150 km from Voronezh, near the village of Liski on the right bank of the Don, lies the amazing open-air museum of Divnogorye. Once a sea, this area later developed into a unique natural landscape with picturesque chalk outliers—"divas"—giving this extraordinary place its name. The reserve, with its many historical, cultural, architectural, and natural attractions, is a true treasure trove for active and inquisitive travelers.
The natural and archaeological complex contains three Orthodox churches and the Assumption Monastery. The Cave Church in Bolshie Divy deserves special attention. Carved directly into the chalk bedrock, the church consists of two stories with chambers and even has its own underground tunnel. From here, you can ascend to a height of 180 meters and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river valley and its surroundings.
The reserve boasts six caves carved into the rock on the right bank of the Tikhaya Sosna and Don rivers. The smallest cave is 27 meters long, the largest is 351 meters. Some are located in difficult-to-reach places and can only be reached with climbing equipment.
The Mayatskoye settlement is a monument of the Saltovo-Mayatskoye archaeological culture, of enormous cultural and historical significance. Archaeological finds show that for several thousand years, this area was a crossroads of various ancient cultures.
During excavations, jewelry and household items from the Khazar Kingdom, the Byzantine Empire, and nomadic tribes were discovered here. Today, visitors can see a white-stone fortress, an ancient settlement with necropolises, and pottery workshops.
The main symbol of Divnogorye is the impressive landscapes of chalk deposits, the beauty of which will leave no one indifferent. Snow-white cliffs give way to winding canyons and then smoothly transition into dense floodplain meadows, creating a unique picturesque landscape.
We also recommend visiting other interesting and very picturesque places in the vicinity of Voronezh: White Well Park and Voronezh Biosphere Reserve.