"ISTRA" Top 5 Page for this destination Istra by bugulma

Istra Travel Guide: 97 reviews and 226 photos

New Jerusalem in Russia

The page is not about the town exactly but about New Jerusalem Monastery that is situated in the town. Nikon, the head of Orthodox Church of those times, founded the monastery in 1658. The monastery is a copy of buildings and places of the saint land, Jerusalem, Israel. The building lasted 27 years and the walls were built completely in the end of XVII century. It was the one of the most saint places in Russia and Tsars and famous people of culture had often visits here. The large library of manuscripts was here as well. In 1919 the Monastery became a museum. In December 10 1941, German special troops blew all towers and temples of the monastery. The complex was absolutely destroyed. All buildings that you see now are a result of reconstruction, which has been going on nowadays.

Sculpture on my way

Old People

This interesting sculpture I found near of the bridge across Istra River when I was going towards the monastery.

Last visit to Istra: Oct 2005
Intro Updated Oct 5, 2005
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Reviews (17)

Frescos Favorites (16)

There are wonderful frescos decorated walls and windows of the temple as well as interior, even above iconostasis. Most... more travel advice

Monastery towers. Favorites (16)

Mpnastery towers has an interesting architectural style. They have a big tower and a little tower joined in the same... more travel advice

Suburban train Transportation (1)

Go to Istra by suburban train. It goes from Rizhsky railway station but I think it's more comfortable to get train in... more travel advice

33 steps Favorites (16)

To the park this stairs lead to. If you count steps it's 33, the age of the Lord. I knew it by chance. I alit the train,... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (11)

yumyum Apr 21, 2008 at 11:02 AM Report Abuse

What a great day trip destination! And that Chapel Roof is just amazing.
Kuznetsov_Sergey Aug 1, 2006 at 6:07 AM Report Abuse

Hi, Andrew! New Jerusalem may be Mecca for all the trevellers, I think. Your wonderful tips and pics promote this aim. Let's make Russian Jerusalem the world famous sightseeing!
sprdak11 Nov 16, 2005 at 5:06 AM Report Abuse

Interesting travel page! Greetings!
diocletianvs Jun 17, 2005 at 10:28 PM Report Abuse

Never knew there is a place called Istra in Russia. And what a hidden beauty it is! Nice presentation.
LanaFromRiga Jan 24, 2005 at 6:15 AM Report Abuse

Hi, Privet! Very interesting Page about beautiful place. Istra is in Latvia too, but here it is a vllage.
dr.firas Oct 8, 2004 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

Molodets, krasata takaya ;-))
evona Sep 29, 2004 at 7:22 AM Report Abuse

Great architecture :)
iandsmith Sep 27, 2004 at 12:38 PM Report Abuse

Never heard of the place, very interesting.
globetrott Sep 23, 2004 at 5:07 PM Report Abuse

WOW, what a great place to visit, when I am coming to Moscow again !
sim1 Sep 23, 2004 at 6:46 AM Report Abuse

Great page Andrey! Wow, the Monastery complex looks fantastic! Such a different architure to what I am used to. But I love it! Beautiful photos you made of the monastery. And great to see that they are restoring the complex again!