Rising like a fairy tale across the Tabory pond, this complex is about a 1km walk from the train station straight along Sovetskaya ul. At its heart is the onion-domed Assumption Cathedral , established in 1510, and painted inside and partially outside with detailed frescoes. A famous icon of Mary and Jesus said to have been painted by the apostle Luke draws awed pilgrims from across Russia, particularly on 9 July, when a procession celebrates the return of the icon to Tikhvin.
The complex’s nunnery, crowned by a five-spired belfry, is where Ivan the Terrible sent his fourth wife to be confined. Within the walls you’ll also find the Tikhvin Historical Memorial & Architectural Museum , which has interesting displays on the monastery’s history and examples of its religious art dating back to the 16th century. Expect to be followed around suspiciously.
