KIRILLOV MONASTERY in KUZINO

Our boat arrived in KUZINO and we went by bus to the monastery. We had a local guide, Natasha, who grew up here, went away to a University and then came back to work at the monastery. She was another amazing local guide who possessed much knowledge, great English and passion for her faith and her country's history. She was, also, very stylish! Natasha said this region of Russia is famous for its forests, furs and lace. Women were taught to embroider at six years old. During the long winters they would embroider designs they saw on the ice covered windows. A familiar symbol in this part of Russia is the birch tree. Cranberries and over 40 types of edible mushrooms are plentiful.



The monastery of St. Cyril on the White Sea was one of the largest and most famous monasteries for centuries. Some monks still live here but it is now a museum with thousands of visitors each year, even in winter. The monks used to live two to a room around the perimeter of the grounds. The churches are being restored but the icons from the 17th and 18th centuries(spectacular!)can be seen in the museum. Natasha knew everything about them!