Excursions with a visit to the Znamensky convent

The sacred place of Irkutsk

• Dear friends, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey through the history and spiritual heritage of the Znamensky Convent in Irkutsk! This is a unique place where every stone has a thousand-year history full of secrets and inspiration.
• The monastery began its history in 1689, according to a charter given by Metropolitan Pavel of Siberia and Tobolsk. From the first years of its existence, the monastery became a center of spiritual development, and Vlas Sidorov was the main builder and organizer of construction work. By 1693, the first wooden church was already being built, which became not only a monastery, but also a parish church.
In 1757, the monastery acquired a new look with the foundation of the stone building of the Znamenskaya Church at the expense of the Irkutsk merchant I.S. Bechevin. The majestic temple was consecrated in 1765 and eventually became a four-altar. By the end of the XVIII century, the Znamenskaya Church had become not only a spiritual center, but also a center of excellence. The monastery was famous for craftsmen who created masterpieces of artistic and religious art.
• For centuries, the monastery has witnessed historical events, and its walls hide amazing stories about deceased nuns and famous guests, including the founder of the Russian-American company Grigory Ivanovich Shelikhov.
• After a time of difficulties during the Soviet period, the Znamensky Monastery regained its splendor. In 1994, the rank of monastic tonsure was revived here, and in 1990 the monastery was transferred to the rank of an architectural monument of republican (federal) significance.
• Today, the diocesan administration of the Irkutsk Archdiocese is located on its territory. We invite you to join a guided tour to plunge into the atmosphere of spiritual heritage and learn amazing details from the history of the Znamensky Convent in Irkutsk. The journey begins now!