New Jerusalem Monastery, Istra, Russia

The New Jerusalem or Novoiyerusalimsky Monastery was founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon as a patriarchal residence on the outskirts of Moscow. This site was chosen for its resemblance to the Holy Land. The River Istra represents the Jordan, and the buildings represent the 'sacral space' or holy places of Jerusalem. In his time, Patriarch Nikon recruited a number of monks of non-Russian origin to populate the monastery, as it was intended to represent the multinational Orthodoxy of the Heavenly Jerusalem.

The architectural ensemble of the monastery includes the Resurrection Cathedral (1656–1685), identical to a cathedral of the same name in Jerusalem, Patriarch Nikon's residence (1658), stone wall with towers (1690–1694), Church of the Holy Trinity (1686–1698), and other buildings, all of them finished with majolica and stucco moulding. Architects P.I.Zaborsky, Yakov Bukhvostov, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Matvei Kazakov, Karl Blank and others took part in the creation of this ensemble. In the 17th century, the New Jerusalem Monastery owned a large library, compiled by Nikon from manuscripts taken from other monasteries. By the time of the secularization of 1764, the monastery possessed some 13,000 peasants.

In 1918, the New Jerusalem Monastery was closed down. In 1920, a museum of history and arts and another of regional studies were established on the premises of the monastery. In 1935, the Moscow Oblast Museum of Regional Studies was opened in one of the monastic buildings. In 1941, the German army ransacked the New Jerusalem Monastery. Before their retreat they blew up its unique great belfry; the towers were demolished; the vaults of the cathedral collapsed and buried its famous iconostasis, among other treasures.

In 1959, the museum was re-opened to the public, although the bell-tower has never been rebuilt, while the interior of the cathedral is still bare. The New Jerusalem Monastery was re-established as a religious community only in the 1990s.

Today the restoration of the main cathedral is done, with much of the interior reconstructed and readorned. The monastery is open to visitors and is actively serving again.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Sovetskaya ulitsa 1, Istra, Russia

See all sites in Istra

Details

Founded: 1656
Category: Religious sites in Russia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.wmf.org
www.inyourpocket.com

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Maribelle Hokayem (5 months ago)
The New Jerusalem Monastery, located in Istra, Russia, is a remarkable replica of the original Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Palestine. Founded in the 17th century by Patriarch Nikon, the monastery was designed to bring a piece of the Holy Land to Russia. Its stunning architecture and meticulous design elements faithfully mirror the sacred sites of Jerusalem, offering pilgrims a profound spiritual experience without leaving Russia. The monastery serves as a significant cultural and religious landmark, reflecting the deep historical and spiritual ties between Russia and the Holy Land.

Vasilis Kosmidis (16 months ago)
A magnificent replica of the Resurrection Temple in Jerusalem! An astonishing work of art, and a place that every Orthodox should visit when in Moscow! The monastery is huge, and also has a nice "Trapeza" (small restaurant) where you can have a meal. There's also a free parking just outside the main gate.

Santosh Deval (18 months ago)
The New Jerusalem Monastery is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Istra, Russia. The monastery is known for its beautiful frescoes, intricate carvings, and rich history. It was built by Patriarch Nikon in the 17th century as a replica of the Holy Land's Jerusalem. The monastery's stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for spiritual contemplation and reflection. Visitors to the monastery can explore the various buildings, including the Cathedral of the Resurrection, the Church of the Holy Gates, and the Refectory. The Cathedral of the Resurrection is particularly impressive, with its ornate domes and exquisite frescoes. The Church of the Holy Gates is also worth a visit, with its beautiful bell tower and intricate carvings. In addition to its stunning architecture, the New Jerusalem Monastery is also home to a museum that showcases the monastery's rich history and cultural significance. The museum has an impressive collection of religious artifacts, including icons, manuscripts, and vestments. Overall, the New Jerusalem Monastery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and spirituality. The monastery's stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for reflection and contemplation.

Florent Malice (2 years ago)
Very beautiful, a bit crowded around New year though. Lacks a bit of information about the history of the place

Errico (3 years ago)
An incredible place. Worth the trip from Moscow.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Wikimedia Commons

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude

The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.

New Jerusalem Monastery