The 9 Best Things to See and Do in Sergiyev Posad

Founded in 1337, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is undeniably the major draw for the city and the symbol of Russian Christianity. The monastery is comprised of over 50 historically significant constructions, including the sixteenth century Assumption Cathedral and fifteenth century Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. It’s nearly impossible to explore the entire complex properly in one day.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (496) 540-53-34

Located between the eastern wall of the Trinity Lavra and Red Army avenue, Krasnogorskaya Square is a perfect observation base for stunning views of at least a dozen attractions. Favored by the locals, it’s always bustling with life and activity.

Krasnogorskaya Square, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia

Part of the The Sergiyev Posad State History and Art Museum-Preserve, Konniy dvor is housed in the stables of the former monastery. The museum’s permanent exposition is devoted to local archaeological finds, Lavra’s history, Russian fine art, and more. Here you can also imagine the scale of the monastery’s household, when the Lavra was at the peak of its power.

Konniy Dvor, 144 Prospekt Krasnoy Armii, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (496) 540-53-56

If you’re into time-travel, by all means put this museum on your must-see list. During an illuminating two-hour guided tour, you’ll experience what life was like in rural Russia. Run by an enthusiastic family, this museum encourages guests to interact with the exhibits, including touching certain artifacts.

Zhili-Byli, 22 Valovaya Street, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (496) 542-99-96

Founded in 1847, this unique monastery is famous for hand-dug monk cells and prayer caves. In 1922 the Chernigovsky skete was shut down by Bolsheviks and used as a prison, nursing home, and boarding school. Reopened in 1990, the spectacular red-brick monastery is now home to Elder Barnabas’ relics and two miraculous Chernigovskaya icon copies.

Chernigovsky Skete, 1 Gefsimanskiye Prudy, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (496) 549-25-28

This observation deck with a delicious name is the best place in the city to admire fantastic views of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. Back in the day, the Pancake Hill used to accommodate the best pancake houses in Sergiyev Posad.

Blinnaya Hill, Voznesenskaya Street, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia,

Housed in a lovely red-brick mansion, the Museum of Toys proudly presents a collection of toys and Christmas tree decorations from all over the world. The museum is particularly famous for its collection of matryoshka dolls (Russian nesting dolls), including the first nestling doll ever produced in Russia.

Museum of Toys, 123 Prospekt Krasnoy Armii, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (496) 540-41-01

Located three miles (15 km) from Sergiyev Posad, the Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve is one of the most famous nineteenth century estates in the Moscow area. First is was a country house for the celebrated writer Sergey Aksakov, then it hosted an artist community. Over the years, writers such as Nikolai Gogol and Ivan Turgenev came to call the estate home, as well as artists like Ilya Repin, Valentin Serov, and Mikhail Vrubel, among others.

Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve, 1 Muzeynaya Street, Abramtsevo Colony, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (496) 543-24-70

In this charming little museum, you can learn the secrets of soap-making and get your gift shopping done all at once. All the soaps here are made with nineteenth century recipes, so you can travel back in time to the dawn of soap manufacturing in Russia.

Soap Museum, 134/2 Prospekt Krasnoy Armii, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, +7 (915) 091-15-46