9 Must See Churches of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

Byzantine frescoes, Gothic iconostases, ancient Russian wooden architecture and picturesque nature — read about the most beautiful monasteries and churches that can be seen in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Just do not forget about the special rules of conduct and dress code that apply on the territory of churches.

Host Resurrection Cathedral

19 Sobornaya sq., Arzamas

It is difficult to lose sight of the Host Resurrection Cathedral: the main sacred place of Arzamas has been built for 28 years, since 1814, in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War over Napoleon. A striking representative of architecture in the style of Russian classicism, this temple also surprises with its interior decoration. In addition to the elegant wooden altar-screen, there is a unique temple painting with biblical themes, made in monochrome grisaille technique by students of the Arzamas school of painting.

Oranki Monastery of the Virgin

2 Pochtovaya str., Oranki village, Bogorodsky district

The monastery was founded in 1634 on Slavenskaya Hill. On its vast territory, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary decorated with Byzantine mosaics, and the five-domed snow-white Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God with paintings on the ceilings and walls, stand out among the two dozen buildings. Massive bell tower, the monument to Nicholas II and the chapel-gazebo with ornaments in the form of a vine — such a variety of details makes the eyes run away!

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

7 Pervomayskaya str., Katunki village, Chkalovsky district

On the shore of the Gorky reservoir is the village of Katunki called the «second Kitezh»: during the construction of the hydroelectric power station, it almost completely went under water, but the magnificent church of the early XIX century survived. It would be a great misfortune to lose it: from floor to ceiling it is decorated with almost a hundred frescoes on evangelical and biblical subjects; they were probably made by masters of the Stupin’s school. A bridge leads from the church to the opposite side of the village. According to legend, this bridge brings good luck to lovers.

Serafimo-Diveevsky Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Sovetskaya str., Diveevo village

Diveevo is an important spiritual center of the Nizhny Novgorod region, and it is impossible to choose one among the holy places of the largest female Diveevo monastery. Its buildings reveal the full variety of temple architecture: from the main Holy Trinity Church in the Russian-Byzantine style and the Baroque Kazan Cathedral with ancient frescoes to the majestic Temple of Transfiguration and modern Temple of Annunciation.

Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ

1 Sobornaya sq., Vyksa

The architecture of the main Vyksa cathedral combines Baroque and classical traditions. Built in 1773 on the initiative of the Batashev brothers, the temple was initially open only to the nobility. But now any guest can admire the murals under the high domes, luxurious altar-screens and unusual details such as porthole windows and a mini greenhouse.

Malinovsky Skete

Filippovskoye village, Borsky district

The only preserved ancient Orthodox monastery in the region was once supported by the famous merchants of the Old Believers Bugrov and Blinov. The skete’s main building is considered to be the Kazan Church of the convent, built in the spirit of brick patterning: its facades are elegantly decorated with tiles and exquisite arches, and the walls and ceilings are covered with paintings.

Makaryevsky Zheltovodsky Monastery of the Holy Trinity

1 Naberezhnaya str., Makarievo village Lyskovsky district

The best way to get to the convent is by ferry from Lyskovo: a view from the water will allow you to check its scale and strong fortress walls with towers. It was founded in the distant XV century by Elder Makariy Zheltovodsky; the future Patriarch Nikon studied Orthodoxy here, and the famous fair was held near the monastery walls before moving to Nizhny Novgorod. Visiting this great place is an exciting and important experience!

Florishcheva desert

3 Nagornaya str., Frolishchi village, Volodarsky district

Remote and out-of-the-way monastic settlements were called «deserts» in the old days. A fortress-like monastery was formed in one of those places in the middle of the XVII century. It is located near Florishcheva Hill, from which, according to legend, a radiant light emanated. The monastery facilities include four churches, a bell tower decorated with tiles and other buildings. It has now regained its former grandeur and beauty.

Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

68A Kozhanova str., Veliky Vrag village, Kstovsky district

There is an incredible view of the Volga River, forests and the Old Believers' church, built in 1792 from the Lovers’ Escarpment in the Veliky Vrag village. Bright and dynamic, this church is a remarkable example of a temple building in the spirit of ancient Russian wooden architecture, where elements of Baroque and classicism are combined.