Kholkov Cave Monastery

Holy Trinity Kholkov Monastery stands at Kholki village, Chernyansky District, 15 km from Novy Oskol on the right bank of the Oskol. Church tradition dates the site to 1620; monks lived and prayed in chalk caves hewn into the hill. The cave complex resembles Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in layout: cells, churches and passages carved in chalk. The monastery survived closure and revival; since 1999 it has been an official men's monastery of Belgorod Diocese. An gate church of SS Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, Vladimir Chapel and Church of the Don Icon of the Mother of God were built on site. The caves remain the main shrine of the route. Kholkov Monastery is a regional cultural heritage site. In 2022 the Bank of Russia issued a commemorative coin dedicated to the monastery. The visit combines religious and geological interest: white chalk walls contrast with Oskol floodplain greenery. Respect modest dress and silence in an active monastery. Kholkov caves stay cool even in heat — bring a light jacket. Chalk walls are fragile; modest dress and silence apply in the active monastery.