Powerful defense monastery on a high bank of the Desna, one of the oldest in Ukraine. Founded in 1033 by Prince Mstislav Tmutarakan here received the blessing of the princes of the proportion of Novgorod-Seversky Principality. Also served as a princely residence (excavated foundation of princely houses). In the XII century. the territory, surrounded by ramparts and towers, was erected a stone Saviour Cathedral. From it went camping at Prince Igor Polovtsian land Svyatoslavich - the protagonist of "Lay". The name of this historic product named based at the monastery complex historical and cultural reserve, museum exhibition housed in a two-story space houses the Rector. Most of the buildings restored after the Mongol devastation of the monastery belong to the XVII-XVIII centuries. Monastery surrounded by a powerful wall with corner towers, a defensive ditch a bridge to the Holy Gates with the bell tower, reinforced flank towers. On the territory dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of the Transfiguration Cathedral (1786-87 gg.), Built in classical style on the ancient temple site. Well preserved and Paul (XVII cent.) And Elijah (1787) church, the seminary building (1657-67 gg.). Monastery of acting, completely renovated in 2003, also a museum and temples to visit are also open towers, galleries and underground.