Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Plyos

The Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was erected in 1892 at the corner of Varvarinskaya and Nikolskaya streets, on the site of a burnt wooden church. The chapel was built of brick and whitewashed over the masonry, representing a magnificent example of Russian style. The preserved architecture demonstrates simplicity and grace, fitting perfectly into the local landscape. In close proximity to the chapel is the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr, located at the foot of Levitan Hill.

Archaeological research conducted by the Plyos Museum-Reserve in 2008 and 2011 discovered several burials of different periods on the opposite side of the road from the chapel. Radiocarbon analysis showed that the earliest burials date back to the period 1380-1440, and the latest to 1730-1810. This indicates a long history of the place, where the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Great Martyr Catherine once stood.

The Nikolskaya Chapel is a central octagonal volume, set on a plinth and topped with a small tent with uneven slopes. The chapel's facades are characterized by expressive simplicity: the corners of the octagon are accented with wide pilasters, and the faces are decorated with rectangular panels. The tent is adorned with bands on the ribs, and the windows on the southern and northern sides are enclosed in niches with arched lintels and openwork grilles.

On the western side is the entrance, above which is a pentagonal perspective niche, and the porch is decorated with a metal canopy on two cast-iron columns. The interior is covered with an eight-lobed vault, emphasizing the harmony and integrity of the architectural solution.

The Nikolskaya Chapel has played a significant role in the spiritual life of Plyos throughout its history. Despite its small size, it was an important religious center attracting parishioners. With the loss of the wooden Church of St. Nicholas, its altar was transferred to the new stone Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr, confirming the continuity and importance of this place for local residents.

During the Soviet era, the chapel building was used as a store, reflecting changes in society and attitudes towards religious buildings. However, it now belongs to the Varvarinsky parish again, being part of the Nikolo-Shartomsky Monastery's courtyard.

Recently, the chapel was restored, preserving its historical value and architectural heritage. Although the chapel is currently not active, it remains an important monument of architecture and history in Plyos, attracting tourists and researchers.