The Kiy-Island’s history is closely connected with the name of the famous religious leader of the 17th century and the Russian Orthodox Church reformer Patriarch Nikon.
According to the legend, Nikon, who survived in a terrible storm and lost his companions found his salvation on the island. Nikon founded the Cross Monastery (the 17th century) on the island in memory of his salvation. It is one of the three monasteries, founded by his individual initiative and being the symbol of his power and the place where the church reformation started.
The inside monastery’s planning is very compact. From the sea side you can watch how organically the monumental complex is integrated into the island’s rocky relief.
From numerous monastery building only the Monastery of the Exaltation of the Cross, the church-over-the-well with the attached stone cells, the two-layer Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God with the refectory and the cellarer chambers have preserved till nowadays.
The unique historical-cultural complex. The main attractive feature is a combination of the stone island, the sea and the monuments of history and culture.
This is the picturesque island in the White Sea, 15 km from Onega. The island is connected to the town by water transport.
There are 500 types of plants on the island, the waters are rich with fish and warm up to 24 degrees C in summer. Granite 25-metre cliffs, wide sandy coasts and wonderful pine forests rich with berries, interesting architectural ensemble and the history of the Kiy Cross Monastery and the island’s nature attract thousands of tourists.
Как добраться
By boats rented by the rest-house “Kiyskiy” administration to the Kiy-Island.
Advice:
Comfortable clothes, non-slip boots and mosquito repellents.