Where is Svetloyar located? Lake Svetloyar. Nizhny Novgorod Region. To Svetloyar by car

This miracle of nature is located in the Nizhny Novgorod region near the village of Voskresenskoye. For many years now it has officially been a natural monument of federal significance and pilgrims from all over the country come here. In the near future they plan to make it an object cultural significance Russia.

The Legend of Lake Svetloyar

The story of the city of Kitezh is still under detailed study of its authenticity; there are many skeptics, but when faced with its uniqueness, they are all stunned and often change their minds.

The Great Yuri Vsevolodovich first built Little Kitezh on the banks of the Volga, amazed by the beauty local nature, after which he ordered the construction of the city of Greater Kitezh. The result was a large and majestic city with big amount temples.

From history we know that in 1239 Batu Khan decided to attack Rus' and soon his horde captured Small Kitezh, and Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich himself took refuge in the forests. Many prisoners were at the mercy of the wicked horde, and one of them, under cruel torture, revealed the place where the prince was hiding and pointed out the quick path to Greater Kitezh. Soon Khan Batu with his army attacked and killed the Grand Duke.

And in this place, history is closely intertwined with legend, which causes numerous disputes among contemporaries. After all, Yuri Vsevolodovich really died in an unequal battle with the Tatar-Mongol yoke. From the legend it follows that on the eve of the attack, watchmen warned the city residents about the possible danger of an attack. In the morning, many civilians fell under the weapons of the Tatar-Mongols.

The first to fall were three patrolmen who fought bravely and tried to defend the city. At the place of their death, the holy spring of Kibelek suddenly appeared. Holy water from it still exists and people come to drink it and take it with them. The inhabitants of the city did not prepare for war and did not even erect any fortifications; the only means of their defense was sincere prayer to God.

The Legend of Lake Svetloyar

They begged to be saved and not to let the horde through. From the legend it follows that God heard their prayers at the moment when the soldiers had already broken into the city and at that moment, out of nowhere, springs began to emerge from the ground, which instantly flooded the city. Frightened opponents fled in horror from the city. In a matter of minutes, the city, along with all the buildings and local residents, went under water, as if it was not there at all. For a long time, in the middle of the lake, the dome of the cathedral could be seen, which after a while also disappeared, and sometimes even the ringing of bells could be heard.

From the legend it follows that to this day, in sunny weather, people can be heard singing and the sound of bells.

Annual celebration on Lake Svetloyar

The lake is considered sacred. Celebrations there were organized by pagans in honor of their sun god Yarila. This is where the name Svetly Yar came from. This international center pilgrimages of Orthodox people from all over the world, pagans also organize their trips to the holy place.

Lake Svetloyar

On the night of July 6, the Yanka Kupala holiday is celebrated; it is on this day that processions and gatherings of pilgrims are organized. Great amount Christians carry out a religious procession around Lake Svetloyar, also timed to coincide with the holiday dedicated to the Holy Icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. Immediately after the procession, young girls float wreaths on the water and bonfires are lit, over which not only young people jump.

There is an opinion, and many believers constantly confirm it, that if you make a sincere wish from a pure heart and walk around the lake three times with a lit candle, then it will certainly come true. During the Great Patriotic War, local women performed this ritual several times a year, appealing to God to save the lives of their loved ones who were at the front.

Temple and footprint of the Virgin Mary on the holy lake

There is an old temple nearby; services are rarely held there, only taking into account holidays and a special schedule. On the way to it you will see two large stones, so-called “stoppers”:

On the first of which, following legend, there is a trace of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
The second stone for kneeling in prayer was used by Seraphim of Sarov.

At first glance, it may even seem that church ministers are skeptical about such a relic, because they are not protected at all and look quite ordinary. However, pilgrims firmly believe in the veracity of the legend and pray before the shrine. Everyone who comes to the lake always lights a candle there and asks for help. It is customary to turn to “stop workers” with a prayer for the health of seriously ill loved ones, and church ministers can vying with each other to tell you real stories from life, where after a short period of time people were healed.

The wonderful power of Lake Svetloyar. Reviews of those who felt its effect

People in desperate situations often believe in any means of salvation; a trip to Lake Svetloyar is no exception. It is believed that the lake itself has the right to choose when it can let you near it.

Pilgrimage to Lake Svetloyar

It’s not for nothing that, despite its easy accessibility, many people drive in circles and still cannot notice the lake, although its diameter is significant.

From a letter from our reader:

“Once, while visiting the lake, my father saw a woman who was crawling three circles around the lake on her knees. Later he found out that she was seriously ill and simply could not walk for so long, but she did not want her children to do it for her alone, but wanted to do her bit. At that time, she was already very exhausted by the disease, but according to her, she did not lose hope for healing. And imagine his surprise when a year later he saw her on the same lake, but already on her feet and noticeably stronger. Is this really a miracle? Since then, our whole family believed that the lake really has healing properties.”

This is just one of the stories; when you come to the lake one day, you will see with your own eyes people who will happily tell you about how the religious procession and prayers at Svetloyar changed their lives.

How to get to Svetloyar

Getting to the lake will not be difficult; every resident of the northern part of the Nizhny Novgorod region will be able to show the way literally on their fingers. Modern navigators have long been equipped with the exact route to the lake.

Territorial location of the village of Vladimirskoye, Voskresensky district, Nizhny Novgorod region, approximately 200 kilometers from the city. The average travel time from the city center is 2 hours, and special shuttle buses even depart from bus stations.

If you are going to go by train, then there is no direct route and you will have to go with transfers to Semenov, and then change to a bus to the village of Voskresenskoye.

Note that it will be very easy to walk around the lake, thanks to the built wooden paths running along Svetloyar, but parking a car may be a problem if you choose a day for your trip that coincides with an Orthodox holiday.

Video: Lake Svetloyar

There are a lot of large lakes in Russia. But there are some that are of particular interest to travelers. Lake Svetloyar is one of the most mysterious places in Russia. Scientists are still pondering the mystery of the origin of this reservoir. And historians are still trying to find evidence of the existence of the mystical city of Kitezh, which is supposedly located at the bottom of the lake. Ufologists constantly note the occurrence of inexplicable phenomena in the area where Lake Svetloyar is located, and travelers and vacationers speak positively about the incredible properties of water and amazing beauty nature in these places.

Location

Lake Svetloyar is located in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia. Nearest locality, from which only walking routes- this is the village of Vladimirskoye, Voskresensky district. This reservoir is located 130 km from Nizhny Novgorod. There is a lake on the territory natural park regional significance "Voskresensk Povetluzhye".

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Lake Svetloyar has a regular oval shape and is considered one of the most deep lakes in the Nizhny Novgorod region. That is why many scientists believe that this is a crater from a long-fallen meteorite, while other experts consider it karst. The water in the reservoir is very clean and transparent, characterized by a hydrocarbonate-calcium composition. Bottom springs feed the lake, making the water of the reservoir cool and fresh even on the hottest days. There is a version about deep underground rivers that connect Svetloyar with Baikal itself. The area of the lake is about 12 hectares, length – 470 m, width – 350 m. The depth in some places can reach up to 40 m.

Legends

There are a lot of secrets and mysteries about Lake Svetloyar. On the shore of the reservoir, 29 species of plants were observed that do not grow anywhere else in this area. The water of the lake has healing properties and is almost holy. Orthodox pilgrims come here to heal mental and physical wounds and remove damage. AND incredible cases recoveries are noted annually. Psychics consider Svetloyar a strong place that draws energy from space.

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Most amazing story Lake Svetloyar is a legend about invisible city Kitezh. This is a belief about the real Russian Atlantis - the city that plunged the bell alarm into the abyss of Svetloyarsk waters. Its inhabitants did not want to be captured by the Mongol-Tatars and their prayers were heard: the reservoir overflowed and swallowed the hail into its abyss.

According to legend, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich, who sailed along the Volga, decided to build a city (now it is Gorodets). After he crossed the Uzola, Sanda and Kerzhenets rivers, he saw Lake Svetloyar. Admired by his charm, the prince ordered the construction of the city of Big Kitezh on the shores of the lake. Over the course of three years (1165-1168) it was erected, and this is how the stone city with many Orthodox churches.

When Batu's troops began to advance on Kitezh, people began to pray for salvation. At some point, springs began to burst out of the ground and flood Kitezh. So the city sank under the water like Atlantis, only one cathedral dome was visible above the surface of the lake, but it soon disappeared.

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According to legends, in calm and clear weather, especially righteous and pure-hearted people can hear on the shore of Lake Svetloyar the ringing of the bells of the churches of the city of Kitezh and the drawn-out sad singing of people flying from the depths of the reservoir. They say that the tops of monasteries and churches can be seen in the clear lake water.

Attractions

Svetloyar – natural monument in a reserve protected by UNESCO. It is prohibited to set up tents or light a fire on its territory. Those who are planning to spend time in these places can visit the unique wooden Church of the Kazan Mother of God, located on the territory of the reserve; there is also a stone with a trace of the Virgin Mary’s foot. The village of Vladimir is famous for the ancient wooden church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. There is also the Kitezh Historical and Art Museum and the Grad Svetly Museum of Local Ceramics.

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Lovers of walks in the forest can visit the Kibelek spring, which is located near Lake Svetloyar. The water in this spring is considered holy. Here is also the grave of three saints, in which, according to legend, Russian heroes who defended the land from Batu Khan are buried.

Lake Svetloyar attracts with its rich nature and pristine beauty. There is excellent fishing and hunting here, and the beautiful scenery makes for wonderful photographs. The lake itself and the legends about it have served as inspiration for many composers, artists and writers. For those going around the area, it's worth bringing a map so you don't get lost.

Holidays on the lake

Even in ancient times, rituals were carried out on the shore of the lake in honor of the Slavic sun god Yarila. This is where its name comes from – Svetly Yar. Today, as in the past, hundreds of pilgrims, both Orthodox and pagans, come to Lake Svetloyar.

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Every year on July 6, festive events are held on Lake Svetloyar. During the day, in the village of Vladimirskoye, which is located a kilometer from the lake, the village day and the feast of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God are celebrated. In the morning, a festive service takes place in the village, and then a religious procession takes place around the lake. On this day, pilgrims from all over the region and from other places in Russia come to Svetloyar.

In the afternoon, the City of Masters begins to operate in the village of Vladimirskoye, which brings together masters and artisans not only from the Nizhny Novgorod region, but also from other regions of Russia. Everyone can take part in master classes and visit the Kitezh Museum in the village of Vladimirskoye. In the evening the festival “The City of Kitezh - the soul of Russia” begins.

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On the night of July 6-7, i.e. On the night of Ivan Kupala, a pagan action takes place with bonfires, wreaths on the water and a procession around the lake with candles. According to legend, if you make a wish on this night, light a candle and walk around Lake Svetloyar with it three times, your wish will definitely come true. On the holiday of Ivan Kupala, Lake Svetloyar is visited by thousands of people.

During the Great Patriotic War, women on Lake Svetloyar offered prayers so that their husbands and sons, who were defending their homeland from the Nazis, would survive.

In these holidays Those who wish can come to Lake Svetloyar as a pilgrim, a pagan or just a vacationer. However, you can visit the lake on any other day. Every day crowds of visitors from the Nizhny Novgorod region and nearby places come here. All guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience of the lake and swimming in it.

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Unique and mysterious places, nature reserves, numerous attractions are the wealth of Russia. Lake Svetloyar is interesting place in the Nizhny Novgorod region, which is worth seeing at least once out of curiosity. And maybe you will be the lucky one who heard the amazing ringing of bells coming from the bottom of the reservoir. The transparent waters of the lake keep many secrets and mysteries that are yet to be discovered in the future. Everyone comes here to figure out where is fiction and where is the truth, as well as enjoy the natural beauty and recharge with the energy of Lake Svetloyar.

How to get to Lake Svetloyar from Nizhny Novgorod

To Svetloyar by bus or by train+bus

By bus Nizhny Novgorod - Voskresenskoye from the Kanavinskaya bus station. Before reaching Voskresensky, get off at the village of Vladimirsky. Travel time to Vladimirsky is 2-2.5 hours.

On commuter train Nizhny Novgorod - Semenov or Nizhny Novgorod - Uren to Semenov, then by bus Semenov - Voskresenskoye to the village of Vladimirskoye.

To Svetloyar by car

Along the Kirov highway. Pass Semenov, get to Bokovaya station (a busy place, there are a lot of trucks, a cafe, a motel), then turn right following the sign for Vladimirskoye and Voskresenskoye, get to the village of Vladimirskoye (turn right), drive through the village to a large parking lot. Next - along the birch alley on foot. Distance from Nizhny Novgorod - 130 km.

Driving directions Nizhny Novgorod - Lake Svetloyar

You can combine a trip to Lake Svetloyar with an excursion to the Levashov estate in Galibikhe, in the village of Troitskoye, in Yurino.

Museum of Epochs and Rusenikhinskoye Settlement

If you drive further from the village of Vladimirskoye towards the village of Voskresenskoye, you can stop by Museum of Ages. Between the village of Vladimirskoye and the village of Voskresenskoye there is a left turn with a sign to Tekun and the Museum of Epochs. The museum is located 7 km from this turn, in the village of Rusenikha (there are signs along the way).

IN Museum of Epochs contains exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Vetluga region, including the existence of a mysterious creature that once lived in these areas - the “vetlugosaurus”, as well as exhibitions of paintings by local artists. Excursions are held for any number of people. Near the museum there are the remains of the ancient Rusenikhinsky settlement and an observation deck with a wonderful view of the Vetluzhsky distance. The museum itself is located in an ordinary village house. Close to the museum and on observation deck There are stands with a description and map of the route of the ethno-ecological trail, which you can follow if you wish.

Museum opening hours(data for 2014): Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch 1 p.m.-2 p.m.), Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Monday are days off.
Phones 8-908-7213166, 8-904-9097875.

Excursions to Svetloyar from Nizhny Novgorod

What to see in Svetloyar

History of Lake Svetloyar

Svetloyar is one of the most legendary and mysterious lakes in Russia: scientists have still not come to a consensus regarding its origin. The legend of the miraculous immersion of the city of Kitezh in its waters, which did not surrender to Batu Khan, formed the basis of Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevronia” and served as material for the paintings of Vasnetsov, Nesterov, and Roerich.

The Legend of the City of Kitezh

A long time ago, even before the advent of the Tatars, Grand Duke Georgy Vsevolodovich built the city of Maly Kitezh (present-day Gorodets) on the Volga, and then, “crossing the quiet and rusty rivers Uzola, Sandu and Kerzhenets,” he went to Lunda and Svetloyar for “very beautiful "The place where the city of Kitezh Bolshoi was located. This is how the glorious Kitezh city appeared on the shore of the lake. Six domes of churches towered in the center of the city. And Greater Kitezh was great and famous.

But the black year came - Batya’s invasion swept across Rus'. In 1238, after the destruction of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, Batu Khan set up a camp on the City River. After another unequal battle, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich with the remnants of his troops retreated to Maly Kitezh. However, Batu took it by storm, and the prince and the remnants of his army miraculously managed to escape to Greater Kitezh. The Mongol-Tatars burned Little Kitezh, covered it with blood, and tortured the prisoners: where is Greater Kitezh, in which the prince took refuge, how to find the way there? One of them could not stand the torment - he led his enemies through the Trans-Volga taiga. But Kitezh, when it was surrounded by enemies, did not surrender to them: its inhabitants prayed to God, and he protected them. The city sank down, and it was covered from above by earthen caps - hills and a lake. Horror seized the enemies, and they fled away from this miracle.

Now there is a path to the lake, which is called the Batu Trail. It can lead to the glorious city of Kitezh, but not everyone, but only those who are pure in heart and soul. Since then, the city has been invisible, but intact, and the especially righteous can see the lights of religious processions in the depths of the lake and hear the ringing of its bells.

In fact great depth Lake Svetloyar (up to 36 m), its oval shape with a funnel-shaped bottom, and the purity of the water make the origin of this lake mysterious and were the basis for the widespread belief about its karst origin. However, studies carried out in the area of Lake Svetloyar by the geological survey party of the Gorky geological exploration expedition did not confirm this. An almost 300-meter well drilled near the lake showed that to a depth of about 250 meters there are no rocks susceptible to karst. This quarter-kilometer thickness is represented mainly by rocks such as loams, clays, sandstones, and marls. And the deeper-lying limestones, gypsum, and anhydrites are not affected by karst processes. The expedition's research led to the conclusion that Svetloyar is a remnant of the ancient bed of the Lunda River (the right tributary of the Vetluga), half a kilometer from which it is located. The lake has a flow into Lundu and abundant spring feeding, which explains the purity and freshness of its water.

Kibelek Key and the Tomb of the Three Saints

As you go up to the church on the hill, you will see a path to the right of the church and a sign “Kibelek Key”. The path will lead to the barrier. Behind the barrier you need to go right along highway. The road through the field will lead to the forest. Then go into the forest along the same road. There are signs along the way. Soon the road will end and there will be a path. Walk along the path - platforms should appear on the path. Follow them all the way to the spring. The distance from Lake Svetloyar to the Kibelek spring is about 2 km. The water in the Kibelek spring is holy.

History of the Kibelek key and the tombs of the three saints

According to legend, a battle between the Kitezh squad and the Tatars took place in this place. Three Kitezh heroes died here in an unequal battle, defending the Russian land.

There is also a well here, the water from which is also considered holy, and nearby there are three crosses in memory of the fallen soldiers. A little further, in the forest, there is a clearing with three graves of warriors. From these graves, believers take earth, which helps to heal from various ailments.

Lake Svetloyar, Nizhny Novgorod region (Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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Lake Svetloyar, full of mysteries and secrets, has been the holy lake of Rus' since ancient times, a small Russian Atlantis, located 130 km from Nizhny Novgorod, on the edge of the village of Vladimirskoye. In ancient times, rituals were held on its banks in honor of the Slavic sun god Yarila. Hence the name - Svetly Yar.

Today, as in ancient times, hundreds of pilgrims, both Orthodox and pagans, come to Lake Svetloyar. Every year on July 6, around Svetloyar, on the feast of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, Christians make a religious procession. And in the evening, a pagan action begins with bonfires, wreaths on the water and a walk around Svetloyar with candles, because on the night of July 6-7 is the holiday of Ivan Kupala.

According to legend, a wish made that night will come true if you circle the lake three times.

During the Great Patriotic War, mothers here offered prayers for the survival of their husbands and sons fighting at the front.

The legend about the city of Kitezh, told by the Old Believers, also tells about Svetloyar. Once upon a time, Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich sailed along the Mother Volga on a ship. And he built Little Kitezh. It is believed that this city is today's Gorodets. Then Yuri Vsevolodovich, having passed the Uzola, Sandu and Kerzhenets rivers, saw Lake Svetloyar. Captivated by his charm, the prince gave the order to build the city of Big Kitezh on the shores of the wonderful lake. It took three years (1165-1168) to build it, and a stone city arose with many Orthodox churches.

In 1239, the troops of Khan Batu, a godless and wicked man, went to Rus'. And they captured Small Kitezh. The prince and his retinue hid in the forests near Big Kitezh. But he was betrayed by Grishka Kuterma, who was captured by Batu and could not stand the torture, and showed the way to the wicked enemies to the great city. Batu's hordes found the refuge of Yuri's squad and killed the prince. And on the eve of Batu’s attack on Yuri Vsevolodovich in Kitezh, three heroes were on patrol, and for a long time they blocked the path of the Khan’s army. And where they stood to death for their city of Kitezh, the holy spring Kibelek still flows, next to which is the grave of three holy elders.

Three heroes warned the inhabitants of Kitezh about the attack, but they could not defend themselves from the cruel enemy, but turned with a fiery prayer to the Lord God to prevent their enslavement and terrible murder. And God heard them. As soon as Batu’s troops rushed to the offensive, suddenly numerous springs gushed out from under the ground and began to flood the city of Kitezh. And the Tatar-Mongols retreated in horror. And the city of Kitezh sank under the water, like Atlantis, only one cathedral dome was visible above the surface of the lake, but it soon disappeared.

They say that in calm, clear weather, especially righteous people can hear the ringing of bells and the drawn-out sad singing of people flying from the depths of Svetloyar.

And in the clear lake water you can see the domes of monasteries and churches.

Lake Svetloyar contains a huge number of unsolved secrets and mysteries, the water of which has healing properties. Countless pilgrims come here to be healed physically and spiritually, and to remove damage. Indeed, miraculous inexplicable cases of recovery have been recorded here. Many psychics claim that the lake is a powerful place that draws its energy from space. On the shore of the reservoir, scientists found plant species (about 29) that do not grow anywhere else in this area.

This ideal oval-shaped lake is the largest (length - 410 m, width - 315 m) and deepest (maximum depth - about 36 m) in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Its area is approximately twelve hectares. The water in Svetloyar is very clean, does not become overgrown with mud, and can be kept in vessels for years, while maintaining its purity, transparency and taste.

Svetloyar is a natural monument in the reserve of the same name, protected by UNESCO, where it is strictly forbidden to set up tents (there is a special tent camp nearby) and light a fire.

Lots of unusual and unexplained stories local residents say. Those who visit these places listen and believe in them. If you want to figure out what is truth and what is fiction, come here, enjoy the beauty of the lake’s surroundings and recharge with its energy.

How to get to Lake Svetloyar

You can get to Lake Svetloyar by bus from the Kanavinskaya station (Nizhny Novgorod) to the village of Vladimirskoye or by electric train from Nizhny Novgorod to the city of Semenov with a change to regular bus. By car you can get along the Kirov highway to the Bokovaya station, passing Semenov, then follow the sign to the right and get to the village of Vladimirskoye, and through it to the parking lot. Well, then walk along the birch alley.

The legend about the city of Kitezh, which is hidden under the waters of Lake Svetloyar, has long excited the minds of scientists and science fiction writers. This year I was able to visit the legendary lake for the second time in my life. Perhaps I'm too impressionable, but... Thoughts from two years ago about the unusualness and mystery of this place again surfaced in my head.

There is still no consensus on the history of the lake, although dozens of expeditions have been sent to Svetloyar in the Nizhny Novgorod region. These were mainly “dry” scientific research - water intake, soil analysis and vegetation study. But one of the expeditions was quite interesting - scientists were looking for Kitezh-grad, which, according to legend, went under water during Batu’s attack.

The expedition did find something, but I’ll tell you about this a little later; first we need to get acquainted with the lake itself.

Lake Svetloyar (photo and description)

A beautiful birch alley leads to Svetloyar, which immediately puts you in a positive mood.

We walk along the alley and it opens before us beautiful view. Lake Svetloyar is small, almost ideal round shape. The area of the mirror is 12 hectares, and the depth is about 30 meters.

The shore is equipped, there is a small beach. The water is not just clean….. it is clean and very soft. They say that water from the lake can be stored in a container for several years without losing its purity and taste.

Lake Svetloyar is a protected area. You are not allowed to litter, make fires or pitch tents. This is a special place. The name of the lake speaks for itself - Svetly Yar (Yarilo - Slavic sun god). True, there is another translation. Yar is a cliff, that is, a Bright cliff.

There is a trail and wooden decking around the lake. At all times, people walked around Lake Svetloyar, prayed and asked for something of their own.

The tradition has been preserved. According to legend, on the night of Ivan Kupala, you need to make a wish and walk around the lake three times with a lit candle.

It remains a mystery to me where paganism ends and Orthodoxy begins. July 6 is both a bright holiday of the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, to which pilgrims come, and the night of Ivan Kupala, when they jump over the fire and float wreaths on the water. Truly an intricacy of faith, legends and paganism.

In ancient times, people did not swim in Lake Svetloyar, they only washed and drank the water. Now there is no ban, so we gladly swam in the cleanest lake.

Near our resting place, someone lost his pectoral cross. Good people hung him on a tree branch, maybe the owner will be found...

Kibelek Key

Not far from Lake Svetloyar there is the Kibelek spring and the grave of three saints. If you wish, you can walk to the key. “Nearby” is about 2 km (40-50 minutes), so plan on your strength.

There is such a sign near the wooden church. We go around the temple and go deeper into the forest.

Two years ago, there was a gorgeous chamomile field in this place, where the girls and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves - taking pictures and weaving chamomile wreaths. This year the field was sown with oats. There will be another sign at the edge of the field, the main thing is to stick to the path. It’s called the Pilgrim’s Path. Along the way you will come across benches for rest and wooden platforms; it is difficult to get lost.

And here is the key. You can wash your face, drink water and take some with you.

Legends of Lake Svetloyar

Since I touched on the topic of legends and tales, it’s time to try to understand all the twists and turns of fairy tales, myths and scientific research.

So... how real is the city of Kitezh?

There is a mention of the city of Kitezh in a book of the 18th century, which is called “Kitezh Chronicler” -

“The Grand Duke of Vladimir Georgy Vsevolodovich set up the city of Maly Kitezh on the banks of the Volga, and then retreated deep into the forests... On the banks beautiful lake He ordered the construction of the city of Greater Kitezh in Svetloyar.”

(Maly Kitezh - presumably Gorodets).

“And that city, Big Kitezh, was a hundred fathoms long and wide, and this measure was small. And the noble Prince George ordered to add another hundred fathoms to the length…..And they began to build that stone city in the year 6673, the month of May on the first day…..And that city was built for three years….”

If Kitezh is just a legend, then where do such details about its construction come from? No, completely abandon the idea of existence ancient city not worth it.

It is known that Batu Khan ravaged Russian cities one after another, but Kitezh was not trading city and did not play any significant military or political role. Why did the Khan suddenly become interested in him? According to the description, almost the entire city consisted of churches, being the great spiritual center of the native Russian faith (not to be confused with Christianity!).

That is why Khan Batu sent his forces to Kitezh in order to destroy the shrine. Many peoples believed that with the destruction of shrines, the people themselves perish, for shrines are the soul of the people. The city's residents were not prepared for the attack; they could only pray and hope for a miracle. The Russian gods preserved the city by plunging it into the waters of Lake Svetloyar. Only a pure soul can see the city. So says the legend.

Expeditions to Lake Svetloyar. What did scientists discover?

During the expedition from Literaturnaya Gazeta, bottom silt was drilled five times. One of the zaburs brought an interesting find - pieces of hard wood with noticeable oblique cuts. It could be the mark of an ax or knife. Geologists in this place discovered another anomaly - bottom silt of a special composition. An oval anomaly was clearly visible on the echogram, and the geolocator recorded an area at the bottom that did not transmit sound.

Divers descended to the bottom of the lake. But they didn’t add any information, but there was even more idle talk. According to some sources, the divers did not see the bottom; in other words, the lake has a double bottom, i.e. there is another bottom, much lower than 30 meters. According to others, the divers generally refused to say anything about the dive.

Few? I'll add a couple more myths - stories local residents. According to another belief, Kitezh is not hidden at the bottom of Svetloyar, but under the hills next to the lake. If you lean against the ground at night and listen, you can hear a quiet bell ringing.

Relatively recently, a legend circulated in the surrounding villages about a miracle fish living in the lake - “A big fish walks around Svetloyar and scares people”. Adam Olearius, who traveled around Rus' in the 17th century, left interesting notes. Olearius encountered pagan tribes and described the sanctuary of a certain water deity, similar to a crocodile. Here's your miracle fish.

In conclusion, I can’t help but tell you about another hypothesis - the lake arose as a result of a meteorite fall. Interestingly, not far from Svetloyar there are two more lakes with similar configurations. They are also bordered by hills. The meteorite could split and fall in three pieces. Why not?

Ivan Kupala holiday in Svetloyar

Every year, from July 6 to 7, a folk festival of pagan origin is celebrated on the lake. Two years ago, we came to Svetloyar for the first time on July 6th.

During the day, in the village of Vladimirskoye, Nizhny Novgorod region, various master classes are organized, and in the evening they organize something like a folk performance-legend about the city of Kitezh. The night of Ivan Kupala is the shortest of the year, and on Lake Svetloyar it is also magical. I, succumbing to the general bacchanalia, walked around the lake with a candle, and then until the morning we swam in the holy lake. You can't put tents next to the lake, so people slept right on the ground.

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