러시아 분필교회(동굴사원)

There are amazing and not spoiled by crowds of tourists a place relatively close to Moscow , in the Voronezh region - cave temples ,

located deep in the chalk hills on the river Don .

Monasteries are chalky deposits on the plateau , which is issued on the plains of the Central region of Russia .

In addition to the churches are also interesting monuments of nature - Cretaceous poles - remnants , called by the local population " divas "

 ( from the " miracle " - a miracle ).

There are several hypotheses about these monasteries occur . In - First , their creators could be Christians , who fled from the Roman emperors .

They are very similar to the ancient cave structures Cappadocia - areas on the territory of modern Turkey .

In - Second , the creators could be Byzantine monks , fleeing persecution in Syria , Palestine , the Caucasus and the Crimea , as well as

on the territory of today's Voronezh region . in - third , the cave of the Voronezh region are similar to those near and far caves

 of the Kiev - Pechersk Lavra , Zverynets , Kitaevskaya and Gniletskimi caves , and could create monks - Little Russians .

Whole in the Voronezh region, there are about 50 underground structures , of which about 40 belong to temples and places of the life of the monks .

Unfortunately , most of the monasteries are in a derelict state .

We chose to visit the museum - reserve " Divnogorie " , Kostomarovskaya Belogorsky and monasteries .

On the trip would be enough for three days . Despite the fact that the distance from Moscow to Voronezh region more than 700 km , a large part of the path runs along the highway M 4 " Don " .

Inspection of the cave temples, we started with the reserve " Divnogorie " , which is 130 kilometers from Voronezh and in 650 km from Moscow . Visiting the cave complex in the Big divah enters the 2 - hour tour , which is conducted by the historian and costs per person 250 p . You can and it does not take , but the Sicilian church Mother of God allowed only organized groups . The icon is a copy of the original , unfortunately , the original is lost . Inside the monastery is empty , chilly and dark . The church service is held every year .

Before the monument " Mayatsky archaeological complex " you can get up the chalk hill , however , by leaving only the pictures , the terrain is overgrown with grass .

With each step up the eyes the more beautiful view .

After the tour, you can walk 3 km to the cave complex in the Lesser divah , located on the territory of St. Divnogorsk male - Assumption monastery . The complex includes a cave church of St John the Baptist . Organization of excursions in the Small Diva engaged brethren of the monastery .

Be prepared for the fact , that the study of the museum - reserve " Divnogorie " will need the whole day . On its territory there is a cafe . Please , please , careful while walking , we saw a couple of steppe viper .

You can spend the night at 50 km from Divnogorie , in the town of Liski .

At 75 km from Lisok Kostomarovskaya Spassky Monastery is an underground temple Saviour image , the cave temple of Penance and Seraphim of Sarov .

At the monastery , on the local Calvary , stands the chapel of the Crucifixion of Christ . If you walk even higher , and there you will find an overview of all the enchanting countryside .

Belogorsky Resurrection Monastery , also known for its caves , located in 62 km from the Kostomarovo , on the high bank of the Don . To get them , you need to take or support, you can join the tour . Now there is a reconstruction of the facade .

In general , the monasteries in Divnogorie , Belogorie and Kostomarovo attract both amazing and unique natural beauty , and its spiritual content . These religious places filled with joy and happiness of their superiors and visitors - tourists and pilgrims from Russia , Ukraine and other countries .

Interestingly , that the Voronezh region , where there are monasteries , - dynamically developing regions of Russia . The roads between the settlements in the Voronezh region of relatively good quality . Most of the houses and villages in the Voronezh region is gasified .

It should be noted , that in the area there are many Ukrainians . In fact it is one land , where he lives one people , divided by history .

Overnight can be done in Voronezh , at 170 km from Belogoriya . Historical attractions in town , t . To . The city was completely destroyed during World War II . In general , it makes a good impression a lot of walking areas , renovated facades , purity and beauty .