Based on annalistic sources, hagiographic literature, ancient traditions, the author tells about the history of Russian monasteries, about their founders and saints, about the most important icons revered in Russia. A separate section of the book is devoted to iconography, the knowledge of which will teach the reader to correctly "read" icons, to penetrate their deep meaning. Unlike other similar publications, the book pays great attention to historical events and figures: crime and holiness, love and hatred, feat and betrayal - all this will be found by the reader on the pages of the book.