The island of Stolnby is one of some 160 islands on Lake Seliger in western Russia, about 360 km from Moscow. The lake is a complex system of 212 sq km of interconnected lakes, channels and islands, a protected nature reserve surrounded by spectacular wild countryside of hills, fens, pine forest inhabited by moose, brown bears, lynxes and wolves. Photo by: Dmitry Chastikov

The island is remarkable for its enormous monastery, a breathtaking edifice that emerges majestically out of the waters of the lake. Built between the late 16th and early 19th centuries, the Nilova Pustyn Moastery, better known as Nil’s Hermitage, is one of the most impressive ensembles of neoclassical architecture in Europe. Photo by: Julia A

The origins of the monastery are not altogether clear but according to one story in the summer of 1528, a holy man known for his healing powers and gift of prophecy heard a heavenly voice commanding him to settle on the uninhabited island of Stolbny. He died in 1555 having lived here as a hermit for 27 years. The monastery became renowned for its miraculous healings and was once one of the most visited Christian religious centres in the world attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims every year. It is one of the greatest cultural monuments of the Orthodox era. Photo by: Julia A

When to go: May to September or December to January for breathtaking winter views and New Year Festival. Population: A small community of mocks. How to get there: From Moscow or St. Petersburg by train or car to Ostashkov via Tver. From Ostashkov quay take a boat to Stolnby or drive 25 km besides the lake from where you reach Stolbny by walking across a narrow wooden bridge. Photo by: Andrey Musin