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RussiaWhat to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
There are quite a lot of historical monuments and ruins in the vicinity of Teberda, because this region played a very important historical role. Part of the "Turkish trail" passed through the current military-Sukhumi road. But most of the historical places of Teberda have not been mastered, tourists are not available or there is simply no information about them. Vintage Sentinsky Temple is one of the most striking historical monuments that tourists can visit here.
This is a Christian sandstone temple, built in the traditional cross-domed architecture. It is believed that it was built in 965 and is one of the oldest Christian churches on the territory of the Russian Federation, but there are other versions about the time of its construction. But it is known for sure that the frescoes inside date back to the 11th century.
In the XIX century, the temple was heavily rebuilt by novices of a nearby convent, but in the last century it was restored to its former state. Today it is in a deplorable state and requires restoration and protection, although formally it is a historical monument protected by the state. Nevertheless, from the outside you can see its original architectural appearance. But inside there is complete ruin: almost nothing remains of the frescoes, vandals' inscriptions appear in their place. Nearby there is a stone mausoleum of the X century, presumably intended for the burial of the highest priestly ranks, and at the foot of the hill on which the temple is located, there is a small waterfall. There is a good view from the hill on which the temple is located.
🕐 Working hours
it is better to visit during the day.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
free.
🚶 How to get there
the temple is located near the village of Nizhnyaya Teberda, almost 30 kilometers from Teberda and 80 kilometers from Dombay towards Karachayevsk (temple on the map). You will have to get here by taxi or private car, but you can also find sightseeing tours from Dombay with a visit to Teberda, Shoaninsky and Sentinsky temples. You can drive yourself to the temple itself by navigator in any passenger car, and then climb a little on foot to the top of the hill. It is necessary to approach the temple from the west side along a dirt road, and not from the east (not from Waterfall Street). The primer leads constantly upward at a great slope, and is very rocky, so take extra care. Already directly near the temple there is a spacious area where you can park your car. But be careful when traveling in wet weather: it's easy to get stuck on a slippery road on a simple passenger car here.
Theoretically, you can also take suburban buses to the center of the village of Nizhnyaya Teberda, and walk to the temple in 30-40 minutes, but you will have to go up a decent distance.