Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

About this place

The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is the most important monastery in Russia and the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It stands in the town of Sergiev Posad, about 70 km north-east of Moscow on the road to Yaroslavl, and is home today to more than 300 monks. St Sergius of Radonezh founded it in 1337, building a wooden church to the Holy Trinity on Makovets Hill. The rule he set for the community became a model for his followers, who founded more than 400 monasteries across Russia, among them Solovetsky. White and red walls with towers ring the monastery, and inside stand cathedrals and churches with blue domes scattered with gold stars and gilded domes, a tall blue and white bell tower, and a small white chapel over a spring. Entry to the grounds is usually free. It is a working monastery, so dress modestly, and women cover their heads inside the churches. Trains from Moscow take about an hour and a half. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia, and non-Russian bank cards may not work, so read the current advice before you plan.