Ganina Yama is a place, located 15 kilometres from Yekaterinburg. In the middle of 19th century this area was bought by man named Gavriil (diminutively Gania) for the gold mining. It should be said that gold was never found, but iron ore had been produced until 20th century. Later this mine turned into the derelict territory, connected with the name of Russian emperor Nicholas II. In 1918 the bodies of the emperor and his family were secretly brought here after they had been killed at the Ipatiev House (now The Church on the Blood). The Bolsheviks tried to conceal the crime and throw the remains into the pit. In 1979 the burial was discovered by geologists.
Today Ganina Yama is considered to be a holy site. A monastery dedicated to the royal martyrs is situated here and seven wooden churches built on its territory symbolize every member of the emperor's family. The main building in this architectural ensemble is the Temple of the Holy Imperial Passion-Bearers. The miraclous cross, exuding chrism, is kept here. Earlier the crucifix belonged to the Romanov dynasty. Another cross is situated exactly above the spot where relics have been found.
  Ganina Yama is one of the most important pilgrim destinations and a monument of religious significance. The exisitng male monastery numbers about 13 object – all are the part of Russian history.

 Source: Wikipedia , www. tyr74.ru , Image courtesy: www.ganina-yama.moi-ural.ru

Natalia Semicheva