Spassky Cave Church in Russia

On the banks of the Don River, in the picturesque Voronezh region of Russia lies one of the most fascinating tourist attractions this country has to offer - the Spassky Cave Church. It’s believed the first caves were dug into the cretaceous mounts of Kostomarovo before the adoption of Christianity in Russia. Hermit monks would use these austere cell-like spaces to hide from persecution, and it wasn’t until the 12th century that the first rock monastery was carved in the region. Because there is no any historical note, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact date the Spassky Cave Church appeared near the small Russian village of Kostomarovo, but it is now considered one of the most incredible monuments of ancient architecture in Russia.

The Svyato-Spassky Convent in Kostomarovo is an ancient cave monastery located about 150 kilometers south of the town of Voronezh, just 3-hours drive away. There are two churches in these caves: a big Spassky temple with columns and a small St. Seraphim Sarovsky church. The Spassky temple burrows deep into the chalky cliff to form a spacious interior that can house up to 2,000 people.
This church is unique, made by carving a rocky mountain. The style is influenced by Byzantine architecture, but the interior is much more Orthodox style.

This unique and amazing building has a sad story. In the past, the Spassky Cave Church is used as torture chambers the communists against the monks. During communist power they were expelled from church, even one from them was shot.

Those who have visited Spassky Church speak of a fantastic sense of easiness and divine bliss, and it also has a reputation for healing diseases and wounds, helping people make the right decisions and cleansing sins. In fact, there is even a Cave of Repentance inside the chalk church where condemned sinners were once confined to repent for their sins. The sense of easiness may also be influenced by the beautiful natural surroundings that the locals believe look so much like the Holy Land that they named them after it. There is a hill of Golgotha, a Mount Tabor and even a Gethsemane Garden. Local residents believe that place around Spassky Cave Church is a sacred place.

Although famous among Russia’s religious folk, Spassky Church and the cretaceous caves of Kostomorovo remain almost unknown to the rest of the world.

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Top 8 Private-Island Homes

1.E Sister Rock Island, Marathon Florida

For sale: US $12,000,000

Many homes in the Florida Keys boast private beachfront and spectacular water views. Few, however, can lay claim to having a 360-degree beachfront, but this special private island home does.
Located a quarter-mile off the Atlantic shore of Marathon, FL, this small and private oasis on East Sister Rock Island is surrounded by white sand and coral reef.
The islands have a home, it’s a little house. This house is 5,000 square feet.
The Marathon home for sale is completely off-the-grid, relying on solar panels on the roof and side of the house for power, and cisterns collect rainwater.
Built in 1980 as a family getaway spot, the home holds all the vacation essentials: a wrap-around porch measuring 2,700 square feet, private dock and 21-foot-long boat, which is included in the sale. The island also has a helipad for ease of transportation to the Marathon and Miami airports.
The Bahamas-style residence was updated in 2001 and features enormous windows and 19 sliding glass doors that open out to veranda. In addition to the three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the main home, there is a smaller, detached 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest house. 

2. Architectural Island Gem, Lake Mahopac, New York

You don't have to be a Frank Lloyd Wright fan to recognize his signature style in this private island home. Its 28-foot cantilever is nearly twice the length of the one at Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Celebrating the island's natural surroundings, the home, which is in Lake Mahopac, New York, features an enormous boulder in its entry hall and rocky surfaces discovered along the shores.

 

3. Pine Cay Private Island Community, Providenciales, Turks And Caicos Islands

Situated on Pine Cay, an 800-acre private island, this 10,000 square foot home is nestled in a lush landscape framed by an intimate pond. The villa-style residence is one of only a few exclusive residences on the tiny Caribbean island. Each of the home's four bedrooms is housed in a separate pavilion. Located at Amanyara Villas, it has its own private black-volcanic-rock, infinity-edged pool.

4. Wallis Island, Australia

 With exceptional views over Wallis Lake and the surrounding area, and just 50 metres from its own jetty, 
the chateau offers fantastic opportunities for water skiing, windsurfing and swimming.

For sale: AUD $20,000,000

Built in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Le Marais faces a 1.5km beach and is in a region that is considered to have one of the best climates in the world.

Despite the property’s classic feel, it also has impeccable eco credentials, as it will have its own electricity generation system and solar panels, meaning it will be entirely self-sufficient.

This is where stunning architecture, nature, cutting edge technology and self-sufficient green energy come together to create the perfect, private oasis.

5. Cabbage Tree Island Estate, Australia

Cabbage Tree Island Estate is an exotic mid-North Coast paradise overlooking the Manning River and Pacific Ocean.

For sale: AUD $4,200,000

Situated on the waterfront, the main residence is set in park-like established gardens including magnificent 100-year old Port Jackson and Moreton Bay figs, Orange Guava, Cherry Guava, Pineapple Guava, Persimmon, Lychee, Custard Apple, Mango, Sapote, Orange, Lemon and Lime Trees.
With 3 residences and 5 Lots spanning approx. 130 acres, the Estate is situated on Cabbage Tree Island, around 5 kms to the township of Old Bar and about 25 mins driving time to Forster, and approx. 3 1/2 hrs driving distance from Sydney. The property is everything you would imagine island-living to be, and so much more. Spectacular views and scenery, glorious peace and solitude, vast rolling lawns and magnificent 100-year old trees.

 

6. North Coco Plum Island, Belize

This 3 year old Private Green Island Resort feels like you’ve entered a Tropical Nature Park with a mile of Sand Paths, surrounded by Crystal Clear Waters, spectacular Star Filled Nights and Some of the Friendliest People in the western hemisphere.

For sale: US $2,750,000

North Coco Plum Caye is located a short 15 minute flight from the International Airport and 30 minutes by boat from the mainland in the Southwater Marine Reserve off Dangriga Town on the Central Coast of Belize.
This handcrafted Eco-Island with 5 concrete Casitas ,5 Over Water Cabanas, and a 3 Unit Family Villa accommodates 31 in privacy and comfort.
World Class Scuba, Snorkeling, Sailing, Fly Fishing and Sea Kayaking are featured in this accessible part of Belize. Banks, pharmacies, markets, and essentials are only 30 minutes away.
This turnkey, fully titled, private Green Island feels like you’ve entered a Tropical Nature Park with a mile of Sand Paths and two Beaches surrounded by Crystal Clear Waters and spectacular Star Filled Nights.

7. Sandy Cay Bahamas, Bahamas

Sandy Cay is an private island nestled in the turquoise waters of The Sea of Abaco and is currently enjoyed as a private family retreat.

For sale: US $14,000,000

The potential is enormous for the use of the island as a an upscale private boutique resort. There are four residences on the island, a private Harbour that houses the five vessels included with the island, a fitness center comparable to commercial facilities, two beaches, and much more.
Located just off Man O War Cay, Sandy Cay offers an ideal location in the protected Sea of Abaco. Unnoticed by most that pass, the island has been developed very carefully, leaving much of the natural vegetation that provides the utmost privacy.
The island offers four homes strategically placed on the island to capture the views and to offer seclusion to its guests. Leading from the main house, beautiful white sand paths manicured and lined with conch shells lead to the various buildings, beaches and private harbour.
There are two beaches on the island, one facing west and the other facing the south east, with a total of over 800 feet of white powder soft sand. The island also lends itself to the potential of development. Sandy Cay provides an ideal opportunity for an exclusive private boutique resort as there is ample room on the island for further development.
Being centrally located in The Sea of Abaco, just 5 minutes from Marsh Harbour and Hope Town, day trips are a breeze for both owners and guests.

8. Cave Cay, Bahamas

Rarely does an island with the attributes of Cave Cay become available. Stunning natural beauty, a protected and private, deep-water harbour and marina with floating cement dock system and 35 dock slips, plus a 2,800 ft. private airstrip make this the perfect private island.

For sale: US $110,000,000

Located in the heart of the Exumas and near to famed Musha Cay, Cave Cay is one of the most beautiful spots in the world and is totally self sufficient with water and power supplied by diesel generators, while solar energy can easily be made available. The island is available “as is”, and features unspoiled beaches, lush vegetation, elevations of up to 40 ft. capturing breathtaking views, and a vast excess of compacted sand that can be sold to nearby islands if desired.
Perched atop one of the highest points on the island, the luxurious main house is move-in ready and enjoys 360-degree views and top-of-the-line appointments. Plans for 38 buildings totaling 70,000 sq. ft. include a 3-story houseboat with a marina shop on the first level and a 2-story residence overhead, plus staff and maintenance buildings. A large clubhouse and restaurant, shower and bathroom facilities, and three guest houses with hotel rooms and suites are still under construction.
Approved as a full-fledged commercial operation with approvals for a marina, hotel with an unlimited number of rooms, and clubhouse, this island paradise can be fully completed and operational in 6 months with a full construction crew, or converted for private use as a club or family compound. The owners have thought of everything - all building materials and heavy equipment are included such as tractors, rollers, graders, trucks, golf carts, boats, full and back-up generating systems, machine shops, back-up supplies of all working parts for easy repairs, along with a great team of 6 employees that are intimately familiar with the island. A 118 ft. landing craft and a dredger round off this sales offering.
A once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a private island that has it all endless possibilities to enhance it to you personal taste.

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