Nilova deserts, Seliger. How to get there?

In the sixteenth century, in the Upper Volga region, a prayer prayer-priest appeared - the monk Nil, who later became a Russian saint , Reverend Neil Stolbensky Miracle-worker. Since 1528, he settled on the island of Stolbnoye. At the end of the century a monastery was founded on this place - Nilova Pustyn. He became the spiritual center not only of the Upper Volga and the Lake Seliger region, but of all Russia.

Neil Stolbensky

The Monk was born in the fifteenth century. His worldly name is unknown. It is an ascetic, a desert man, a man who performed a real prayer feat. Transfigured spiritually, he became a light for all who wanted to receive from him advice, instruction, prayer help.

The history of the monastery

After the untimely death of Neil Stolbensky (1555), hermitical hermits began to settle on the island of Stolbny not far from his grave. In 1594 they received permission and blessing from the patriarch Job, and created a monastic abode. The founder of the monastery is Hieromonk Herman. So the history of the monastery began.

Before the revolution, he was one of the most revered in our country. Thousands of pilgrims came here every year. In the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, the monastery was visited by Emperor Alexander the First.

Monastery after the revolution

In the year 1919 the most valuable of the monastery was seized, the relics of the Nile of the Wonderworker were uncovered. Until 1927, the monastery still continued to function, but in subsequent years he experienced many major changes. By the end of the eighties most of the buildings were destroyed, and the rest was in a dilapidated state.

In the year nineteen ninety, the Nilov Desert (Seliger) was transferred to the Orthodox Church of Russia. After a long five years, the monastery was returned to the incorrupt relics of the Nile the Reverend.

In the early twentieth century, the monastery was one of the most visited Russian shrines. On its territory there were more than 1000 pilgrims.

Monastery in our days

Nowadays the monastery of Nilova Pustyn (Seliger) is being actively restored. Already several golden temples have been found, the facade of the building is being restored, and the interior of the Epiphany Church has been restored.

Seliger - holy places

Every year thousands of pilgrims come to Lake Seliger to worship the great Russian shrines. The main attraction of this place is the Nile-Stolbenskaya Desert. It is here, among the endless lakes on the picturesque island is the famous monastery. It is surrounded by a high stone fence with towers and a magnificent park. Here you can see the granite embankment with the Bishop's dock (1812).

Those who arrived on Lake Seliger, the Nilova Desert will be visible from the front facade of the monastery, which is adorned by the Svetlitskaya Tower (1870). Here you can bow to the relics of St. Nil and St. Nektarii, who was the second rector of the Nile Desert. Those who wish can attend the service and climb the bell tower, which reaches a height of thirty-six meters.

Nilova Pustyn, Seliger: how to reach

You can get to these places on the boat from Ostashkov or by bus, which follows the route "Ostashkov - Troeruchitsa". Then you have to walk five kilometers on foot. You can overcome this distance and by bus, which runs three times a day, but its schedule does not coincide with the arrival of the Moscow trains.

If you decide to leave Ostashkov by car, then be careful: at the sign "Svetlitsa" you need to collapse.

Tips for tourists

The entrance to the monastery is free, but it is necessary to follow the dress code: men should be in trousers, and women - in dresses (skirts) and headscarves. Photography in the territory is allowed, but it costs a hundred rubles.

Infrastructure

In the monastery of Nilova Pustyn (Seliger), a hotel for pilgrims is located directly on the territory. In a small village of Svetlitsa in front of the desert, locals rent houses and rooms. There is also a large tourist center and a restaurant in which hungry travelers can eat. In the shop at the monastery you can buy everything that the Nilov Desert (Seliger) is famous for. This monastery honey and bread, berries and tea gatherings, as well as books, memorable magnets and other souvenirs.

sights

Today many travel agencies organize trips for those who want to visit the monastery of Nilova Pustyn (Seliger). These tours are in great demand. These legendary places are visited not only by pilgrims, but also by people who are far from religion. They are attracted by the monastery as a unique historical and architectural monument.

During a tour of the desert, tourists can see the Epiphany Cathedral, the construction of which dates back to 1671. The finishing works were completed in 1833. According to the sketches of Ya.M. Kolokolnikov was the silver gate for the cathedral. In 2006, the restoration of the exterior was completed, and now the finishing of the interior is coming to an end. The main value of this temple are the relics of the Holy Nile, returned to the desert in 1995.

The Holy Cross temple is an elegant and light structure. It is located somewhat away from the main monastic complex. In the old days, baptismal rites were held in this church.

The temple in the name of All Saints until 1833 was a council, then became a hospital. This is the oldest building. Today it is almost destroyed.

The Church of St. John the Forerunner and the Protection of the Virgin was built on the very spot where the cave where the Reverend Nile lived was located. In 1939 it was destroyed. Now excavations are underway on this site.

Interesting Facts

• At present, there are 50 inhabitants in the monastery, 20 of them in a sacred place.
• The desert has several farmsteads, including Torzhok.
• The monastery has its own apiary, so you can buy a consecrated honey in a shop.
• The monastery Nilova Pustyn (Seliger) has a carpentry, milk and candle shop, a stable and a barn. In addition, the jeweler workshop was revived and successfully operated.

Social ministry

The monastery actively participates in charitable activity - sends spiritual literature and products to places of detention, helps the elderly and children's home. On the territory of the monastery there is an infirmary for homeless and bedridden patients, assistance is provided to drug addicts and patients with alcoholism. Their number reaches fifty people a year.

As workers in the monastery live people who do not have a permanent place of residence. They actively participate in the life of the monastery. Such help is given to 250 people a year.

At the monastery there is a dental office, in which a graduate doctor works. Help is not only to the brethren and the laborers, but also to the inhabitants of the surrounding villages.

Working with the media

There is a publication of literature on the monastery, booklets on the monastery. They are very in demand among pilgrims and visitors of the monastery.