Kibelyok, the Kibelyok spring — a source of healing underground water of karst origin, about 3 km from Svetloyar. Guidebooks usually call it holy. It lies in the floodplain of the small forest river Kibelyok, in a pine forest. From the field at the edge of the forest a path of wooden planks leads to Kibelyok.
On the way to the well where water is drawn, a lockable wooden bathing house stands over a small pool, where one can immerse fully in the water of the stream formed by the spring. Inside the house are several small icons.
A few dozen metres from the spring lies the "Grave of the Three Elders" (in another version of the legend, of the bogatyrs — warrior-heroes). The earth of this place is believed to have healing properties.
History
The story of the spring and the graves of the three saints is as follows.
In ancient times reaching Kitezh was no easy matter. Forests concealed it, and one had to know the secret paths — along one of which the traitor Grishka Kuterma led Batu Khan. On that path there was an ambush of three bogatyrs of Kitezh, who accepted an unequal battle to hold back Batu's troops.
According to another legend, it was at this very spot that the unequal battle between the Kitezh warband and the Tatars took place. It is said that St. George the Victorious himself came down to earth to help the defenders of Rus. But George's horse stumbled, and the saint understood that saving the city of Kitezh was not his mission (the Mother of God concealed it beneath her magic veil) — and at that spot a holy spring gushed forth.
Today there is a well here, whose water is likewise considered holy, and beside it three crosses in memory of the fallen warriors. A little further into the forest is a clearing with three warriors' graves (according to another source, these are the graves of the three holy elders of Kitezh). From these graves believers take earth, said to help heal various ailments.
The way to the spring
From the car park, walk along the birch avenue, at the end of which a view opens onto Svetloyar and the church.
Approach the church and, before reaching it, take the path leading left from the church. The path leads to a barrier that does not open, beyond which lies a field.
Past the barrier, follow the road to the right. From there do not turn off this road. The road crosses the field and leads to the forest. Continue along the same road into the forest. Soon the road ends and becomes a path. Follow the path — boardwalks should appear on it. Follow them all the way to the spring itself. The water in the spring is holy. If you continue along the boardwalks, after 10 metres they end and the path continues. Walk 20 metres further along this path and turn onto the path to the right; after 5 minutes you will come out at the grave of the three saints. The earth on the graves is holy.
In summer and spring it is recommended to walk to the stream barefoot. It cleanses.
