Kuremäe
Accommodation in Kuremäe
Kuremäe is shaped by Pühtitsa Monastery and the sacred history of the place. The monastery has six churches; the hill, oak, and spring each have their own religious associations. Two hiking trail sections that pass by the monastery or end there are also worth noting when planning your trip.
Kuremäe at a glance
- Kuremäe Monastery is Estonia’s only functioning Russian Orthodox convent.
- The monastery complex comprises six churches. Its architectural ensemble is considered a national treasure and is under state protection.
- Kuremägi is a sacred hill and sacred grove in Kuremäe. The Holy Spring is another religious site.
- Two named long-distance hiking trail sections lead to the monastery: one passes by it, while the other ends there.
What makes Pühtitsa Monastery distinctive?
The monastery brings together several churches in a protected architectural ensemble. The five-domed main Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was built in 1910 to a design by Aleksandr Poleshhuk. Its dedication and dome design give the main church a distinctive place within the complex, which has six churches in total.
The monastery’s first wooden church has a different history: it was built in 1885 on the site where the wonderworking icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God was found. Today, it is the cemetery church dedicated to Saint Arsenius the Great and Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. If you are interested in Orthodox churches and their different dedications, these two buildings illustrate different aspects of the monastery’s history.
Which sacred sites are associated with Kuremäe?
Kuremägi, also called Kuremäe hiiemägi and Kuremäe mägi, is a sacred hill and sacred grove in Kuremäe. An ancient oak has been preserved; the icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God was found at its foot. The sacred oak in Kuremäe is said to be at least 1,000 years old.
Next to the ancient oak is a reconstruction of a 16th-century chapel. Inside it is an old chapel. The Holy Spring in Kuremäe is known for the healing powers attributed to its water. Another unusual feature is that the spring does not freeze, even in cold winters. The hill, oak, chapel, and spring each represent distinct religious traditions and offer different ways to explore Kuremäe’s cultural history.
Which hiking trails pass by the monastery?
The final section of the RMK Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi hiking trail passes by Kuremäe Monastery. For hikers on this route, the monastery is a landmark along the final section. The Remniku–Kuremäe section of the Forest Trail is different: it ends at Kuremäe Monastery. These descriptions refer to two separate trail sections and their respective connections to the monastery.
If you would like to compare Kuremäe with other places as part of a trip, you can also find pages about Sillamäe, Narva-Jõesuu, Aseri, Avinurme, Mäetaguse, Narva, Jõhvi and Valaste.
FAQ
How many churches does the monastery have?
The monastery complex comprises six churches. These include the five-domed main Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, built in 1910, and the first wooden church, now used as a cemetery church.
What is known about the Holy Spring?
The Holy Spring in Kuremäe is known for the healing powers attributed to its water. It does not freeze, even in cold winters.
Which hiking trail sections are connected with the monastery?
The final section of the RMK Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi hiking trail passes by the monastery. The Remniku–Kuremäe section of the Forest Trail ends at the monastery.
For the broader travel overview: Ida-Viru.
