St. Michael Athos monastery in Adygea

What to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting

St. Michael's Athos monastery or St. Michael's Athos Zakubanskaya desert it was built in the 19th century on the initiative of a monk who visited the Holy Mount Athos in Greece. However, in 1920, when the communists came to power, the lands of the monastery were confiscated, and a Rest House of the GPU (State political administration) was organized in its buildings. In 1944, it was converted into a children's colony, after which the buildings and structures of the monastery began to be systematically destroyed, including blowing up. In 1972, the remaining monastery buildings were converted into a campsite "romance". Only in 2001, the land and the remaining buildings were again returned to the church, the revival of the monastery and the restoration of the lost buildings began. Today it is not only an active monastery, but also an architectural monument.

In addition to the monastery complex itself, there is a holy spring of Panteleimon The Healer, which is located on the mountain in a half-hour walk along a well-equipped staircase. Near the source there is also a font. There is also an ancient cave monastery, which can be visited if you pay for donations. In this case, one of the caretakers will take you to the entrance, open the door to the dungeon, and conduct a short tour.

As near any popular tourist destination, in front of the entrance to the monastery there are shopping malls with Adyghe Mountain Honey and cheese, herb collections, and, of course, souvenirs. Ideally, you need to visit this place with a tour, because without an interesting story of the guide, the visit here will not be so interesting.