Optina deserts is one of the most famous monasteries in Russia. It was founded at the end of the XVI century, and in the XIX century became one of the spiritual centers of the country. In 1923, the Optina desert was closed and for a long time acted as a museum. At the end of the 20th century the monastery was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. Currently, the monastery is rebuilding temples, monastic life is reviving. The monastery again became a place of pilgrimage, they come here to join the relics of the Reverend Optina elders and pray.

How to get here

Optina deserts is located two kilometers from the city of Kozelsk in the Kaluga region. Buses Moscow - Kozelsk depart from the station. "Teply Stan" daily - more than 10 flights starting from 7 am. Flights at 12.45 and 15.00 stop at the monastery itself, the rest follow to the bus station in Kozelsk. From there, shuttles go to the monastery. The journey takes about 5 hours, the approximate price of the ticket is 450 rubles. (December 2011). The last bus to Moscow leaves from Kozelsk at 17.40. Phone of the bus station in Kozelsk: (48442) 2-25-02.

Pilgrimage service of the Moscow monastery of the monastery on Saturdays arranges trips to Optina deserts from the area of ​​Art. m. Novoyasenevskaya. For more information call: (495) 422-22-77.

By car along the M3 highway, follow signs to Kaluga first, then Kozelsk. Before reaching Kozelsk, turn left to Optina desert. Shining in the field of the dome will be seen from afar.

A film about Optina Deserts

Attractions and excursions in Optina desert

The excursion department is located at the entrance to the monastery (next to the central watch). Excursions are held daily from 9.00 to 17.00 and last from one hour to one and a half. The cost is 100 rubles. with an adult and 50 rubles. with a child - a group of at least 10 people. For groups of less than 10 people, the amount of the donation is negotiated separately. Preliminary orders for excursions are accepted by phone: (48442) 50-139. Groups from individual pilgrims are recruited at 10.00, 12.00 and 14.00.

Currently, there are 7 temples in the monastery:

  • Vvedensky Cathedral (1750-1771 gg.) - the main temple of the monastery. It is located in the center of the monastery yard. Consecrated in honor of the introduction to the Temple of the Blessed Virgin. Here are preserved the relics of St. Ambrose and Nectarius of the elders of Optina and the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
  • The temple in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (1811, restored in 1996) is the largest temple of the monastery. Here are the relics of the Reverend Optina elders Moses, Anthony and Isaac I. The walls of the temple are painted with frescoes.
  • The temple in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God (restored in 1998). Here are also the relics of several reverend elders of Optina.
  • Temple in honor of St. Hilarion the Great (1874) is outside the walls of the monastery, in the same building as the hotel and refectory. Here perform baptismal rites and the burial service of the deceased.
  • Temple in honor of St. John the Baptist and the Baptist of the Lord in the Ioanno-Predtechensky Skete (1825) Divine services are held here under a special charter, pilgrims are allowed to go only on the patronal holidays of Skeet.
  • The temple in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Sporite of loaves" (1997-2000) is located on the territory of the ancillary farm of the monastery.
  • The temple in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord (2005-2007) is built in a new place, where there was never a church before. It holds the relics of St. Raphael (Sheychenko).

Three more temples in the monastery are being restored and restored. The Temple of Mary of Egypt was already consecrated in late 2011. Monastery skete is located behind a monastery grove, 10 monks live in it. Visitors are denied access to the hermitage.

Vvedensky Cathedral, Optina Pustyn, Russia Optina deserts
Vvedensky Cathedral, Optina Desert
The Holy Gates of St. John the Baptist's Skete, Optina Pustyn, Russia Optina deserts
The Holy Gates of St. John the Baptist's Skete, Optina Pustyn
The Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Optina Pustyn, Russia Optina deserts
The Church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Optina deserts
Optina Pustyn, Russia Optina deserts
Optina deserts
Church in the name of the phenomenon of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Optina Pustyn, Russia Optina deserts
Church in the name of the phenomenon of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Optina deserts