Bogorodichnyy Shcheglovskiy Monastyr'

On the outskirts of the historic Shcheglovskaya Zaseka forest sits the Bogorodichny Shcheglovsky Monastery—a unique spiritual gem that Tula is rightfully proud of. It is the only men’s monastery in Russia dedicated to the rare and revered "Milk-Giver" (Mlekopitatelnitsa) icon of the Mother of God. The monastery is a majestic 19th-century architectural ensemble, surrounded by powerful walls that seem to guard the peace and prayerful silence of this place.

Bogoroditsky Shcheglovsky Monastery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The central feature of the complex is the cathedral, built according to the design of the famous Tula architect Gavriil Bocharnikov. The harmonious combination of the austere bell tower, residential cells, and outbuildings creates the image of a traditional Russian fortified monastery. Today, the cloister serves not only as an important religious center of the Tula Diocese but also attracts travelers with its historical significance and tranquil atmosphere.

The monastery enjoys a high reputation among visitors, with a rating of 4.7 stars. Guests often note the special grace of this place, the cleanliness of the grounds, and the grandeur of the church interiors. This site will be of interest to both devout believers and admirers of Russian Orthodox architecture and history.

For more information regarding the service schedule or organizing pilgrimage trips, you can use the following contact details:

The main goal for many visitors is to venerate the miraculous "Milk-Giver" icon of the Mother of God. In the cathedral, you can not only see this unique holy relic but also experience the grandeur of church chanting during liturgies and holiday services. The atmosphere of the monastery is perfect for lighting candles, requesting prayers, and simply spending time in silence away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Be sure to find time for a walk through the monastery courtyard. You can examine the details of the brickwork, admire the strict geometry of the bell tower, and appreciate how carefully the monks tend to the local gardens. For those interested in history, guided tours detailing the monastery's connection to Mount Athos and the lives of its founders are an excellent choice.

Before leaving, it is worth stopping by the monastery shop. Here you will find a wide selection of Orthodox literature, handmade icons, and high-quality candles. Pilgrims often purchase commemorative souvenirs here to remember their visit to this rare "Domain of the Mother of God" on Tula soil.

Reaching the monastery, located at 1 Lizy Chaykinoy St, is quite easy. If you prefer public transport, you can take buses or shuttle buses from the central bus station to the "Shcheglovsky monastyr" stop. The trip from the city center is short, as the monastery is located in the area of the former Shcheglovskaya Zaseka.

For those traveling by car, the route from the center of Tula runs along Metallistov Street or via the bypass road. The travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes. Free parking is available near the monastery walls.

If your journey begins in Moscow, it is most convenient to reach Tula by high-speed train or car (the trip takes about 2–3 hours), and then use a taxi or local transport. The distance from the railway station to the monastery is about 10–15 kilometers.

The history of this holy site began in 1859. It was then that Moscow merchant Vasily Ivanovich Makarukhin decided to found a monastery on the site of the Tula bishops' summer residence. Construction was funded by his personal means and carried out under the spiritual guidance of Hieromonk Nikandr. The foundation of the central cathedral was laid in 1860, and by 1864, the architectural ensemble designed by Gavriil Bocharnikov was fully completed.

The monastery's status was officially confirmed by imperial decree in June 1868. Vasily Makarukhin showed exceptional generosity, donating a colossal sum for that time—500,000 silver rubles for construction and another 30,000 for ongoing maintenance. The first monks settled here in 1870, bringing with them the strict traditions of the St. Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos and the Glinsk Hermitage.

In the late 19th century, the monastery continued to develop actively: in 1884, its own hotel for pilgrims, a bakery, and a spacious refectory were built on the grounds. The Bogorodichny Shcheglovsky Monastery quickly became a significant spiritual and educational center for the diocese, attracting believers with its unique atmosphere and revered relics.

For a standard sightseeing visit, tourists are recommended to set aside about 1.5–2 hours. This is sufficient time to leisurely admire the cathedral's architecture, stroll through the well-kept grounds, and visit the monastery shop. If you plan to book a guided tour or wish to spend time in quiet contemplation, aim for the upper end of this interval.

For pilgrims and those wishing to participate in the Divine Liturgy or a holiday service, the visit may take half a day. On such days, the monastery is filled with a special solemn atmosphere that encourages a longer stay and spiritual reflection.

The gates of the monastery churches are typically open to parishioners and tourists daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Morning liturgies traditionally begin early, so if you wish to attend a service, it is best to arrive at opening time.

As the life of the monastery is closely tied to the Orthodox calendar, the visiting schedule may change during major church holidays. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official website or call to confirm the current service schedule.

Exploring the surroundings of the Bogorodichny Shcheglovsky Monastery will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and see Tula from different perspectives—from historical monuments to modern technological spaces.