Cave Church (Livny)

Livny, Oryol Oblast, has an underground church in chalk caves on the town edge. Dating disputed; tradition links caves to monastic or Cossack past. Interior with iconostasis, altar and prayer niches; white crumbling chalk walls. Periodically used for services; check access locally. Livny is an old Sosna town with fortress history; the cave church contrasts with surface churches in the centre. Little known outside the oblast. Torch and caution required: uneven floor, low ceiling in places. Visit with a local contact or parish arrangement. Livny ~90 km from Oryol; combine with southern oblast routes. Do not scratch chalk walls. Modest dress if attending service.