Discover a beautiful spiritual pearl of the Ukrainian Carpathians – Maniava Skete and Maniava Waterfall surrounded by a dense coniferous forest. Feel a peaceful atmosphere of this ancient Orthodox monastery, often called “Ukrainian Athos”.
Maniava
Maniava waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Carpathians and is located on the Maniavka river in the Gorgany mountain ridge in Ukraine. It falls down by two water flows from the height of almost 20 meters. The riverbed below the waterfall forms a stone canyon. The waterfall also boasts a small lake, where the water remains cool even in hot season. Fir and beech forests line the waterfall creating a very beautiful and tranquil environment.
Covered with ice chimeras in the winter it always surprises by its uniqueness and magic with an enchanting effect on the visitors who frequent the place, now and again.
Maniava Skete of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross otherwise known as Ukrainian Athos, is Orthodox solitary cell men´s monastery (skete) in the Carpathian Mountains of western Ukraine. It is situated on the outskirts of the village of Maniava.
The history of the Manaiva Skete dates back to the 13th century, when monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra found a holly spring on the "Blessed Stone". According to the legend, the monks witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary and founded a cave monastery in this place. It is believed that water from the source has healing properties.
Maniava Skete is famous for the apparition of Virgin Mary who appeared here twice and for its miracle-working icon of Maniava Icon of Mother of God. The icon "cried" twice, shedding myrrh (supernatural oil) in 2004 and last in spring of 2012. Thousands of Orthodox pilgrims arrive here during the year.