Inkerman Cave Monastery of St. Clement, Russia

One of the oldest and most unusual Christian monasteries is in Russia. The Inkerman Monastery of St. Clement is located on the Crimean peninsula, near the town of Inkerman. This monastery is carved in the rock. According to a legend, St. Clement was its founder. He personally cut down the temple, where the first Christians prayed. That was a significant event in the 1st century AD.

After the death of the martyr Clement his relics were transferred to the church. A few years later, his followers founded a monastery that still operates today. About 10 monks constantly live there. The main treasure of the monastery are relics of the saint. During hundreds of years the monastery experienced many historical tragedies. It was captured and sacked by the Turks. It was completely reconstructed only when the territory was re-conquered by Russia.

In the 17th-18th centuries, the cave monastery began to attract the attention of royal personages. It was visited by Catherine II, Princess Maria Alexandrovna and Tsar Alexander III, as well as other members of the royal family. Today, the cave monastery is a tourist attraction of national significance. After renovation, it looks incredibly impressive. For decades, archaeologists continue to work close to the monastery. Tourists will be able to see other early Christian artifacts in this wonderful historic district. As scientists believe, more than 1 500 years ago, one of the world's largest Christian communities could be situated there. Next - Gorge Maryam-Dere