Kiy is a small and picturesque stone island covered with pines in the White Sea near the mouth of the Onega River. The White Sea sunsets, coast waters rich with fish, gray granite cliffs, sandy beaches and beautiful pine forests, extremely interesting architectural ensemble and the history of Kiy Cross Monastery attract tourists.
The history of Kiy Island is closely connected with the name of the famous religious figure of the 17th century and the reformer of the Russian Orthodox Church — Patriarch Nikon. According to a legend, Nikon, having run into a storm, found cover on the island. In the memory of the rescue he founded here the Cross Monastery — the one of the three mansions, the stronghold of his power and the church reform idea.
From the sea you can see how naturally the monastery complex is inscribed in the rocky relief of the island. Of the many buildings to this day, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Cathedral, an overhead church with adjacent stone cells and a two-tier church of the Nativity of the Virgin have survived.
photo: A. Anisimov, N. Gernet, A. Stepanov
HOW TO GET THERE
The administration of the holiday inn «Kiyskiy» provides transportation of the tourists on boats.
TIPS
Comfortable clothes, non-slip sole shoes, mosquito repellent