On the territory of the Russian Federation in the Saratov region, not far from the city of Khvalynsk, near the village of Podlesnoye, there is a rehabilitation and diagnostic center "Monk's Cave". It is multidisciplinary and is of interest to people with diseases of the nervous system, circulatory system, musculoskeletal system and respiratory organs.
Besides this, there is a unique building with the same name not far from the sanatorium. It is fraught with many legends and is recognized as a historical value. Vacationers who have visited these places dream of returning here again. Perhaps for the first time some readers hear about a city called Khvalynsk, "Monk's Cave" is also unfamiliar to them. If so, we suggest getting to know the location of the city and its sights better.
How to get there?
So, if you have a ticket to a rehabilitation center in your hands, then come tothe sanatorium follows when indicated in the document, so pay attention to the date. The most common departure point for passengers is the city of Moscow.
The fastest way to get around is by plane. In 1 hour 25 minutes you will get from Domodedovo airport to the city of Saratov. Then you should take the bus "Saratov-Khvalynsk". This takes another 3 hours to drive.
- On a regular bus on the route Moscow-Saratov from Paveletsky to go about 15 hours.
- From the same station by train "Moscow-Saratov" you will reach in 16 hours.
- About the same amount of time will take a bus or train ride from the Kursk railway station in Moscow to Saratov. Whichever way you choose from the above, it will take 3 hours by regular bus to get to Khvalynsk from the regional center.
- By car along the M-5 "Ural" highway, travel time is 15.50 hours.
The last method is suitable for travelers who are well versed in road space. Of course, you must find the location on the map in advance: Khvalynsk, "Monk's Cave". The address is also easy to find thanks to the navigator.
Throughout the journey, you should be guided by the official address: Saratov region, the city of Khvalynsk GAU CR "Monk's Cave". However, we warn you that the sanatorium is not located in the city itself, but 7 km to the south, near the village of Podlesnoye. For those who arrived in the city by train or bus, it is best to order a taxi to get to the rehabilitation center.
Usuallydrivers themselves come up and offer their services at the bus station. You can also arrive at your destination by minibus. True, the schedule should be clarified on the spot with the cashier. Whatever method you choose, on the eve of departure, we recommend calling the rehabilitation center at +7 (927) 141-91-44 to clarify some of the nuances. For example, what time should you arrive at the sanatorium so as not to be without breakfast (dinner or lunch).
Reviews of tourists
The city of Khvalynsk is located in an ecologically clean area, in a gorge among majestic mountains. Relic plants grow here. Many of them are listed in the Red Book. The sanatorium to which we are on our way is located in a place of rare beauty among the diverse species of coniferous trees.
Specialists consider the main advantage of this place to be the ion-rich air and healing fogs. Here the atmospheric pressure is lowered, the air temperature is stable and the relative humidity is also within the normal range. Such conditions create comfort during the stay and treatment of patients.
Reviews about the resort are mostly positive. Visitors celebrate natural beauty that is impossible not to notice. Also, guests say that the staff here is sympathetic, friendly and polite. Many people like the food in the sanatorium, residents note the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, the quality of medical procedures. The cultural program does not let you get bored even on dull autumn days. Of course, the unforgettable sensations from visiting the cave itself dominate the reviews.
The path to the "Cavemonk"
The rehabilitation center of Khvalynsk periodically organizes excursions to various sights of the city, one of which is a cave. Perhaps this will be a discovery for those who are on their way along the route: "Khvalynsk - "Monk's Cave", assuming to see only a medical institution. So, if your goal is not treatment in a sanatorium, but there is a desire to just relax and find a cave, then be guided by the same address: Saratov region, city of Khvalynsk GAU CR "Monk's Cave".
Firstly, you can join the tour by prior arrangement with the staff. Secondly, if you still prefer loneliness, the workers of the center will kindly show you the way to the cave, which is located a short walk from the sanatorium. Another option for independent tourists: head to the village of Podlesnoye, where you can rent an apartment cheaply and ask the locals for directions to the ancient structure.
History of the cave
Before, it consisted of 2 rooms, one of which was intended for domestic activities, the other - for prayer ceremonies and relaxation. To date, only this one room has survived, in which icons and a stone trestle bed are stored. The second part was washed away by rain streams over time. The "Monk's Cave" has a cult significance and is recognized as a tourist attraction.
Local residents of the Saratov region will not only tell you where the city of Khvalynsk is located, The Cavemonk”, how to get to these places, but ancient legends will also tell. In fact, there are no reliable sources about the origin of the cave, with the exception of the diary. It describes the life of those who lived in this place. But who was leading it? One can only guess about this.
Legend one
From the diary entries it is known that the hermit monk Seraphim lived in the cave. It is curious that he slept in a coffin, which was located in one of the rooms. It also follows from the diary that this monk was not quite an ordinary person and had psychic abilities. Therefore, a considerable number of sick people came to his cave. Also, local historians believe that Seraphim himself kept some entries in the diary, since information about some of his patients, methods of treatment with prayers and conspiracies has been preserved.
Legend 2
If it so happens that you get to the inhabitants of the village of Podlesnoe, you will hear more than one myth about the famous cave. For example, there are rumors that after the death of Seraphim, a homeless old woman Fedora lived there, who communicated with spirits and could foresee the future.
It is said that creative people visited her when they lacked inspiration and flight of fancy. The cave healer fumigated them with magical herbs, read prayers, and after that people wrote poems, composed poems and created magnificent paintings. So, there is a story that the artist Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin went to the old woman for creative inspiration.
How the blessed one died and where she was buried, history is silent. Some residents are sure that her ashes rest in the cave itself. Local villagers also say that modern inventors, musicians and writers often come along the Khvalynsk-"Monk's Cave" route. They ask the holy spirit of Seraphim to increase their talent and glory.
These are amazing stories you can hear from the residents of the village of Podlesnoye and the city of Khvalynsk. The "Monk's Cave", reviews of which many leave on its own walls, is small. If you go deeper, you wonder how it was possible to live here for a long time? Unfortunately, large people are unlikely to be able to get far into the cave. desire and traditionally tie a ribbon at the entrance of the dungeon, they can do it.
Reviews of those who have visited this sacred place, they talk about its uniqueness and indescribable energy. Many experienced even mystical horror. But almost everyone had positive impressions.
Finally
We often talk about amazing places abroad. But if you look around, we have similar territories. The route is amazing: Khvalynsk - "Monk's Cave". The photos in the article eloquently reflect the originality of this region. By visiting the sanatorium, you will not only maintain your he alth, but also enjoy nature, touch the mysterious world of legends. And finally, you can tie a ribbon and make a wish at the cave. They say that the spirits of the mysterious Seraphim and the mysterious Theodora will surely perform it.
