One of the main attractions of the Mogilev region is Assumption Monastery which consists of several churches, a bell tower, monastic cells and various outbuildings, and this complex is located in a small village Deserts.
In fact, Pustynki owes its history to the monastery, which was founded in these parts at the end of the 14th century by the decision of Prince Mstislavsky - Lugveny Olgerdovich.
The main building of the monastery is considered to be Assumption Cathedral, the construction of which took place from 1801 to 1808. In its architecture, the building is more of a baroque style and before the reconstruction of 1869 even resembled a church (perhaps the Basilian monks, who lived here until 1839, had done some work somewhere).
Today, this is the only building on the territory of the complex that has not been restored. I think it is only a matter of time, since over the last 10 years the monastery has been almost completely rebuilt.
Behind the Assumption Church is the Pokrovskaya Church of 1860, combined with a cell building. The church is built in the classical architectural style.
However, the most unusual and even impressive object of the monastery is the massive bell tower, built in the traditional Orthodox retrospective Russian style.
The tower has as many as 5 tiers. Probably originally it also served as a gate, at least an arched opening exists (blocked up on one side).
The bell tower spire differs from the original design and has a more simplified appearance. In the old photo at the beginning of the article, you can see how the top looked at the beginning of the 20th century.
After the revolution of 1917, an active anti-religious policy began, so by 1925 there were no monks left in Pustynki. All valuables were taken out of the churches, and the monastery buildings were given over to the needs of an orphanage.
During the war, the monastery suffered greatly, but was not completely destroyed. The Pustynki orphanage operated until the mid-1960s, after which it was closed, and in 1978 the last residents left Pustynki.
The restoration of the monastery in the village of Pustynki has been actively carried out since 2003. Many tourists come here and the place can safely be called extremely popular. Anyone can visit the territory of the complex.
The Pustynsky Monastery is located in the border area, ten kilometers from the city of Mstislavl, below is a point with a mark of the object on the map:
In these parts I recommend visiting the Carmelite Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and unique building of the boys' gymnasium in Mstislavl.
