Seliger: where it is located, attractions of the lake, recreation. Seliger - attractive reaches for residents of big cities The most famous places on Seliger for recreation
Lake Seliger - a Russian highlight - surprises with its beauty and unusual location. The lake is not a complete body of water, it resembles a chain of connected bodies of water, and this is what fascinates tourists. Everyone who has visited these parts dreams of returning here again. This area can be called a peculiar country. Seliger - where is this place? How to get here? This is quite easy to do, because the lake is located in the very heart of Russia.
Seliger - where is it located? Geographical characteristics
Lake Seliger is located in the center of Russia, only 370 kilometers from Moscow, in the Tver region. It is otherwise called Ostashkov Lake, because on the very shore of it is the city of Ostashkov.
The majestic Seliger stretches for 528 kilometers. Where this lake is located, the area acquired its characteristic features back in the Ice Age. The total area of the reservoir is about 260 km2, of which the island areas account for about 38 km2, their total number is approximately 160. The largest island in the basin is considered to be Khachin Island; there are four villages and thirteen smaller lakes.
Seliger has many tributaries, about one hundred and ten. The largest rivers include the Soroga, Cheremukha, and Krapivenka rivers. An interesting fact is that despite the presence of many tributaries and flowing rivers (Seremukha, Soroga, Krapivenka), a single river flows out of the lake, which is called Selizharovka. Seliger is rich in picturesque reaches; there are about twenty of them. The most outstanding and famous are the Ostashkovsky reach, Selizharovsky, Nizhnekotitsky, Sosnitsky, Berezovsky, Troitsky, Kravotynsky, Polnovsky.
The beauty of the area
Amazing Seliger - where is this place? Why does it attract numerous tourists? The mighty lake has a corresponding fauna. The reservoir contains more than thirty species of fish. The commercial species here are ide, pike, smelt, pike perch, bream, vendace and burbot. Fish farms carry out painstaking work to introduce carp, eel, carp and peled into the lake.
The flora of this area is diverse and rich; magnificent, centuries-old spruce, pine forests, birch and oak groves stretch throughout the territory. Bird cherry, wild rose, aspen, rowan and other vegetation typical of the Russian hinterland grow along the shores of the lake. Picturesque Seliger, where there are many meadows rich in strawberries, raspberries, and currants, attracts hundreds of hikers. It’s so nice to wander around with a basket in hand, take a break from the bustle of the city in nature, and breathe in the fresh air.
The fauna of Seliger is rich and diverse. On the pond you can see cranes, herons, and seagulls. The local forests are home to foxes, wolves, wild boars, bears and even moose.
History of Seliger
Centuries-old Seliger - where this lake is located, there once was a huge glacier. It was a long time ago, 65 thousand years ago. The glacier, plowing through the bed, moved south, taking with it everything that clung to it; In some places he left ridges of stones and sand. When it finally melted, there was no flat surface left in the area. Rows of hills stretched from the northwest and southeast, forming a hill here, which is now called Valdai. The highest point (346 meters) is located fifty kilometers from the lake. To get extremely close to the mountain, you will have to walk several kilometers. The depressions formed in this area by the glacier filled with water over time, and many lakes were formed. Seliger and Seliger are considered the largest on the map of Russia; they are quite easy to find, because it is located in the central part of the country.
In history, Seliger was mentioned in chronicles of the 12th century. The lake then had a slightly different name - Sereger, which is translated from Finnish as “lake above the hill.” However, many scientists are still debating the origin of the name of the lake.
Seliger legend
Like many other amazing historical places on Earth, Lake Seliger has its own beautiful legend, which says the following. Once upon a time there lived two brothers, Ilmen and Seliger, and it so happened that they fell in love with a girl whose name was Volga. Preference was given to Seliger, he was chosen by the Volga as a groom. Ilmen envied his brother with black envy, and he decided to leave his father’s house forever. At night, before leaving, Ilmen approached the sleeping Seliger. Envy overshadowed reason, and Ilmen uttered words of curse: let a hundred humps grow on your back, and let your sides become crooked. Ilmen went far, but his curse was fulfilled. Ilmen’s conscience tormented him for a long time, and then one day he saw in a dream how the damned Seliger was suffering, he was lying down and could not get up. The brother deeply regretted his words, but it was too late. “It’s my brother’s fault, then I won’t get up either.” To this day there lie two brothers - smooth Ilmen and Seliger with a hundred hump-islands. The Volga did not mourn its love for long, but fled to the mighty Caspian Sea...
Tourism on Seliger
This place is very popular among tourists. The Seliger region has a rich historical and cultural heritage. In this area there are many archaeological monuments, Neolithic sites, sites of ancient settlements, monasteries, hermitages, churches, ancient estates and villages.
It is worth noting that Seliger is rich not only in historical monuments. Where this lake is located, people like to relax not only spiritually, but also physically. Tourists ride on the surface of the lake in boats, and on the shore on bicycles. Along the entire coast you can find many modern recreation centers. There are many tourist car and bicycle routes along the Seliger region. It’s quite easy to find out how to get to Seliger, you just have to open the route map. The lake is famous among amateur fishermen: the cleanest, clear water allows you to observe the underwater world, and fishing here is very exciting. Pike, ide, burbot, pike perch, bream, vendace and other species of fish are found in large quantities in the lake.
Attractions
The main local attraction created by man is In the village of Khitino, Alexander Golod erected a 22-meter tetrahedral pyramid, which was made without a single nail, from fiberglass. The city of Ostashkov surprises with its contrasts; architectural splendor is combined here with the usual views of a fishing village. On one of the capes of Seliger there is an ancient one from the late 18th century.
Lake Seliger - where it is, the map will tell you
Tourism in Seliger is actively developing; hundreds of lovers of outdoor recreation flock here every year. If you are interested in this amazing place, come to Seliger, a map of this area will help you find the right camp site and attractions of interest. The map displays all the tributaries flowing into the lake, as well as the Selizharovka River flowing out of it; here you can also find all 24 reaches in different parts of the lake; on the southern side of the lake is the city of Ostashkov.
Location: Russia, Tver and Novgorod regions
Square: 260 km²
Greatest depth: 24 m
Coordinates: 57°11"23.1"N 33°04"14.5"E
Tourists often call Seliger the “blue necklace”, and local residents of the city of Ostashkov, located here, call it Ostashkovsky Lake. People go to picturesque reaches and islands to relax in nature, sunbathe, fish, pick mushrooms and touch the Orthodox shrines of Central Russia.
Lake Seliger from a bird's eye view
Secrets of the popularity of the “blue necklace”
Seliger is not just one lake. This is a chain of natural reservoirs that appeared on the territory of modern Novgorod and Tver regions after the Ice Age. The name of the water system has Finno-Ugric roots, and individual lakes received purely Russian names - Dolgoe, Glubokoe, Krugloe and Svyatoe.
Seliger is considered one of the most visited lakes in the world, and there are several reasons for this. Many Russian residents prefer to spend their holidays in the central zone. Not everyone is ready for health reasons to change the climate and go to the hot south.
The road to Seliger does not take much time and is inexpensive, so the blue reaches have long turned into a favorite vacation spot for Muscovites. From the Moscow Ring Road to the lake it is only 360-390 km, and you can come here not only by car, but also by trains and buses.
The lake system has its own climatic characteristics. Meteorologists have found that there are more fine days here than in other regions of Central Russia, and it rains less often. The reason for this is the large area of lakes. In summer, the flow of evaporation from the reaches and the rivers flowing into them is so great that a special microclimate is formed in the Seliger region, and thunderclouds often bypass the lakes.
The Blue Necklace is loved for its opportunity to spend holidays among beautiful nature. There are no major roads around the lakes. Holidays in these places are a dream for residents of big cities, tired of the daily crowds, dust and crowded streets. On numerous islands and along the banks of Seliger there are many untouched places, inhabited by moose, badgers, raccoons, martens, hares, fox squirrels and wild boars. The streams and lakes provide refuge for beavers and dozens of species of waterfowl.
It is noteworthy that the lake itself, despite the abundance of vacationers and villages scattered along its shores, is distinguished by its cleanliness and transparency. All villages, villages and the city of Ostashkov are full of greenery, not to mention the recreation centers located in the middle of the forests.
View of the lake from the bell tower of the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Hermitage
Natural attractions
Near the village of Volgoverkhovye there is a place where the Volga River begins. The source of the great river is fed by clear water from springs and is more like a small swamp. However, its modest appearance does not stop travelers. Tourists come to the source of the Volga and the nearby wooden St. Nicholas Church both in summer and winter.
There are no fewer visitors to the holy spring, which is located in Oskovtsy. The water temperature in it stays around +8°C all year round. The spring has a reputation for healing, so people try to swim in it and take the holy water with them.
To better learn about the plants, animals and environmental problems of the Seliger region, travelers go to the Museum of Nature in the village of Rogozha, not far from Ostashkov. The museum halls are decorated in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, built in the 18th century. The museum's doors are open for tourists from Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00.
View of Stolobny Island
What to see in Seliger villages
The ancient settlement of Berezovy Ryadok is considered a local landmark. According to the chronicles, it is known that the village appeared as a small fortress guarding the trade route from Novgorod, and it was built near an ancient pagan temple. Nowadays, the flow of tourists to Birch Row is growing, and the reason for this is the picturesque Transfiguration Church that recently appeared here.
Seliger Kizhi or Shchirkov Pogost also grew up next to the pagan settlement. People come to this settlement to admire the churches of the 17th-20th centuries.
Charm of Ostashkov
A small colorful town is located on a peninsula, in the southern part of the largest of the lakes. Several churches of the 17th-19th centuries and two monasteries have been preserved in it. Ostashkov is also rich in ancient civil architecture. In the city you can see a solid fire brigade building with a tower, a town hall and a theater. The Resurrection and Trinity Church houses exhibits of the local history museum.
Nilo-Stolobenskaya desert
Arriving in Ostashkov, many tourists try to get into the unusual Ostrog museum, which tells about the everyday life of the former city prison. Amateur fishermen do not bypass the fish museum, whose guides introduce everyone to the traditions and tricks of fishing on Seliger.
Pilgrimage tours
Seliger attracts travelers not only with its natural beauty. Since the end of the 16th century, on the island of Stolobny and the Svetlitsa peninsula, there has been the Nilo-Stolbenskaya Hermitage - a male Orthodox monastery, whose shrines attract many believers all year round. Here, more than 500 years ago, there was a small cell of St. Nile of Stolbensky.
Today the monastery has been beautifully restored. It amazes tourists and pilgrims with the beauty of ancient temples and special way of life. Travelers come here to see the worship cross on the site of the saint’s cell, cave and well of the Nile. Today, 50 monks live within the walls of the monastery. In addition to prayers and worship services, they work in the candle making, dairy and carpentry shops, in the jewelry workshop, stables, cowshed and apiary.
View of the city of Ostashkov from the lake
Fishing
Experts consider the “blue necklace” to be one of the most catchy places located near Moscow. About three dozen fish are found in the lakes and channels of Seliger. In addition to amateur fishing, there is commercial fishing for pike, perch, bream, pike perch, silver bream, rudd, smelt, vendace and ide. In addition, some of the Seliger lakes were stocked with eels and carp.
Of course, fishing in natural reservoirs differs from paid ponds and requires skill and a certain amount of luck. Fishermen must take into account the characteristics of fishing in different seasons and weather conditions. Experts advise focusing on local seagulls. This bird is a born hunter, and its behavior makes it easier to find a large concentration of fish.
Shipping opportunities
Many tourists like to travel around the lake on boats and steamships. True, this cannot be done everywhere, but only along the deepest reaches. Motor ships "Moscow" ply along Seliger. In the summer season they carry passengers and conduct tourist excursions.
There is a river station in Ostashkov, and some islands boast their own piers. In addition, there are ferry crossings across the lake, so locals and tourists always have the opportunity to get from shore to shore.
Where to stay
The tourist infrastructure of Seliger is focused on welcoming guests, and none of the visitors have a problem where to stay. Tourists and youth groups prefer to spend the night in tents. Those travelers who want more comfort choose recreation centers, guest houses and hotels. The most expensive of them offer housing at the level of comfortable apartments and have wells for water collection. The cottages have cozy fireplaces, modern heaters - electric convectors, gas and microwave stoves, washing machines, satellite TV and private toilets.
It should be borne in mind that the price for accommodation in Seliger recreation centers and hotels depends on the services they provide to travelers. Bases may have their own beaches and rent boats, bicycles and ATVs. Expensive hotels offer buffet meals or provide guests with a menu to choose from.
View of the village of Berezovy Ryadok and the Church of the Transfiguration
The cheapest options should be sought from private owners. Homeowners rent out rooms, small family cottages, and off-road hunting lodges to tourists. It is most economical to rent such housing for a group of friends or a family vacation. Moreover, if you book your favorite options in advance, you can count on a good discount.
How to get there
By car. From the capital there are two ways to access the lake. One leads along the road through Tver, and the other - past Volokolamsk and Rzhev. Whatever option motorists choose, the distance to the lake is almost the same, and the journey takes from 5.5 to 6 hours.
By bus. A regular bus runs from the Moscow metro station “Tushinskaya” to Ostashkov. It departs twice a day and reaches the city in 8 hours.
Holy Cross Church
By train. There are direct trains from the capital's Leningradsky station to Ostashkov. In summer they carry passengers every other day, and in the off-season - even less frequently. However, many people like this way. The train departs in the evening and arrives in Ostashkov early in the morning, so passengers can sleep peacefully during the 12-hour journey. Some travel by train: from the capital they travel by train to Tver, and from there they travel to Ostashkov by local buses.
Strictly speaking, Seliger is not a lake, but a system of lakes connected by channels. The glacier that plowed this territory in ancient times left depressions, which over time were occupied by water - the present-day Seliger. The huge lake extends in two regions: Novgorod and Tver.
An indented coastline, secluded bays, a shore covered with coniferous forests, sandy beaches, many islands, clear water - there are many picturesque places to relax. Traditionally, mostly “uncivilized” tourists relax on the banks of Seliger. Tents, fishing, leisurely walks... In short, an effective and simple way to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and merge with nature.
On one of the islands, Stolobny, there is a unique natural and cultural landscape of the Nilo-Stolobensky desert.
Botovo
Botovo is a quiet and cozy recreation center on Lake Seliger, which allows visitors to experience the friendly atmosphere of a country cottage and provides the opportunity to live on the shore of the lake, surrounded by flowers and greenery.
The peace and quiet that permeate the atmosphere of the recreation center allows you to relax, forget about worries and switch to fishing, the opportunity to swim and sunbathe.
The Botovo recreation center is located in a secluded place on the outskirts of a small village, on the very shore of Lake Seliger, far from places favored by noisy tourists. Your own well-groomed beach, beautiful landscape, clean air and a large coastline give you a good rest on Seliger and the strength to live on.
What sights of Seliger did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Nilo-Stolobenskaya Pustyn (Nilova Pustyn)
The Orthodox monastery on Stolobny Island has been known since the 16th century. During its existence, it has known times of prosperity and complete destruction. It is valuable as a place where the Venerable Elder Nil Stolobensky demonstrated his spiritual feat (his holy relics are kept here) and as a unique architectural and natural landscape of true beauty.
The heyday of the Nile Desert occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. Then the classical, austere buildings and the granite wall surrounding them made the monastery complex look like St. Petersburg. The monastery became a monolith, harmoniously combining nature and architecture.
During the years of Soviet power, the once richest monastery was plundered. Currently being restored from ruins. The pilgrimage trail to the secluded island is not overgrown. After all, such places of prayer console the soul, pacify and bring us closer to the highest truth.
In this mode, you can view the sights of Seliger only from photographs.
Okovetsky Holy Key
In the Tver region, at the bend of the Pyroshnya River, a spring gushes out of the ground, considered sacred by Christians. This source is called Okovetsky after the name of the nearby village. The water of the Okovetsky Holy Spring is credited with healing properties; hundreds of pilgrims come here every year to drink this water and swim in the spring.
There is a legend associated with finding the source. In the sixteenth century, two icons of the Cross of the Lord and the Mother of God and the Child were revealed to two robbers hiding from the law in a local forest in the branches of a huge tree. According to legend, a wonderful light emanated from the icons, and soon people noticed that the icons and the spring gushing not far from this place had healing powers. At the site of the appearance of the icons, two churches were built. Unfortunately, during the years of Soviet power, churches were destroyed and icons were lost.
Today, a chapel has been erected at the Okovetsky Holy Spring, and an open font has been built above the source itself, where everyone can plunge into the clear, icy water of the source.
The most popular attractions on Seliger with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Seliger on our website.
Sights of Seliger
What to see on Seliger? How to get to the main attractions and what to choose? There is something to see, but everything is located at different ends of Seliger, so it’s up to you to choose, depending on your time and desire. Briefly about the most important ones:
Source of the Volga River
The Volga begins at the village of Volgoverkhovye on the Valdai Hills in the Tver region. The path there is not close, but it's worth it. It is precisely because of the remoteness that it seems that the world of civilization is somewhere far away. You can only see where the Great Russian River begins, stand on both banks of the Volga while it is still a trickle, and take souvenir photos at the source of the river.
The Volga Procession of the Cross begins there. From the consecration of the source of the Volga River and festive services in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Olginsky Convent, it passes throughout the Tver region and ends in the last settlement of the region along the river. The Volga Procession of the Cross is multi-day and takes place over 3-4 weeks. The procession begins on May 29 (or nearby dates).
In 1907, they began to build a new wooden church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. St. Nicholas Church was built by local peasant Vasily Zabelkin. It was consecrated on July 27, 1908. This single-domed tall wooden church of the cage type has survived to this day. Currently, the temple has been restored.
From the village of Nizhnie Kotitsy the distance to the Source of the Volga is 90 km.
Nilova Pustyn
Nilo - Stolobenskaya deserts is a monastery on Stolobny Island on Lake Seliger. The monastery is located on the place of life of the Monk Neil, who spent 27 years of his life on this island in prayerful solitude.
Today Nilova deserts is a grandiose complex, the main building of which is the majestic Epiphany Cathedral with a bell tower. The relics of St. Neil rest in the Cathedral Church. Every year on June 9 the discovery and on July 9 the transfer of the relics of St. Neil are celebrated. On these days, the procession from Ostashkov is tripled, the relics of the Nile are carried around the monastery, and the liturgy is served. In 2018 V.V. Putin arrived on Epiphany night on a pilgrimage visit to the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Monastery and plunged into an ice hole on Lake Seliger. You should definitely go here, especially since it is located 35 km from us along an ideal asphalt road.
Okovetsky holy spring
In 1539, on the banks of the Paroshni River, on the eve of Trinity, two robbers stopped to divide the loot and suddenly saw a glow - an icon of the Mother of God and an icon of the Life-giving Cross appeared to them. Soon, two kilometers from this place, a spring began to flow with life-giving force. By order of the tsar, a Temple was erected in the name of the icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria with the chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Since then, the religious procession has been held on July 24 from the Pyshinsky settlement to the Holy Spring. The water temperature in the Okovetsky spring is constant in winter and summer, +4 degrees. You need to plunge three times, head first, passing through three baths, towards the chapel.
The distance from us to the Okovetsky key is 50 km. Be sure to get water from this holy place.
Shirkov Pogost
Shirkov Pogost is located on the shore of Lake Vselug. Here is the bulk of the red brick Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist and the silver-gray candle of the wooden Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist - Tver Kizhi. According to legend, the church was built on the site where Alexander Nevsky’s regiments defeated the Lithuanian hordes in 1245. The wooden Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist dates back to 1694. Simple Russian carpenters were amazing people - reducing tier by tier, with their help raising a small silver dome with a cross to the heavenly heights. You look at the dome from the ground and understand that it is not silver - it is wooden. Why does it shine so much in the sun? And this property of the aspen ploughshare - small figured planks for roofing, under the rain and sun the aspen ploughshare acquires a metallic sheen, silver on a hot afternoon, and at sunset it shimmers with gold. There is also a small chapel under the mountain, above the spring. On July 7, a procession of the cross takes place from the churchyard churches and a water prayer service is served over the source.
The distance from us is 70 km.
Bogoroditsky Zhitenny Convent
In 1711, a strong fire occurred in the city of Ostashkov. Part of the city, the fortress and the main gate, above which was located the image of the Most Holy Theotokos of Smolensk “Hodegetria” - the patroness of the city - were damaged. When they cleared away the ashes, the icon of the Mother of God was found unharmed. The townspeople realized that this was not a simple image, and decided to build a temple for it on the old church of Zhitnoye Island. Monks began to settle around the temple. And in 1716, the Bogoroditsky Zhitenny Monastery was founded here. The monastery entered the twentieth century in all its splendor, but when the Bolsheviks came to power in 1929, the monastery was closed and looted, and a creamery was located on the territory. On the day of remembrance of the Royal Passion-Bearers - July 17, 2002 - the monastery opened as a convent by decree of Metropolitan Victor of Tver and Kashin and the Holy Synod. With God's help and the efforts of good people, it was possible to restore the Gate Church in the name of the holy apostles John the Theologian and Andrew the First-Called with the adjacent buildings. Work is underway to restore the bell tower. In small steps, to the best of their ability, the sisters are restoring the main shrine - the Smolensk Cathedral. The monastery is located in Ostashkov, 22 km from us. It's worth a look!
Memorial complex "Ksty"
The Ksty Memorial is the only one in Russia installed on the site of a village completely burned by the Germans. The SS men of the Death's Head division shot and burned 78 residents of three villages (the youngest was four years old). On May 9, 2018, the grand opening took place after the restoration of the memorial complex “ By the way»
The distance to the memorial is 60 km.
Sights of Seliger
Seliger. It looks like a very ordinary lake. You can swim, sunbathe, fish. At first, the vastness amazes him, but then you get used to it and no longer listen to the splash of the waves, or notice how the blue sky is reflected in the mirror waters. You can spend several pleasant days or even weeks on its shores. And then leave without knowing that an amazing country stretched out before you - the Country of Seliger! You just had to want to see her.
There are a lot of main attractions of Seliger, those that need to be seen. The difficulty is that they are located at a considerable distance from each other. And sometimes the road, frankly speaking, is not very good... But don’t even think about leaving the lake without wandering around Ostashkov, without listening to the story of Nil Stolobensky in the Desert. So, what is a must-see on Seliger?
Source of the Volga
It’s best to start getting to know any country from its capital. Ostashkov is the capital of the country Seliger and its only city. It stands on a peninsula and is blown through by the Seliger winds. If you look at the peninsula from a bird's eye view, you can see that the peninsula looks like a boot whose heel has been eaten off by fish. Probably these are the fish that are depicted on the Ostashkov coat of arms. The toe of the boot is Klichen Island. A long time ago there was a border fortress here. In 1393, Novgorodians burned it. To this day, in Ostashkov they tell a legend about how the only surviving resident of Klichen, the fisherman Eustathius, built himself a new house on the peninsula. Evstafiy, Evstashka, Ostashka - the name of our city was born from the name of the fisherman.
Nilova Pustyn
Almost 500 years ago, a hermit monk named Neil came to Stolbnoy Island. He received a great gift from God: both during his life and after death, helping people, he worked miracles. The hermit lived here for 23 years, neither at night nor during the day without interrupting his prayer for the salvation of the World. He did not allow himself to sleep, did not sit down or lie down, and rested, leaning on crutches driven into the wall. Just before his death, in oblivion, Neil dreamed that he was flying over the lake and saw his island, and on the island - the White City. Here it is, standing in front of you - the amazing city from his vision. Surrounded on all sides by the waters of the lake, the Nilova Pustyn Monastery is the main attraction of the country of Seliger, and Nil Stolobensky is its Heavenly Patron.
If you happen to find yourself in the Nile Desert, be sure to climb the monastery bell tower. But first, standing below, make a wish, and only then rise. If you count 195 steps, your wish will come true. Otherwise, go down and start counting again. Anyone standing on the bell tower sees Lake Seliger from a bird's eye view. Our lake is huge, its area is 260 sq. km. In shape it is similar to a daisy with 8 petals - fronds. From the bell tower you can see only two: Seligersky reach in the south and Kravotynsky in the north. There are 169 islands on the lake. You can see one of them, Khachin, in the west. Khachin Island, the largest on Seliger, has 13 lakes and 4 villages on it.
Okovetsky Klyuch
The waters of the miraculous Okovetsky spring absorbed all the power of the Okovsky forest. They work miracles, heal the sick, help the suffering. Having passed under the gate arch, we enter a huge clearing with sparse birch trees. The murmur of water can be heard from everywhere - the Pyroshnya River encircles the clearing in a loop. Ahead, on a hillock near a white church, the bowl of the Source is already visible. But before you go up there, stop at the icon case with the Okovets icon of the Mother of God. This icon miraculously appeared in 1539 here in Okovtsy. By order of Ivan the Terrible, two wooden churches were erected at the place of her appearance, which were lost over time. Now in that very place there is a church in the name of the Most Holy Theotokos Hodegetria.The water temperature in the Okovetsky spring is constant in winter and summer, +4 degrees.
Pyramid
It is impossible to drive past the pyramid and not notice it, it is very large and very unusual for our area. It sparkles equally with whiteness both against the background of the blue sky and against the background of lead clouds. This is not the tallest pyramid in the country - its height is only 22 meters. It would have been 23, but the top of the head was cut off by a meter. The perimeter of the pyramid included a square, the side size of which was 2 times less than the height of the pyramid - 11 meters. By observing these proportions, you can build a pyramid 2 times larger (as on the 38th km of the Moscow-Riga highway), and 100 times smaller, the main thing is that there are absolutely no metal parts in it. Why do we need pyramids? There is so much gossip surrounding this strange building that it’s impossible to tell it all! For example, if you place cabbage seedlings in a pyramid and keep them there for 11 days, then SUCH CABBAGE will grow... And if you place wine in a pyramid, then after 11 days its taste will become incomparably better, but if it’s vodka, then its taste will not change.
Source of the Volga
You are walking along a village street and suddenly you find yourself in front of a slope going down. Wooden steps run down the slope leading to a carved arch, behind which a small chapel is visible. How many times have we heard this name - Volga. Before us is the Source of the great river. Looking at the inscription on the huge boulder near the arch, maybe someone will remember that the Volga is the longest river in Europe. From here it begins its journey to the Caspian Sea, a journey 3551 km long. But is it really about the length? Why does an expression of peace suddenly spread across the faces of people who come here? Take a closer look at the stream flowing out of the swamp. Does it look like a great river? But after just 8 km of the journey, the Volga will flow into Lake Sterzh, and will forcefully pass through the waters of the lake without mixing with it. Residents of villages along the shores of the lake claim that in particularly clear weather they can see the Volga flowing through the lake. Our strength comes with you!
The chapel has stood at the source for several centuries. When it rots, they cut a new one. Previously, this was done by the monks of the Volga-Verkhovsky Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, founded here in 1646. The monastery stood for 100 years in the swamp-forest wilderness. It burned out and never came back. But the pilgrims kept coming and coming here. They believed that the power of the great river was stored at its source, that by drinking water from the treasured well you could get a small part of both the power of the river and the power of the entire Russian Land.
Shirkov Pogost
At first glance, it’s not even clear how many churches there are on the shore. Upon closer examination, it turns out that there are only two of them: the bulk of the red brick Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist and the silver-gray candle of the wooden Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. There is also a small over-gutter chapel, but it is not visible from afar.
The wooden Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist dates back to 1694. Simple Russian carpenters were amazing people. They knew how to create beauty. What a strange whim - reducing tier by tier, using them to raise a small silver dome with a cross to the heavenly heights. You look at the dome from the ground and understand that it is not silver - it is wooden. Why does it shine so much in the sun? And this property of the aspen ploughshare - small figured planks for roofing, under the rain and sun the aspen ploughshare acquires a metallic sheen, silver on a hot afternoon, and at sunset it shimmers with gold.
If you decide to go to Shirkov Pogost, then remember that this is a unique monument of Russian culture. A happy accident saved it for us. Let's treat it the way it deserves - like a precious diamond reflected in the clear waters of the lake!