Photo: architectural monuments, temples and places of worship, abbeys and monasteries, other places, Holy Znamensky Monastery, Tobolsk

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Holy Znamensky Monastery and the Tourist Complex "Abalak"

Architectural Monuments • Temples and places of worship • Abbeys and Monasteries • Other places

The Abalak Holy Znamensky Monastery is located on the bank of the Irtysh River 30 kilometers south of Tobolsk in the village of Abalak. It was founded in 1783 by the order of Empress Catherine the Great. In such a way the Russians gradually conquered the Tatar lands, strengthening the positions won in 1584 by the Cossack army of the conqueror of Siberia Yermak. The first building of the monastery was the wooden church of the Sign which was built here in 1636. The miraculous icon Znameniye (Our Lady of the Sign) was specially painted for the temple. A stone church of the Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos was built later, in 1691.

In 1919 the miraculous icon disappeared. The Holy Znamensky Monastery was soon closed and only in the early 1990s it was returned to the Orthodox Church. Now the temple contains a copy of miraculous icon. The restoration of the Znamensky Cathedral, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Church of Mary of Egypt, the Bishops’ house, and the monastic corps are underway.

And next to the monastery the tourist complex «Abalak» is growing and developing — the reconstruction of the Siberian jail of the Yermak times. A tavern, a Russian cottage with a bath, and in winter a ski slope are waiting for tourists here. It is always very interesting here at the beginning of July, as the festival of historical reconstruction Abalak Field with the archers tournament and the medieval fair of craftsmen is held here. Guests of the complex can settle in the historical camp, try their hand at the potter’s or coin machine, in archery or throwing a spear. For the participants of the festival they spend a comic multisport competition in the style of the Middle Ages: throwing a stump, fighting with frying pans and removing armor for speed.

Holy Znamensky Monastery and the Tourist Complex "Abalak"

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