Nikolskaya Church (Karachev)

Nikolskaya Church in Karachev stands at 219 Pervomayskaya St. on the city's eastern edge. The temple was founded in 1855 and consecrated in 1860; built of brick in late classical style with a central dome and four corner cupolas. Karachev is one of Bryansk Oblast's oldest towns; first mention dates to the 12th century. The city survived the Batu invasion, the Time of Troubles and WWII; many old buildings were lost, so Nikolskaya Church is a notable architectural landmark. The interior follows a typical 19th-century Orthodox pattern: iconostasis, wall paintings, bell tower. Visiting hours depend on services; outside service times tours may be arranged with the parish. Nikolo-Odrin Monastery lies a few kilometres from town — a separate route point; the city Nikolskaya Church is closer to the centre and suits a short stop. Karachev sits at the crossroads from Bryansk to Oryol and from Novozybkov to Kaluga — a logical transit stop.