An underground monastery dating back to the 17th century has been restored in West Russia's Belgorod region.

The huge underground complex, which was looted and destroyed after the October Revolution, was sanctified again by the local Archbishop.

The cave monastery, named after St. Ignatius the Icon-bearer, is located below a hill that is 100 meters below the local river Oskol, according to a press release from the Belgorod governor's office.

The combined length of the caves is over 650 meters, and they resemble a real labyrinth. But the central part looks like any Orthodox Christian church and there are passages around the site for religious processions. The monastery is dry and temperatures inside remain stable year round at about 6 degrees Celsius.

Historians say the monastery was founded in the 17th century. In the 19th century it became a major religious site with no less than 1,000 meters of underground galleries and tunnels that lead to churches on the surface. During the Revolution, the monks had abandoned the complex and for some time the caves were populated by anarchist gangs. After Bolsheviks secured their hold on power, they ordered its destruction. Three entrances into the complex were destroyed by explosives.

Restoration on the monastery started in 2005, with much of the work being completed by volunteers from Belgorod and members of history clubs. The Archbishop has given special awards to those who contributed to the restoration of the site. The first service in the restored monastery will be held this Christmas.

By Kirill Bessonov