Nikolo-Vyazhyshchi Monastery

12 kilometers northwest of Veliky Novgorod is a small village of Vyazhyshchi. Here, in the upper reaches of the river Veryazhy, an incredibly beautiful architectural ensemble of the Nikolo-Vyazhyshchi Monastery opens to the eyes of travelers. The slender silhouettes of the temples, green domes and sparkling tiles give the impression that some wizard wove it like a thin lace and placed it here, surrounded by endless fields.

Vyazhyshchi Monastery was founded at the end of the XIV century by three monks - Ignatius, Euphrosine, Galaction, as well as the priest Pimen who joined them. Later Pimen became the first abbot of the monastery. Of the monastic buildings, only the St. Nicholas Cathedral (1681-1683), the refectory with the temples of John the Theologian and Ascension (1694-1698), as well as the residential building have survived to this day. The ensemble of the monastery looks whole and complete, it is elegant and majestic.

Particular expressiveness of buildings gives a rich decor, consisting of multicolored tiles - large and small. Most often, small tiles were depicted floral bouquets or geometric figures. Larger tiles had more diverse paintings: on the tiles there are a unicorn, a double-headed eagle, a cross, a vase with a large flower-fruit and other subjects.

Nikolo-Vyazhyshchi Monastery is an invaluable monument of architecture of the Novgorod land. The unperturbed tranquility of the magnificent ensemble and the feeling of sublimity attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims here. The monastery is open to visitors at any time.