旅人る - Tabibito

 

Totma, Varnitsy

 

Totma

Remote but beautiful town in Vologda oblast on the bank of the Sukhona river. Five years ago it was infamous for its really terrible roads. The situation is somewhat improved.

 

A new fashionable embankment with benches and sun loungers.

 

On the Sukhona River, a barge with buoys is waiting for spring, since shipping here is only possible on high water.

 

Assumption Church (1808), now a museum.

 

Houses.

 

Town's mayor.

 

The Spaso-Sumorin Monastery. Prior to the Russian Revolution of 1917 it was popular among pilgrims who suffered from toothache. It was believed that if you gnaw on the coffin of the founder of the monastery, Theodosius of Totma, the pain would go away. After coming to power, the Bolsheviks immediately disposed of the gnawed coffin and closed the monastery. Now, as they say, "the monastery is being reborn". Guessing it will be hard to them to call back pilgrims without a sacred coffin. Ruins of the Assumption Church near the abbot's building.

 

Fence turret.

 

Monastic churches.

 

Main entrance.

 

Varnitsa

The village is at the entrance to Totma. The Church of the Resurrection (1743-1775), similar to other Totma ship-like temples, has been preserved here.

 

Church watchman.

 

There are landscaping around: wooden stairs and walkways.

 

They lead to the ancient salt pans, where a thematic museum is now being built.

 

Getting in (as of August 2023): About three hour drive north from Vologda.

 

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