Saint Catherine's Monastery, also known as the Holy Catherine
Women's Monastery (Svyato-Ekaterininsky Zhensky Monastyr), is an
active Orthodox women's convent located in the Zatverechye
microdistrict of Tver, Russia. Situated on the left bank of the
Volga River near its confluence with the Tvertsa River, at Ulitsa
Kropotkina, 19/2, it offers a serene setting with picturesque views
of the river, making it a peaceful retreat for spiritual reflection
and a notable site for those interested in Russian Orthodox history
and architecture. The monastery is part of the Tver Eparchy of the
Russian Orthodox Church and serves as a spiritual center, housing
around 25 to 33 residents, including nuns, novices, and workers,
many of whom are elderly. Its grounds are meticulously maintained,
featuring a beautiful garden that replaced former garages and
outbuildings, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical
resources for the community.
The monastery is renowned for its
tranquil atmosphere, often described as one of the quietest places
in Tver, ideal for photography, picnics, or quiet contemplation.
Visitors appreciate its accessibility—just a half-hour walk from the
city center—and its role in preserving religious traditions amid a
scenic riverside backdrop.
The origins of the site trace back to the 1620s, when a wooden
church dedicated to Saint Catherine the Great Martyr was first
constructed. Adjacent to it stood another wooden church honoring
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, though the Catherine Church was
unheated, while the Nicholas one provided warmth. By 1684, the
Nicholas Church had fallen into disrepair and was demolished, with a
warm Nicholas side chapel added to the Catherine Church. The wooden
Catherine Church burned down in 1732 but was rebuilt shortly after.
In 1774, parishioners sought permission to build a stone
replacement, and construction of the current stone Church of Saint
Catherine was completed in 1786, funded by local contributions. This
new structure incorporated a northern chapel dedicated to Saint
Nicholas, preserving the legacy of the earlier church.
In 1800, a
fence was added around the church, and by 1813, a right-side chapel
for the Nativity of John the Baptist was constructed, with its feast
day later adjusted to the Finding of the Head of John the Baptist in
1824. Further developments included a new vestibule in 1835, a
rebuilt bell tower in 1852, and iconostases in the side chapels by
1901. In 1906, a chapel for Saint Seraphim of Sarov was established
in one of the fence's towers.
The Soviet era brought challenges:
the church was closed in 1932-1933 after the arrest of its last
rector, and the bell tower, damaged during World War II, was
demolished in the 1960s. Services resumed on December 7, 1989, and
in 1993, the site became a dependency of the Ascension Orshina
Women's Monastery. On June 15, 1996, Archbishop Viktor of Tver and
Kashin elevated it to an independent women's monastery, appointing
Nun Juliana (Ritoniemi Kirsi Marita) as abbess—a role she held after
leading the Orshina Monastery. The monastery was formally
consecrated on June 7, 2007. Restoration efforts intensified from
2001, including the bell tower's reconstruction and work on
affiliated churches. By 2010, the chapel of Saint Seraphim of Sarov
was restored, and additional chapels for Saints Juliana and Eupraxia
of Moscow, as well as Saint Tryphon of Pechenga, were completed by
2012.
The monastery's architecture blends historical elements with ongoing
restorations, reflecting late 18th-century Russian Orthodox design. The
centerpiece is the Cathedral Church of Saint Catherine the Great Martyr,
a stone structure built in 1786 with barocco forms and motifs typical of
the era. It features a northern chapel for Saint Nicholas and has
undergone interior changes, though it retains historical significance
despite not preserving its original decor. The bell tower, rebuilt in
2001, adds to the skyline, while the partial monastery fence (eastern
and southern sides) encloses the grounds, with towers that once housed
chapels.
Additional buildings include two cell houses—one for the
sisters and another for theological courses—with a third under
restoration. Chapels on the grounds honor Saint Seraphim of Sarov,
Saints Juliana and Eupraxia of Moscow, and Saint Tryphon of Pechenga.
Outside the fence are three affiliated churches: the Church of Saint
Sergius of Radonezh (with side chapels for the Prophet Elijah and
Alexis, Man of God, at Kropotkina Street, 62/1), the Church of the Holy
Martyrs Mina, Victor, and Vincent (dating back to 1628 records), and the
Church of the Great Martyr Nikita (at Rosa Luxemburg Street, 19). These
host special services on their patronal feast days (July 18, October 8,
and November 24).
As a relatively modern monastery with deep historical roots, Saint
Catherine's holds importance for its resilience through Soviet
suppression and its revival as a center for Orthodox spirituality. It
houses revered relics and icons, including particles from saints like
Catherine, the Kiev-Pechersk and Optina Elders, Tver and Novgorod
saints, and icons such as the Vilnius and Kazan Icons of the Mother of
God, "Do Not Weep for Me, O Mother," and the Tikhvin Icon. Unique
features include the icon "Don’t Cry for Me, Mother" in the temple.
The monastery emphasizes education and community outreach, running a
Sunday school for children, four-year Orthodox theological courses for
adults (attended by up to 100 people), and libraries for sisters and
parishioners. It conducts catechetical programs in local colleges,
lyceums, gymnasiums, and with military personnel, while also operating
an almshouse for the elderly. Daily services are held at the chapel of
Saint Tryphon, and the site welcomes pilgrims for labor in exchange for
spiritual support, with ongoing needs for donations to care for infirm
residents. Under Abbess Igumenia Juliana (Ritoniemi), it continues
restoration and expansion, symbolizing a living testament to faith in
contemporary Russia.
Reviews highlight the monastery's beauty and calm, with a Google rating of 4.7/5 from 210 reviews and a Tripadvisor score of 4.5/5 from 39. Visitors praise its well-kept grounds for reflection, the stunning Volga views, and its spiritual ambiance, though some note limited facilities like no on-site food options and changes to the original interior. Tips include visiting early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds, and appreciating the unique icons during services. Overall, it's seen as an enriching destination for history, architecture, and peace, accessible by tram or minibus to the "Fire Square" stop.