery](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/VisotskiyMonastery.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vysotsky_Monastery (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)