In the Ivanovo region, there are over two thousand reservoirs. There are small ponds, tiny backwaters, murmuring rivers and a large number of lakes. Marsh and swamps are frequent in these places. The article will focus on the pearl of the region, the most beautiful pond called the Holy Lake (Ivanovo region).
How it all started
The history of the origin of the reservoir is associated with an ancient legend that tells of a certain old man Filaret, who lived in solitude at the foot of a large hill. In a swampy area, the hermit dug a deep well in which there was clear and soft water. But soon the well collapsed, and in its place a small forest pond formed, which eventually increased to its actual size.
The holy lake (Ivanovo region) was located in places remote from human habitation, therefore it was always attractive to monks. On its banks in the XIV century, the first monastery was erected, called the "Svyatoozersky". Subsequently, new monasteries were built on this place instead of the old ones destroyed by cruel elements or ruthless time.
Marvelous name
At the beginning of the 20th century, three temples were built at the site of the last conflagration, which have survived to this day. Their beauty, combined with the solitude of a picturesque lake, impress and inspire every person who has fallen into these places. Ringing silence and measuredness cause a feeling of complete peace and protection from life's adversities.
Ancient monks believed in the sanctity of lake water, worshiped it and offered prayers on the sandy shores. They gave the name to the reservoir - the Holy. The hermits carefully treated the lake, did not pollute its waters with washing or washing clothes, and did not catch fish in it. Numerous pilgrims rushed to the holy shores to pray for salvation and give thanks to the Creator.
Russian Karelia
The constant interest in the lake of ordinary people did not pass by the scientific world. They began to study the reservoir in more detail at the end of the last century. After numerous studies, it became known that as a result of the melting of ancient glaciers, Lake Svyatoe (Ivanovo Region) arose.
Photos taken by numerous tourists invariably reflect the tranquility and beauty of the water surface. Thanks to the dense pine forests, strong winds rarely blow here. Therefore, on sunny days, the lake warms up almost to the bottom. The water in it is so clean and transparent that in the middle of the pond you can see an even sandy bottom.
The lake has an oval shape with the greatest length of about two kilometers. The average depth of the reservoir is 3.8 m, the maximum reaches six meters. This is the second largest lake in the Ivanovo region (after Rubsky).
Colorful plant world
The flora and fauna of the lake region are distinguished by the richness and diversity of species. Holy Lake (Ivanovo Region) is surrounded not only by plants typical of the local climate zone. There are rare specimens that do not grow in other Russian forests, many of them are listed in the Red Book of the region. Unique plants include swamp rank, Borbash cloves, onion bulbs and many others.
The coastal sandy area attracts mushroom pickers to itself with a myriad of diverse specimens. About two dozen species of mushrooms are considered rare, they are also noted on the pages of the Red Book.
Rich places
The rarest variety of representatives of the water world is characterized by the unique Holy Lake (Ivanovo Region). Fishing will bring unprecedented pleasure even to beginners, not to mention professionals. Here you can easily catch crucians, ruffs, perches, roach, bleak. Often fall for the bait of pike, ide, silver carp, burbot.
The fauna of the lakeside region is also marked by the Red Book. Her lists included such representatives as a swallowtail, a willow migrant, a small night peacock eye, a Hero Sennica , a female bear and others.
Recreation Area
Transparent water, sandy beaches, healing pine air and the beauty of the surrounding nature invariably attract a large number of people to Lake Svyatoe (Ivanovo Region). Rest in these places is calm and measured. Fishing, quiet hunting, hiking, sites specially equipped for active sports, boating - all this contributes to a good rest and restoration of a tired body.
The best place for a family holiday can rightfully be considered Holy Lake (Ivanovo Region). Reviews of numerous tourists note the favorable atmosphere and healthy climate of the area. For the pleasure of visitors, a beach area has been organized, equipped with necessary amenities and safety features. In the summer, the Holy Lake is visited weekly by over half a thousand tourists who come from the Ivanovo, Vladimir and Nizhny Novgorod regions.
The authorities of the Yuzhsky district have planned work on further improvement of the territory near the reservoir. Soon car parking will appear here, boat rental for fishing and boat trips will be organized. Local authorities welcome any investment projects to improve the Sanctuary zone.
Conservation area
Active human activity could not but affect the local region. Before the start of World War II, peat mining was carried out in the swamps surrounding the holy reservoir. The method of extraction implied significant use of water resources, as a result of which lake water was replaced by river water. The reservoir itself was heavily polluted by silt and peat.
Today, the Holy Lake looks much better, but it is still far from the pristine purity. The reservoir independently copes with water purification, however, its current state causes concern and concern of scientists. The territory of the lake region is often invaded by poachers, ruthlessly destroying rare species of animals, plants and fish. Illegal deforestation has also become a typical sight for these places.
Almost forty years ago, Holy Lake (Ivanovo Region) was recognized as a natural monument, and its land is under state protection. The leadership of the Ivanovo region applies legal measures to prevent environmental violations. Passports of protected objects were developed and introduced, bans and restrictions on many activities were introduced.
How to get there
A weekend car trip with your family will be a great trip to the Holy Lake (Ivanovo Region). How many km from Ivanovo can be easily calculated on the map. The distance to the village Mugreevsky Yuzhsky district is 132 kilometers. A regular bus service from Ivanovo to the Holy Lake (Ivanovo Region) was also organized. How to get here from Nizhny Novgorod or from Vladimir? It’s better to cover the distance by car. Traveling from Nizhny takes about three hours.
The nearest railway stations are at least fifty kilometers away. Flights are carried out through Moscow, the distance to which is three hundred kilometers.
The holy lake, located near the village of Mugreevsky, is the pride of the Ivanovo region. Local places are rare in their pristine beauty and natural majesty. On the lake shores you can feel a secure solitude that allows you to merge with nature. For a long time to preserve the natural complex from the negative impact of the surrounding reality is the main task of man.