stalis excursions

Stalis Excursions – Stalis Tours – Stalis Events

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Book online your Stalis Excursions , Tours , or Event tickets. Cheap, Easy, Fast, Safe!

Check-out all Stalis Excursions, Tours, and Events by clicking  HERE   or click on the icons below to see relevant services from Stalis area .

VisitCrete.com co-operates with the majority of the tour & event organizers in Stalis area, giving you the best choices you got, at a glance!

You can find:

–  City Tours  to the cities of Chania, Heraklion, Rethymnon

– Culture Tours to Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Lasithi Plateau, and Zeus Cave

– Folklore Shows . The best available Folklore shows in the area. The well known Karouzano Village & the new experience:  The Olive Oil Festival

–  Jeep Safari’s  with Land Rovers, Buggies , Quads . The real off-road experience!

–  Land Excursions  to South & East Crete, Elafonisi (the pink beach)

– Boat Trips  to Santorini, Spinalonga, Chrissi, Gramvousa, Koufonisi island

– Walking Tours to Samaria Gorge and the nearby Stalis area’s

– Waterparks . Spend a day in the most famous waterpark of Crete. Watercity!

– Events . Book any event (Party, Concert, Festival) in Stalis online…

All excursions, tours & events that require a transfer from Stalis, are included in the prices. With pick-ups from/to your hotel or a nearby pick-up point.

Summer 2023 Special Offer!

Click one of the following icons to see & book online relevant services…, what to do in hersonissos.

Stalis, a picturesque seaside village nestled on the captivating island of Crete, offers a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. While the village itself exudes a unique charm, Stalis’ surrounding areas beckon you to explore its diverse offerings. That’s why we wholeheartedly recommend indulging in our captivating Stalis excursions during your stay.

Whether you seek serene escapes, cultural immersions, or delightful adventures, our wide range of excursions caters to all preferences. From historical tours and cultural explorations to boat trips, water sports, jeep safaris, and guided outings, our excursions will lead you to breathtaking coastal landscapes, ancient landmarks, and quaint villages, unveiling the hidden treasures of Crete. These excursions are available in both full and half-day tours departing from Stalis.

Enriching your excursion experience are our knowledgeable and friendly guides, who are passionate about sharing captivating stories and insights about Crete’s history, culture, and traditions. By joining our excursions, you’ll have the chance to connect with locals, savor delicious cuisine, and create cherished memories.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of your Stalis getaway! Book your seats online today and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

1. What is Stalis known for? Stalis is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and laid-back ambiance. The village boasts a tranquil shoreline embraced by crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and beach lovers. Stalis is also known for its friendly atmosphere, with charming tavernas, bars, and shops that welcome visitors with open arms.

2. Is it worth visiting Stalis? Absolutely! Stalis offers a wonderful retreat for those seeking a peaceful coastal escape. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the serene beaches, explore the surrounding natural beauty, or savor local delights at quaint eateries, Stalis promises a delightful and rejuvenating experience.

3. How long should I spend in Stalis? To fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Stalis, we recommend dedicating at least two to three days to your visit. This will allow you ample time to enjoy the beaches, explore nearby attractions such as the ancient city of Malia, and indulge in leisurely strolls along the charming waterfront.

4. Can you walk around Stalis? Absolutely! Stalis is a lovely village for leisurely walks and exploration. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot. As you wander through the village, you’ll discover inviting spots, local shops, and delightful cafes. If you wish to explore the wider region surrounding Stalis, such as the beautiful Lassithi Plateau, you can join one of our guided tours or consider renting a car.

VisitCrete.com Crete Excursions

Thank you for considering VisitCrete.com for your excursions in Crete! We hope that you find all the information you need on our website, but we understand that you may still have some questions. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive FAQ section to address some of the most common inquiries we receive from our visitors.

Our FAQ section covers a wide range of topics, including booking and payment, cancellation policies, tour itineraries, transportation, and more. We’ve done our best to provide clear and concise answers to these questions, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy a hassle-free experience with us.

To access our FAQ section , simply click on the ‘ FAQ ‘ link: https://excursions.visitcrete.com/visitcretes-excursions-faq/ . If you can’t find the answer to your question there, please feel free to contact us via phone or live chat. Our customer service team is available to assist you and ensure that you have a wonderful experience with VisitCrete.com.

We hope that our FAQ section helps you find the information you need, and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our excursions soon!

For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810 341560

We LOVE to answer questions…

VisitCrete.com

15 Arkoleon Str, GR-71202 Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Phone: (+30) 2810341560 Fax: (+30) 2810343740 Skype: visitcrete

VisitCrete Helpdesk

Unlocking the Secrets of Chania city: Your Complete Guide to Hidden Gems and Timeless Wonders

A Night Where Olive Groves Whisper Tales and Traditions Come Alive: An Enchanting Journey Through Crete’s Culinary Legacy

The Ultimate Guide to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon Beach: Crete’s Spectacular Twin Wonders

Journey Through the Natural Wonders of Crete: A Dive Into the Mystical Samaria Gorge

Explore the Enigmatic Beauty of Spinalonga Island: A Must-Visit Destination in Crete

Chrissi Island: Explore Crete’s Hidden Tropical Paradise and Unveil a New Adventure!

[email protected] +302897031893

+306943463797

Quality services at competitive prices

We will help you to organize your stay on the beautiful island of Crete and will do everything possible to make it a memorable one for you. 

We are constantly working on improving the quality of our services, paying special attention to the choice of the organizers of the tours. We can safely vouch for the quality of our services.

We offer group or individual tours. Our professional guides will tell you the most interesting things about the history and traditions of Crete and show you our beautiful island so that You will want to come back here again and again.

For our customers we provide a free service of booking and tickets delivery to the hotels located in the areas of Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Analipsi, Anissaras, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Sissi.

We will arrange a transfer in Crete. Our professional driver will meet you at the airport and comfortably take you to your destination!

Free Pick-Up / Return to/from Airports - Hotels

24 Hours road assistance all over the island of Crete

Road maps,  Baby seats

Our prices include all!

NO EXTRA CHARGE

We offer comfortable apartments for every taste in every corner of Crete! We are engaged in the selection of apartments, directly contacting the landlords, so You do not have to pay a Commission to the intermediary. This is much more profitable than using the services of agencies.

The accommodation has its own significant advantages:​

large space, gorgeous bedrooms, great furniture, beautiful grounds, usually close to the sea;

comfort and convenience;

privacy (without the prying eyes and noisy neighbors);

it is beneficial for family or company. In the end it turns out cheaper than staying in a hotel.

Renting an apartment allows a modern tourist to abandon the classic version of mass entertainment and enjoy complete freedom of rest, regardless of the hotel regime.

With us you will feel like a local!

• Beaches and Islands
• Buggy Safari
• Coach tours
• Cooking lessons
• Culture & History
• Diving and Snorkeling
• Horse riding
• Jeep Safari
• Mini Bus tours
• Mountain Biking
• Private tours
• Quad-ATV Safari
• Sailing trips
• Walking & Hiking
• Water parks
• Water Sports
• Hersonissos
• Kokkini Hani
• Koutouloufari
• Agios Nikolaos
• Agia Pelagia
• Agia Marina
• Chania city
• Georgioupoli

About Travel in Crete Excursions

• Heraklion City
• Rethymnon City
• Chania City
• Beaches & Islands
• Wine and Food
• Bicycle rentals

Welcome to Travel in Crete Excursions in Stalis!

Stalis is a beautiful and vibrant resort located on the island of Crete, Greece. We offer a wide range of activities and tours to make your stay in Stalis an unforgettable experience. Whether you are interested in exploring the local culture, taking in the breathtaking scenery, or trying new and exciting adventures, we have something for everyone.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you plan your perfect itinerary, from scenic boat trips to thrilling hikes and everything in between. We offer a variety of experiences to suit all interests and budgets, and are committed to providing exceptional service to make your stay in Stalis truly special.

So come and explore the wonders of Crete with us! We look forward to helping you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel in Crete – Excursion Center

N. Grammatikaki 700 07 Malia

Crete Greece

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Stalida (Stalis) in Crete: What To See and Do & Insider Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024

Find out everything you need to know before visiting Stalida in Crete, Greece. Like whether Stalis beach is nice and whether it’s family-friendly, best things to see and do in and around Stalida and where’s the best part of town to stay.

Planning a vacation in Crete and wondering whether you should stay in Stalida or Stalis? You’ve come to the right place!

We spent 1 week in Stalis exploring the south and northeast coast of Crete. And boy, did it not disappoint!

This Crete travel guide shares everything you need to know before booking your vacation in Stalis in Greece. It answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Stalida.

Like whether Stalida is nice, what Stalis beach is like and whether it’s good for families, what to see and do in and around Stalida, and where’s the best part of town to stay.

Make sure to follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss our future travel guides on Crete.

Related Guide: Visiting Crete for the first time? Skip the guesswork and follow our Two Weeks in Crete Itinerary . Explore jaw-dropping waterfalls, hike magnificent gorges and discover the best beaches in Crete over 14 days.

Things To Know Before Visiting Stalida in Crete

Before jumping straight into what to see and do in Stalis. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions travelers ask when visiting Stalida in Crete.

Where is Stalis in Crete?

Stalis (also known as Stalida) is a small resort town located on the northeast coast of Crete. It’s situated around midway between the capital city, Heraklion, and the gorgeous coastal town of Agios Nikolaos in east Crete.

Stalis is a great place to base yourself if you plan to explore east Crete without a car. The town of Stalida is within walking distance of public transport (ie. buses), so you can easily explore nearby towns like Hersonissos, Malia, and Gouves without renting a car in Crete.

Interesting Fact: The meaning of the name ‘Stalis’ comes from the Greek verb ‘stalizo’ which means ‘a stop for rest’. The town was named ‘Stalis’ because it was a place where shepherds and farmers rested while traveling between villages.

Is Stalida in Crete Nice?

This is a question we get asked very often: ‘Is it worth visiting Stalis in Crete and is it a nice town to stay in?’.

The answer will depend on what type of vacation you’re looking for. We spent a week based in Stalida and thoroughly enjoyed exploring east Crete from Stalis.

But we understand that everyone has different needs and vacation goals. So here are some pros and cons of staying in Stalis so you can decide for yourself.

Stalis is a nice town to stay in if you don’t want the hassle of renting and driving a car in Crete. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

Restaurants (and authentic Greek tavernas), bars, cafes, and shops are all within walking distance. So you can easily find other things to do in Stalis if you don’t want to spend every day on the beach.

And if you want to venture beyond Stalida, you can easily take the public bus, or rent a buggy (i.e. quadbike) or scooter to explore its nearby towns. You can find out how to do this in our How To Get Around Crete guide.

Is Stalis lively?

Stalis is lively without being overly crowded and busy. The main road of Stalida is lined with cozy restaurants, traditional Greek tavernas, bustling cafes, and bakeries that will make your mouth water whilst you pick your next culinary delight.

But if you’re looking to dance the night away, then you may be disappointed by the limited nightlife in Stalis. You’ll find bars and pubs in Stalida, but not nightclubs.

Stalis may also not be the best place to stay if you want to visit the  best known (i.e famous) beaches in west Crete . Like Seitan Limania beach, Balos beach, Gramvousa island, or Elafonissi (pink sand) beach.

Crete is a massive island. It’s better to stay on the west part of the island if those beaches are on your Crete travel itinerary.

The other downside of Stalis is that it doesn’t have the old town charisma you’ll find in Chania or Rethymno. The upside though, is that Stalida is much quieter and less touristy in comparison.

This makes Stalis a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly vacation. Not only are the prices of hotels and vacation apartments much cheaper in Stalida compared to Rethymno and Chania. But the prices of eating out (i.e. restaurants, cafes), shopping and excursions are also less expensive.

Related Guide:  How much does a trip to Greece cost? Get a detailed cost breakdown for flights, hotels, car rental, eating out, and more, in our  How Expensive Is Crete  guide.

Is Stalis Beach Sandy?

Yes! Stalis is best known for its long, sandy beach. The beach stretches almost 1km long from Slalom Water Sports to  I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa .

Stalis beach may not be the most beautiful beach you’ll see in Crete. But it’s definitely one of the best beach options to visit without renting a car or hiking.

It’s a great all-around beach for couples or a group of friends. But it’s particularly well-known for being one of the best beaches for families in Crete.

The gentle gradient of Stalis beach makes it particularly family-friendly. There are also lifeguards on duty on  the main beach  of Stalida. So there’s an extra pair of eyes to watch the kids whilst you relax on a sunbed and enjoy a cocktail or two.

And if you’re keen to explore other beaches beyond Stalis. You can easily rent a car and explore the other beautiful beaches on the east coast of Crete. Read our  Best Beaches in East Crete  to get a sneak peek!

To see the most unique beaches in Crete, we’d recommend heading south! Check out our  South Crete Beaches  guide to explore these other-worldly Crete attractions.

And for the ultimate one-stop-shop, read our 21  Best Beaches in Crete  guide.

How far is Stalis from the Airport?

Stalis is not far from the airport. The closest airport to Stalida is Heraklion Airport, which is a 20 to 30 minute (around 30km) drive to Stalis.

How To Get From Heraklion Airport To Stalis

There are a few ways to get from Heraklion Airport to Stalis. The cheapest option is taking the public bus.

Be prepared for a long airport transfer though. There are many stops along the way so the usual 20 to 30-minute drive becomes a 1.5 to 2-hour trip from the airport to Stalida on the public bus.

For the fastest option, we’d recommend taking a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Stalis instead. We booked our taxi (i.e. airport transfer) with  Crete Cab  and paid €34 for a quick and relaxing trip to our hotel in Stalis.

If you’re traveling as a bigger group (5 people or more), we’d recommend booking a  private transfer from Heraklion airport . This airport transfer can take you to any destination of your choice in Crete, not just Stalida.

Save Me For Later

Where To Stay in Stalida

Stalida is not a big town in Crete. So you can technically stay wherever you want in Stalis and still be within walking distance of everything you’ll need.

But if you’re visiting Crete for the beach, then we’d recommend staying in a beachfront hotel, of course!

Here are some recommendations of where to stay in Stalis to get you started:

Budget Hotels in Stalis, Crete

• 4S Beach Superior Apartments
• Skajado Holiday Apartments
• Ellie Apartments Stalida
• Koni Village Hotel

Midrange Hotels in Stalida, Crete

• Horizon Beach  (all-inclusive)
• Cactus Beach  (all-inclusive)

Luxury Stalis Beach Hotels

• Zephyros Beach Boutique Hotel
• Blue Sea Beach Affiliated by Melia
• I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa
• Soleil Apartments

Looking for more? Compare the price of hotels in Stalis or check out Stalis hotel reviews on TripAdvisor before deciding.

Related Guide: Looking for more options and inspiration for places to stay in Crete besides Stalis? Read our  Where To Stay in Crete  guide! It shares insider tips on where to stay in Crete with kids, for a romantic couples getaway, to the best hotels for beautiful beaches and epic nightlife, with or without renting a car.

What To Do In Stalida (Stalis), Crete

There are plenty of things to see and do in Stalis besides the beach! Here’s a list of what to see and do when visiting Stalida in Crete:

Eating Out At Authentic Greek Restaurants (Tavernas) in Stalis

It would be a sin to visit Greece and not try their world-famous cuisine! That’s especially true when visiting Stalis. The food here is not only mouth-watering but also SO affordable too!

You can easily enjoy an incredible meal for 2 including wine for under €30! And chances are high that you’ll probably get dessert and a shot of raki or ouzo on the house. The local restauranteurs are so friendly that they’ll make you feel like lifelong friends from day one.

Here are some of the restaurants we visited and loved in Stalis.

Stalis Restaurants

Four brothers.

We enjoyed our first meal in Crete at the  Four Brothers  Restaurant and it did not disappoint! We both had the fresh fish of the day and highly recommend it! Besides the delicious food, they offer amazing service too. The owner Kostas and his sons are the most friendly hosts we’ve ever met and made our stay in Stalis unforgettable.

They also have a great beach bar area where you can enjoy cocktails and other drinks right on the beach. It’s a great spot to enjoy sundowners before heading up for dinner.

Mastoras  is another traditional Cretan Taverna you should not miss when in Stalis! We enjoyed creamy garlic mussels as an appetizer. Then followed that with a scrumptious moussaka and a traditional beef giouvetsi (rice pilaf).

Maria’s House

If you’re craving a good roast, then head over to  Maria’s House . They roast their own meat fresh every day. We enjoyed a full roast chicken with a side of fries that was more than sufficient to share between us.

Bonus Tip: Hotels, restaurants, shopping, renting sunbeds, and beach umbrellas are generally cheaper on east vs west Crete.

Watersports in Stalida

There are plenty of options to do watersports in Stalis. Just head over to  Zervas Watersports ,  Skyride Watersports , or  Slalom Watersports  and pick your favorite activity.

Bonus Tip: Always wanted to learn how to scuba dive? Give it a go with this Beginner’s Scuba Diving Experience .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:

• SafetyWing  (best for everyone)
• AXA  (for US residents)
• Outbacker  (for UK residents)
• Allianz  (for Germany residents)

Get A Massage in Stalis

If you love Thai massages, then you must go to the  Original Thai Massage ! We loved it so much we went twice! The masseuse is from Thailand herself so this is as authentic as it gets.

Stalis Nightlife

As we mentioned earlier, Stalis is not known for its nightlife. There are bars and pubs, but you’ll have to venture to Malia or Hersonissos for nightclubs (more on that later!).

Rent A Buggy Or Scooter in Stalida, Crete

A great way to explore Stalis and its neighboring towns and villages in east Crete is by quad bike (buggy) or scooter. You can easily rent one on the island.

In Stalis, we recommend renting a buggy or scooter with Alex from the  Crete Machine Club . He is very friendly and can map out a personalized east Crete itinerary for you.

The prices to rent buggies and scooters may have changed since we were there last. But just so that you have an idea to plan your travel budget.

The prices are €50 to rent a buggy that fits 2 people for one day. If you rent for 2 days, you get 1 day free. And scooters cost €10 per day.

Rent a Car in Stalis

A buggy and scooter can only take you so far. To travel further than the neighboring towns and villages around Stalida, we’d recommend renting a car. We rented a car in Crete from  EuroMotor Creta  in Stalis.

Car rental prices will vary depending on whether you’re traveling during low or high peak season. But we spent €496 to rent a car in Crete for 12 days. That works out to renting a car for €41 per day.

You can compare prices for renting a car in Crete on  DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.com and look for a better deal. But we went with EuroMotor Creta because they didn’t require us to book with a credit card.

The price also included full car insurance as well as a one-way fee. This worked out better for us since we wanted to return the car at Chania Airport instead of Stalis.

Things To Do In and Around Stalida (Stalis), Crete

Looking for things to do near Stalis? Here are some ideas for what to see and do near Stalida without renting a car.

Day Trip From Stalis to Malia

Take a day trip from Stalis and explore the town of Malia. It’s another popular coastal town to visit on the northeast coast of Crete.

The beach at Malia may not be as long and extensive as Stalis. But Malia has the incredible nightlife scene that you won’t find in Stalida.

Malia is so famous for its nightlife, that it has an entire strip dedicated to it – the Malia party strip. It’s basically like a mini Las Vegas for trendy bars and epic nightclubs.

During the day, we’d recommend exploring the beautiful old town of Malia. And if you love archaeological sites, we’d recommend renting a scooter or buggy and visiting the  Minoan town ruins  just 3km outside of Malia.

Bonus Tip: Need a caffeine fix? Enjoy a deliciously brewed cup of coffee at  Coffee Island . And when you’re ready to sit down for lunch or dinner, we’d recommend going to  Stone House . They only cook what they can buy fresh and you can taste the difference in every bite!

How To Get From Stalis (Stalida) To Malia in Crete

Malia is located around 3km east of Stalida. So you can easily walk from Stalis to Malia if you wish.

We did just that. Explored the town of Malia for the day and then took the public bus back from Malia to Stalida when we got tired.

You can find  the local bus stop  on El Venizelou road near Coffee Island and wait for the turquoise bus. They come every 30 minutes and will cost €1.60 per person to go from Malia to Stalis.

Bonus Tip: There’s a cashier on the bus. Just make sure you have cash to pay because they don’t take card.

Malia vs Stalis

Can’t decide between staying in Malia vs Stalis? Don’t worry – we’re here to help!

They are both great coastal towns to stay in, in north east Crete. But we’d recommend staying in Stalida if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach. There are more beachfront hotels to choose from in Stalis vs Malia. And it’s also quieter and more family-friendly.

But if you’re looking for a more lively, bustling town with plenty of things to do at night, then we’d recommend Malia.

Day Trip From Stalis to Hersonissos

Another great town to explore near Stalis is Hersonissos. It’s a much larger seaside town compared to Stalis and Malia with plenty of things to see and do.

Families with kids will love visiting the  CretAquarium ,  Acqua Plus Water Park , or  Dinosauria Park .

For outdoor lovers, don’t miss these activities:

• Catamaran cruise from Hersonissos to Dia Island (6.5 hours)
• Sunset cruise from Hersonissos to Agios Georgios Bay (3.5 hours)
• Guided quad bike safari tour to explore the mountains of Crete (5 hours)

And if you’re traveling as a couple or a group of friends, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Hersonissos to explore.

For dinner, we’d recommend heading over to Hersonissos Village and picking a restaurant there. We went to  Myrtios Traditional Taverna  and enjoyed every scrumptious bite!

How To Get From Stalis (Stalida) To Hersonissos in Crete

The best way to get from Stalis to Hersonissos in Crete is to either rent a scooter or buggy to drive there or take the public bus.

Just head over to  bus stop 28  or  29  in Stalis to take the public transport to Hersonissos.

Wrapping Things Up

Stalis may not be as well-known as Chania or Rethymno, but it’s a great town to stay in Crete for many reasons.

It’s small enough to explore on foot so you don’t need to rent a car to get around. The town has lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops so there’s plenty to do besides spending it on the beach.

We also loved the fact that Stalida is lively without being overly crowded and busy. Perfect for families with kids or travelers who prefer to avoid the crowds.

And if you do want to wander and explore, you can easily do so taking the public bus to nearby towns like Malia or Hersonissos.

The only downsides are that Stalis doesn’t have the old town charm that Chania and Rethymno have and that it’s quite a drive to visit the most famous beaches on the island.

But if you don’t mind skipping these popular and often crowded attractions, you’ll save a lot of money staying here. Not only are the prices of hotels and vacation apartments much cheaper in Stalida compared to the towns in the west. But the prices of eating out (i.e. restaurants, cafes), shopping and excursions are also less expensive.

For more tips on how to save time, money and unnecessary stress, check out our Crete Travel Tips guide.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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