Reconstruction of the Holy Trinity Zelenetsky monastery in the context of an increasing number of pilgrims and tourists

• Published in: Vestnik MGSU
• Main Author: Elizaveta A. Shvetsova-Shilovskaya
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; Russian
• Published: Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU) 2023
• Subjects: принципы реконструкции и развития; паломники и туристы; Architecture; NA1-9428; Construction industry; HD9715-9717.5; Russian North
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.22227/1997-0935.2023.1.36-44; https://doaj.org/article/9dbe3d56ec60477cb57b540e12905543

Introduction. The reconstruction of Orthodox monastery complexes in the Russian North faces a number of challenges arising due to a dramatic increase in the number of pilgrims and tourists, as well as the restoration of traditional and emergence of new functions performed by monasteries. The author investigates the reconstruction of the Holy Trinity Zelenetsky Monastery (“the Zelenetsky Monastery”) in the Leningrad region amid an increasing number of visitors. By now, all the main traditional functions of this monastery have been restored in some way. Materials and methods. The authors use an integrated approach to identify the general principles that allow solving the most relevant problems of the Zelenetsky Monastery. This approach includes investigation of historical and design documents on the monastery architecture, analysis of functions performed by this monastery, analysis of restoration results, as well as the comprehensive assessment of the outcome of recommendations proposed here. Results. We propose a number of specific recommendations aimed at improving the architectural ensemble of the Zele­netsky Monastery. These recommendations are concerned with the master plan of the Zelenetsky Monastery, as well as the buildings of its main functional groups. The recommendations, that were formulated and justified earlier, are based on four general principles dealing with the reconstruction and development of Orthodox monastery complexes in the Russian North under the present-day conditions. Conclusions. The authors have developed recommendations for the reconstruction of the Zelenetsky Monastery. The implementation of these recommendations leads to the optimal zoning of the monastery area, preservation of its architectural ensemble and surrounding natural landscape. It also ensures the best conditions for monastery visitors and brethren.