Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery on the Solovetsky Islands is that of the White Sea, located 60 km from the town of Kemi, 300 km from Arkhangelsk. In existence since the 15th century. In the monastery there are three beautiful cathedral. Transfiguration Cathedral was founded by Philip abbot in 1558, in 1566 was consecrated. It has a chapel on the south side and four small church, located at the corner by the heads of the church. The walls are painted with art painting. The cathedral is a magnificent five-tiered iconostasis, which was constructed in 1697 at the behest of Peter the Great, to provide them with the same tools. Trinity Zosimo-Savvatiy Cathedral built in 1859. It has two chapels. Here is the main shrine of the monastery - the relics Savvatii and Zosima, who are buried in a special cancer each and are located in the chapel of their name.

Under the cathedral at the bottom of a church in honor of St. Herman with his relics, defined under a bushel, here joined by a third cathedral - Assumption, which has a huge refectory. Assumption Cathedral was consecrated in 1557. St. Philip. Above its arches - two small temple, and is located under the refectory Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Church of St. Nicholas is placed between the Assumption and Transfiguration Cathedral. In connection with the church of St. Nicholas is the bell tower, which was built in 1777, its height is 27 fathoms. Between all the temples are connected by a long stone corridor, Facilitating the transition from one temple to the other, without any obstacles.

In a separate building is the church of St. Philip, which has at its vaults Znamenskii chapel and the Church of the Annunciation, arranged over the holy gates .  The Church of the Annunciation there is a carved wooden iconostasis, which is a remarkable monument of the 17th century carving .  Also in the monastery are three chapels .  Chapel of the Venerable Zosima, a chapel in the name of Reverend Irinarkh and a chapel in honor of Our Lady of the Sign .  The monastery also has the tomb of St. Philip, it relics of Philip to transfer them to Moscow .  On the territory there are two bell towers - and the royal cathedral .  The monastery is surrounded by a fortress wall, which was built in the period from 1584 po1594 year .  On the wall is the top indoor course, 8 towers with loopholes are arranged at the corners .  Above the gate there is a holy image of the Holy Face of the Savior, which was written in 1624 .  Solovetsky churches and sacristy are famous for the presence of ancient crosses, the Gospels, holy icons of ancient execution and church liturgical utensils .

Holy Lake is situated at the eastern side of the monastery. Nice clean water is palatable. The service is carried out in the monastery with the most demanding implementation of the charter of the church. The monastery was subjected to a seven-year siege, because of an open revolt of the monks. In 1676, he was taken by storm. In 1694 and 1702 the monastery went to Peter the Great. In memory of his first visit to the chapel was built on the shore at the place where he landed. The chapel still exists today. And at the bar, inside the holy gates placed two model ships on which he had arrived. During the Crimean war, British warships bombarded the monastery.

The monastery in 1859, was founded two-year college, and in 1880 was established iconographic school. Also at the monastery it is a hospital, a hospice and a variety of workshops.

At the beginning of the 20th century belonged to the monastery of the desert 3 and 6 monasteries. Solovki there were 19 churches and there was 30 hours.

In connection with the Revolution of 1917 the new government has declared war on the Church and the entire Orthodox Church. By decision of the Soviet authorities closed the monastery, and in 1923 there was founded Solovki Special Purpose Camp.

In 1967 there was established the Solovetsky Museum-Reserve. In 1988, the parish was formed, and six months later, there was a chapel consecrated Filippovskaya - the first restoration of the Church of the Solovetsky Islands.

In late October 1990, with the blessing of the Holy Synod, the opening of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Stavropegic.