Adygea. St. Michael's Monastery and its surroundings.

The first place we visited in Adygea was St. Michael's Monastery. This is an active men's monastery, which is considered the highest mountain monastery in Russia. It is located near the village of Pobeda. It was founded in the 19th century by immigrants from the Holy Mount Athos.

The place didn't seem very interesting at first, but in the end, I remember the most from my trip to Adygea.
On the territory and inside the monastery there is an atmosphere of complete tranquility, tranquility and well-groomed. The monastery has been restored and is currently operating.

The number of guides was limited and the cost of the tour was so high that we decided to study the plan of the monastery and enter it on our own. There were attempts to go on an excursion to the underground part of the monastery, but the guide reported the size and depth of the opening, after which we changed our minds about going down there)).

After visiting the territory of the monastery, we went along a well-maintained road to the Holy Spring and an observation deck. We took Holy Water bottles with us.

The ascent to the spring took about 15 minutes, it was not very sharp and passed through very picturesque places, which significantly brightened it up.

The spring has a bathhouse. Those who wish can swim. We did not bathe, but washed our faces and took Holy Water.

Leaving the filled bottles at the spring, we went up to the observation deck. The climb took about 5 minutes, but here it was already quite steep and consisted of several flights of stairs. As a result, as a reward, we got a beautiful view of Adygea in all its natural beauty. On the observation deck there are bells that can be rung, and a small church. To look at such beauty and ring the bell is a special feeling that is difficult to describe in words.

And the church, as well as the place by the spring, had a well-groomed appearance. Apparently, the brothers tend and look after these places with love and attention.

Going down, in the parking lot we met a family of wild pigs (or not very wild, but definitely very independent)). It consisted of dad, mom and about 10 piglets (I'm talking about an example, because when they crossed the parking lot one by one, we thought they would never run out)). They were not afraid of people, it was such an example of proper interaction between humans and other representatives of the animal world. They were clearly in a hurry somewhere on business and moving purposefully. There was no desire to catch up with them, I did not want to disturb the pristine nature. But our whole company admired this family with charm until their line ended)), and they did not disappear from sight.

There was something special and significant in this first point of my acquaintance with Adygea, it became her calling card for me. If you are in Adygea, I advise you to visit this place. Well, if you have already been to Adygea – write in the comments about your any places of this beautiful republic.