On the territory of the Russian Federation in the Saratov region, not far from the city of Khvalynsk, near the village of Podlesnoye, the rehabilitation and diagnostic center "Monk's Cave" is located. It is multidisciplinary and is of interest to people with diseases of the nervous system, blood circulation, musculoskeletal system and respiratory system.
In addition, near the sanatorium there is a unique building with the same name. 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 some readers are hearing for the first time about a city called Khvalynsk, the "Monk Cave" is also unfamiliar to them. If this is the case, then we suggest getting a closer look at the location of the city and its attractions.
How to get there?
So, if you have a ticket to a rehabilitation center, then you should arrive at the sanatorium when indicated in the document, so pay attention to the date. The most common departure point for passengers is Moscow.
The fastest way to get around is by plane. In 1 h 25 min you will get from the Domodedovo airport to the city of Saratov. Then you should take the bus "Saratov-Khvalynsk". It takes another 3 hours to drive.
- By bus, following the Moscow-Saratov route from Paveletsky, it takes about 15 hours.
- From the same station, the Moscow-Saratov train will take you 16 hours.
- The trip by bus or train from the Kursk station of the city of Moscow to Saratov will take about the same amount of time. Whichever method you choose from the above, it will take 3 hours by bus to get to Khvalynsk from the regional center.
- By car on the M-5 Ural highway , the travel time is 15.50 hours.
The latter method is suitable for travelers who are well versed in the road space. Of course, you must first find the location on the map: Khvalynsk, "Monk's Cave". The address is also easy to find thanks to the navigator.
Throughout the journey, you should focus on the official address: Saratov Region, the city of Khvalynsk GAU CR "Monk's Cave". However, we warn that the sanatorium is not located in the city itself, but 7 km 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.
Typically, drivers 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 at the cashier. Whatever method you choose, on the eve of departure, we recommend that you call the rehabilitation center at +7 (927) 141-91-44 to clarify some of the nuances. For example, at what time should arrive at the sanatorium, so as not to be without breakfast (dinner or lunch).
Tourists reviews
The city of Khvalynsk is located in an ecologically clean area, in a gorge among the majestic mountains. Relict plants grow here. Many of them are listed in the Red Book. The sanatorium to which we are on the way is located in a place of rare beauty among the diverse species of conifers.
Experts consider the main advantage of this place - the air rich in ions and therapeutic mists. Here, atmospheric pressure is lowered, the air temperature is stable and relative humidity is also within normal limits. Such conditions create comfort during the stay and treatment of patients.
Reviews about the sanatorium are mostly positive. Visitors celebrate natural beauty that cannot be overlooked. Guests also claim that the staff here are responsive, friendly and polite. Many people like food in the sanatorium, residents note the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, the quality of medical procedures. The cultural program does not get bored even on dull autumn days. Of course, unforgettable sensations from visiting the cave itself dominate the reviews.
Way to the "Monk's Cave"
The rehabilitation center of Khvalynsk periodically organizes excursions to various attractions of the city, one of which is a cave. Perhaps this will be a revelation for someone who holds the path along the route: “Khvalynsk -“ Monk's Cave ”, suggesting to see only a medical institution. So, if your goal is not treatment in a sanatorium, but if you want to just relax and find a cave, then focus on the same address: Saratov Region, the city of Khvalynsk GAU CR "Monk's Cave".
Firstly, you can join the tour, after agreeing with the staff. Secondly, if you still prefer loneliness, the center staff will kindly show you the way to the cave, which is located within walking distance from the sanatorium. Another option for independent tourists: to go to the village of Podlesnoye, where you can inexpensively rent a house and find out from the locals the way to the ancient building.
Cave history
Previously, it consisted of 2 rooms, one of which was intended for domestic activities, the other for prayer rites and rest. To date, only this one room has been preserved, in which icons and stone trestle beds are stored. The second part was washed away by rain streams over time. "Monk's Cave" is of cult significance and recognized as a tourist attraction.
Local residents of the Saratov region will not only tell you where the city of Khvalynsk is located, “Monk's Cave”, how to get to these places, but they will also tell ancient legends. In fact, there are no reliable sources about the appearance of the cave, with the exception of the diary. who lived in this place, but who led it? One can only guess about it.
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 in one of the rooms. It also follows from the diary that this monk was not quite an ordinary person and possessed extrasensory abilities. Therefore, a considerable number of sick people came to him in the cave. Local historians also believe that Seraphim himself kept some entries in the diary, since information was preserved about some of his patients, methods of treatment with prayers and conspiracies.
Legend number 2
If it so happens that you get to the inhabitants of the village of Podlesnoye, you will hear more than one myth about the famous cave. For example, there are rumors that after the death of Seraphim there lived a homeless old woman Fedor who talked with spirits and could foresee the future.
They say that creative natures visited her when they lacked inspiration and imagination. The cave healer fumigated them with magic 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 insight.
How blessed she died and where she was buried, the story is silent. Some residents are sure that her ashes rest in the cave itself. Also, local villagers say that modern inventors, musicians and writers often come along the route Khvalynsk - "Monk's Cave". They ask the holy spirit of Seraphim to increase their talent and glory.
Such amazing stories can be heard from the residents of the village of Podlesnoye and the city of Khvalynsk. The “Monk's Cave”, which many people leave reviews on its walls, is small. If you get deeper into it, it wonders how you could live here for a long time? Unfortunately, large people are unlikely to get far into the cave. desire and traditionally tie a ribbon at the entrance to the dungeon they can do.
Reviews of those who visited this sacred place insist on its uniqueness and indescribable energy. Many experienced even mystical horror. But almost everyone left a positive impression.
In the end
We often talk about amazing places abroad. But if you look around, then 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 not only maintain your health, 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 he will certainly be filled with the spirits of the mysterious Seraphim and the mysterious Theodora.