Founded in 1850, the Iversky Women's Monastery, or nunnery, was once home to more than 500 nuns. The ensemble, which faces the Volga and includes chapels and a 70 meter belfry as well as accommodation for the sisters, is largely a late 19th and early 20th Century creation. The monastery was closed in 1925 and used as a residence for the workers at the Zhigulevsky Brewery across the street. Parts of the monastery were destroyed in the following years. Reopened in 1991, the monastery has been the subject of a huge refurbishment effort that has it looking pristine once again. Perhaps not particularly inspiring by its history or treasures, the Iversky Monastery is nonetheless an aesthetically pleasing creation and is well worth a look. The monastery is also renowned for its crafts so is a good source of souvenirs.
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