Borisoglebsky Monastery Russia
Russia's ancient Borisoglebsky Monastery, a spiritual haven with stunning city views from its bell tower. Explore history and beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Borisoglebsky Monastery Russia
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Russia's ancient Borisoglebsky Monastery, a spiritual haven with stunning city views from its bell tower. Explore history and beauty.
"Ascend the bell tower for breathtaking panoramas of Torzhok and its surroundings. "
📸 Golden Hour Photography
For the best photos, visit bell tower observation decks in the early morning or late evening.
💰 Bell Tower Entry Fee
Ascending the bell tower costs 300 rubles per person. Consider other viewpoints in Torzhok for a lower cost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bell Tower Panorama
Observation Deck
Ascend the restored bell tower for breathtaking views of Torzhok and its surroundings. A must-see for photographers and sightseers alike.
Cathedral Interior
Main Cathedral
Admire the beautiful wall paintings and calming atmosphere within the historic cathedral. A spiritual and artistic centerpiece.
Monastery Grounds
Entire Complex
Explore the ancient monastery, a site older than the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, with a rich and sometimes tragic history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating Monastery Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photography
For the best photos, visit bell tower observation decks in the early morning or late evening.
💰 Bell Tower Entry Fee
Ascending the bell tower costs 300 rubles per person. Consider other viewpoints in Torzhok for a lower cost.
🐾 Friendly Feline Resident
Keep an eye out for the monastery's ginger cat, a free-roaming and photogenic resident!
⚠️ Be Prepared for Dust
Construction work may cause dust on the grounds. Consider wearing a mask if sensitive.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photography
For the best photos, visit bell tower observation decks in the early morning or late evening.
💰 Bell Tower Entry Fee
Ascending the bell tower costs 300 rubles per person. Consider other viewpoints in Torzhok for a lower cost.
🐾 Friendly Feline Resident
Keep an eye out for the monastery's ginger cat, a free-roaming and photogenic resident!
⚠️ Be Prepared for Dust
Construction work may cause dust on the grounds. Consider wearing a mask if sensitive.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Bell tower opening times can be inconsistent; confirm in advance to avoid disappointment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Borisoglebsky Monastery for its historical significance and the beautiful panoramic views from the bell tower. However, some find the bell tower's entry fee steep and note inconsistencies in opening hours and dust from ongoing construction. The monastery's ancient charm and spiritual atmosphere are consistently highlighted.
"Exciting signs of extinct civilization"
Kirill Chashin
"A beautiful, pleasant place!
Torzhok has many temples and churches with bell towers, which serve as points of attraction for tourists, and the Novotorzhsky Borisoglebsky Monastery is no exception. There is also a bell tower here - one of the few buildings on the monastery grounds, which was restored primarily to be used as a source of income - a paid observation deck.
The cost of the ascent is 300 rubles per person (there are no benefits). For Torzhok, this is probably too much. For example, the ascent to the bell tower of the Ilyinskaya Church in Torzhok, which is similar in height, costs 2 times less, only 150 rubles per person, and the Ilyinskaya Church is also located on a hill, only on the opposite bank of the Tvertsa River, so the view from there is also good.
An attractive ginger cat lives on the monastery grounds, who walks where he wants and for free. :))
The photo shows the very moment when I told him how much it costs to climb their bell tower. 😉😀
And if you are not just going to look with your eyes, but want to capture high-quality panoramas, then on both bell towers it is better to do this (we are talking about summer) either in the morning (immediately after opening) or in the evening (immediately before closing). Evening is even better. This is, of course, if you are ready to take everything into account at once - the location relative to the cardinal points, the most interesting directions for photographing, as well as the position of the sun and the most interesting light for photography.
But in the evening of 14.08.25. it was cloudy and therefore we decided to go up in the morning of 15.08. 25
We did not get there on time, although the day before (in the evening of August 14) we were promised that they would open on August 15 at 10:00, but the ascent was opened more than an hour later... Someone did not hand over the keys to someone. 🤷
Yes, one more thing... Very dusty work was being carried out on the territory of the monastery. Without blocking the territory and without stopping the excursion, the migrant workers blew all the dust off the walls along the perimeter of the monastery before finishing work, which flew straight onto the territory and onto the visitors... Brothers, is this really possible?"
Фотограф - Сергей Барабанщиков
"Novotorzhsky Borisoglebsky Monastery in the city center. Behind the high monastery walls are old, once beautiful temples and buildings that now need repair and restoration. The Temple has beautiful paintings on the walls, vaults and a calming atmosphere. In the monastery, you can climb to the observation deck, from where a beautiful panorama of the city and its surroundings opens up. The view from the deck is excellent."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Borisoglebsky Monastery is located in the city center of Torzhok, making it easily accessible. You can typically reach Torzhok by bus or car from major cities like Tver. Once in Torzhok, the monastery is a short walk or taxi ride away.
Yes, the monastery is situated on a high hill south of the city rampart in Torzhok, making it a prominent landmark.
Walking is a pleasant option if you are in the city center. Taxis are also readily available for a quick and convenient ride to the monastery.
While there might be limited parking near the monastery, driving to Torzhok is feasible. Parking availability directly at the monastery can be scarce due to its central location.
Many tour operators in the Tver region offer day trips that include visits to Torzhok and its attractions, including the Borisoglebsky Monastery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the monastery grounds is generally free. However, there is a fee to ascend the bell tower observation deck, which is 300 rubles per person.
The ascent to the bell tower observation deck costs 300 rubles per person. There are no discounts or benefits mentioned for this fee.
According to visitor feedback, there are no specified benefits or discounts for the bell tower ascent.
The monastery grounds are generally accessible. However, the bell tower observation deck may have specific opening hours that can be inconsistent. It's advisable to confirm these hours in advance.
Yes, the monastery is active and holds religious services. Visiting during holidays can offer a unique spiritual experience, though it might also mean larger crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic cathedral with its beautiful paintings, walk the monastery grounds, and ascend the bell tower for panoramic city views.
The bell tower offers excellent panoramic views of Torzhok, which many visitors find worthwhile for photography and sightseeing, despite the cost.
Founded in 1038, it's one of Russia's oldest Orthodox monasteries, predating the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. It was built in memory of Saints Boris and Gleb.
While the monastery is active, specific visitor facilities like cafes or extensive restrooms might be limited. Basic amenities are usually available.
As it is an active monastery, modest attire is recommended. This includes covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are also advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best light and fewer harsh shadows, aim for early morning or late evening, especially during summer. The golden hours offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed on the monastery grounds. However, it's always respectful to check for any specific rules regarding photography inside the active church areas.
The observation deck on the bell tower provides the most comprehensive panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Absolutely! The ginger cat is a popular and friendly resident, often posing for photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the monastery's architecture and the city panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be mindful of the potential for dust from ongoing construction, which might be uncomfortable for very young children. Also, the 300-ruble fee for the bell tower might be a consideration for families. Ensure children are dressed modestly out of respect for the active religious site.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the bell tower, the monastery's cathedral interior, with its beautiful paintings, provides opportunities for atmospheric shots. The grounds themselves, with their historical buildings and the resident cat, offer diverse subjects. Be prepared for varying light conditions and potential dust from restoration work, which can add a unique texture to your photos.
🏛️ History Buffs
Visitors can explore the historical buildings, including the cathedral and abbot's quarters, and learn about the monastery's turbulent past, including its closure and use as a prison. The ongoing restoration efforts also provide insight into the challenges of preserving such ancient sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich History of Borisoglebsky Monastery
Like many religious institutions in Russia, the monastery faced a difficult period after the 1917 revolution. It was closed in 1931 and repurposed as a maximum-security prison. During this time, precious icons were lost, and bells were removed. The monastery has since been reopened and is active, though signs of its past struggles and ongoing restoration efforts are visible.
Today, the complex includes the 1785 cathedral, the 1804 bell tower, and the 1714 abbot's building. While the monastery is active and offers interesting excursions, some of its structures are in a state of 'glorious decay,' requiring careful restoration. The contrast between the ancient buildings and the newly restored bell tower is a notable feature.
Experiencing the Bell Tower and City Views
However, the experience of visiting the bell tower can be mixed. While the views are praised, some visitors find the 300-ruble fee to be on the higher side compared to other attractions in Torzhok. Additionally, there have been reports of inconsistent opening hours, leading to potential disappointment for those who arrive expecting immediate access.
For optimal photographic results from the bell tower, it's recommended to visit during the 'golden hours' – early morning or late evening. This timing provides softer light and more dramatic shadows, enhancing the visual appeal of the panoramas. Planning your visit around these times can significantly improve your photography experience.
Restoration and Ongoing Work
While the restoration efforts are crucial for the monastery's future, the process can impact the visitor experience. Reports mention dusty conditions from workers cleaning walls, which can affect the atmosphere on the grounds. It's advisable for visitors to be aware of this and perhaps take precautions if they are sensitive to dust.
The contrast between the ancient, weathered buildings and the newly restored bell tower is striking. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing efforts to balance preservation with modernization, ensuring the monastery remains a significant cultural and spiritual landmark for generations to come.
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