Krypetsky Monastery
A serene forest monastery offering spiritual solace, natural beauty, and a glimpse into traditional monastic life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for travel
Krypetsky Monastery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for travel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene forest monastery offering spiritual solace, natural beauty, and a glimpse into traditional monastic life.
"The presence of the Divine is felt here, offering peace and a wonderful aura. "
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads can be rough, especially after rain. Recent improvements exist, but always check before you go. 🚗
🙏 Respect the Sacred Space
This is an active monastery. Dress modestly and be mindful of ongoing restoration and services. 🙏
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 289 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holy Gate and Pilgrim's House
Main entrance
The historic Holy Gate and adjacent Household Gates stand as remnants of the monastery's past, with the Pilgrim's House nearby.
Holy Lake and Chapel of St. Savva
Near the monastery complex
Take a dip in the sacred waters of the Holy Lake or drink from the holy spring at the Chapel of St. Savva of Krypetsk.
Bell Tower Views
Bell tower
Ascend the bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the monastery grounds and the surrounding beautiful landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Krypetsky Monastery
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads can be rough, especially after rain. Recent improvements exist, but always check before you go. 🚗
🙏 Respect the Sacred Space
This is an active monastery. Dress modestly and be mindful of ongoing restoration and services. 🙏
💧 Holy Spring Water
Don't miss the chance to drink from the holy spring at the Chapel of St. Savva. It's free! :droplet:
📸 Capture the Serenity
The monastery's tranquil atmosphere and architecture are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads can be rough, especially after rain. Recent improvements exist, but always check before you go. 🚗
🙏 Respect the Sacred Space
This is an active monastery. Dress modestly and be mindful of ongoing restoration and services. 🙏
💧 Holy Spring Water
Don't miss the chance to drink from the holy spring at the Chapel of St. Savva. It's free! :droplet:
📸 Capture the Serenity
The monastery's tranquil atmosphere and architecture are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the orchards, gardens, and farm areas. You might even meet a monk! 🚶
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Krypetsky Monastery for its profound spiritual atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and the sense of peace it offers. The natural beauty of its forest setting and the unique features like the Holy Lake are highlights. While the journey can involve challenging roads, the reward is an uncrowded, sacred experience that many find deeply moving.
"The monastery is located in the forest. The wonderful aura around. There's no civilization, but mobile communication is stable."
Gatto Uno
"The area where the monastery is located is called the "Krypetsky Monastery Tract." We drove there immediately after visiting the Spaso-Eleazarovsky Monastery: 33 km, including about 15 km from the village of Tupitsy on a dirt road. It's quite a pleasant drive in good weather, which is what brought us to these monasteries. It's about the same distance from Pskov, but a little further (19 km) is on a dirt road (from the village of Kuprovshchina). However, road construction continues in this area, and my information about their quality may quickly become outdated.
The monastery occupies a very large, open, flat area. Two fragments of the wall remain, one on the northwest and one on the southwest side. But the main Holy Gate also remains, along with the Household Gates to the left of them, along the wall, with the Pilgrim's House located there. To the right of the Holy Gates is a parking lot. The monastery itself is a large village with orchards, vegetable gardens, and other farmland—a large farm, if you will, where, presumably, more than just the monastery's inhabitants work. A path from the Holy Gates to the church complex leads about 300-400 meters through this village. Some of the monastery brethren live in these houses. Along with them, there are numerous cats.
As in many other similar places, the churches are surrounded by scaffolding: extensive restoration and restoration of the entire complex is underway. Inside the churches, there's also a certain bustle in anticipation of the upcoming Dormition Feast. However, no one interferes with free movement anywhere, both inside the churches and around the grounds, unless you're trying to enter an area where the public is not allowed; signs will inform you of this. In some places, candles of various sizes and prices are freely available, but the QR code doesn't work, and there's no one to pay...
There are bathing facilities at the Holy Lake, and across from them is the Chapel of St. Savva of Krypetsk with a holy spring. Take a dip, drink some water—it's all free.
It's very uncrowded. The monastery is located a bit off the beaten path, and getting here is apparently not easy. There were a couple of other cars in the parking lot besides ours, and as we were leaving, a bus pulled up, but it wasn't very crowded.
And the place, by all appearances, is sacred and very well-kept. Maybe it's good that there are no idle crowds here? Is that necessary here? And is that necessary in monasteries anyway?"
Valentin Orlov
"The road is only good after passing the grader, but it is definitely worth a visit! At any time of the year it is distinguished by its independence, decoration, power, cleanliness, well-groomedness and hospitality! The surroundings look very beautiful from the bell tower!"
Александр Михайлов
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Krypetsky Monastery is located about 19 km from Pskov. The journey involves driving through villages like Kuprovshchina, with some sections on dirt roads. While road conditions have improved, it's advisable to check recent updates, especially if traveling in adverse weather. Some visitors have noted that the road is only good after grading.
Public transport options to Krypetsky Monastery are limited due to its remote location. It is best accessed by private car or taxi.
Driving from Pskov is the most convenient method. The route typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on road conditions and your starting point within Pskov.
The dirt road sections are generally manageable in good weather. Travelers have reported that the road construction continues in the area, so conditions can change.
Yes, GPS navigation systems can guide you to Krypetsky Monastery. Ensure your maps are up-to-date for the most accurate directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to visit Krypetsky Monastery. It is a functioning monastery, and donations are appreciated.
As an active monastery, Krypetsky Monastery is generally open to visitors throughout the day. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of prayer times and services.
No, advance booking is not required for visiting Krypetsky Monastery. Visitors can arrive at their leisure.
While generally open, it's respectful to avoid visiting during major religious services or very early/late hours. The monastery's primary purpose is spiritual life.
Donations are welcome and help support the monastery's upkeep and restoration efforts. Donation boxes are usually available.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the church complex, the Holy Gate, the Chapel of St. Savva with its holy spring, and the Holy Lake. You can also climb the bell tower for views and wander through the monastery's orchards and gardens.
Yes, Krypetsky Monastery offers a peaceful and educational experience for families. The grounds are spacious, and the natural surroundings are beautiful.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to observe any posted signs or ask a monastery representative if you are unsure about taking photos inside the churches. +1
The atmosphere is described as sacred, tranquil, and well-kept, with a wonderful aura. It's a place where the presence of the Divine is strongly felt.
Some visitors have reported receiving individual tours from monks, offering insights into the territory and cathedral. It's not a guaranteed service, but worth inquiring about respectfully.
🍽️ 💧 Food & Drink
There are no formal restaurants or cafes within Krypetsky Monastery. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks or dine in Pskov.
Typically, there are no shops selling food or snacks on the monastery grounds. It's advisable to pack provisions for your visit.
Yes, there is a holy spring at the Chapel of St. Savva where you can drink water.
Bring water, snacks, or a packed lunch, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the grounds.
While not designated picnic areas, the spacious grounds offer opportunities for a quiet picnic if you bring your own setup.
📸 📸 Photography
The Holy Gate, the church exteriors, the Holy Lake, and the views from the bell tower are excellent for photography. The monastery's architecture and serene surroundings offer many picturesque opportunities. +1
Photography is generally permitted on the monastery grounds, but it's important to be respectful, especially near active worship areas or during services. +1
You can capture stunning images of religious architecture, natural landscapes, and the peaceful, spiritual ambiance of the monastery. +1
Always be mindful of signs or requests from monastery staff regarding photography, particularly inside churches or in restricted areas. +1
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for your photographs, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit